In an email to all students, Vice-Chancellor Charlie Jeffery confirmed the move in line with other universities such as Sheffield and Cambridge. He stated that this move has been made in order to “free-up” lecture spaces so they can be used for the face-to-face teaching of smaller groups.
He also announced plans to “reorder the curriculum” of some subjects so that lab work, studio work, performances, and field trips will be undertaken later in studies when the risk from the COVID-19 pandemic is lower.
Jeffery confirmed that assessments, which were moved online in March at the beginning of the pandemic, will continue to be delivered online until further notice.
This announcement follows yesterday’s news that the main University libraries on Campus West would be reopening at the end of this month.
These moves signify a wide push to reopen the University after the easing of the imposed lockdown in recent weeks by the Government.
Despite the changes being revealed by the University, there has still been no word from
YUSU or York’s colleges about potential changes to its Freshers’ Week offering in September. Jeffery’s email gave brief glimpses into the future of socialising on campus, saying that YUSU are “working to increase” the amount of outdoor seating and street food kiosks available on campus.
Students have been supportive of the move with Chris Small, a third-year History student, saying “it’s good to see the Vice-Chancellor communicate with students, and let us know what’s happening next year.
“This seems like it matches what most universities are planning for next year.”
Featured Image by Iwan Stone