Coronavirus Weekly Update | April 24th
An update from the GUSRC Executive on what they have been doing to represent and support students during the coronavirus crisis.
Hello Team UofG,
As we enter the second month of lockdown in the UK, we wanted to take some time to update you what we have been doing this week to support you, engage with you and represent your voice.
The weather is becoming really lovely in Glasgow and the four of us would certainly love to be hanging out in Kelvingrove Park and catching some sun. However, we aren’t quite there yet so try to resist the urge to head out to the parks to socialise and instead just enjoy them on your daily walk or run. We’ll see you on the big hill when this over!
Please see below a summary of our activities over the past week. You can contact us via exec@src.gla.ac.uk
Summary of activities:
World Earth Day / Imagine 2030:
On Wednesday this week it was the 50th Anniversary of World Earth Day. Amongst the ongoing pandemic we felt it was important to recognise the ways in which you could stay home and stay green throughout the lockdown. Alongside GU Volunteering’s Environmental Task Force, we created a video providing you with just some of the ways you can stay sustainable at home.
We also teamed up with GUEST (Glasgow University Environmental Sustainability Team) and local HE institutions to help their Imagine 2030 viral campaign: looking at how we all see our city in 10 years’ time they are co-ordinating ways to find out exactly what the University of Glasgow would love to see the city do in response to the climate emergency. The campaign is still running so be sure to get involved via #imagine2030.
No Detriment Policy Communications:
We raised concerns around the information regarding examinations and other assessments that was sent out to students this week after there was some confusion around the format of upcoming exams. We discussed this with Jill Morrison (Clerk of Senate), mainly around the difference between resources available for 24 hour or timed exams. We hope the follow up email cleared up some of the concerns you had.
De-stress at a Distance:
Our De-stress at a Distance campaign continues to try and lift your spirits and this week featured: a post-workout cooldown guide, a takeover of the UofG Instagram, coverage of World Earth Day (see video above), a guide on speed cleaning your wardrobe, and a bit of fun content sharing some of your amazing Sims and Minecraft versions of campus buildings.
Next week: on Monday we have a good luck video coming from us and the other student bodies (QMU, GUU, GUSA), plus a yoga session with the UofG Bhakti Yoga Society; on Wednesday we’ll have 2 livestream meditation sessions and the return of our Virtual Conversation Café, which will also be on Friday. As always if you have a fun way to de-stress, let us know by emailing communications@src.gla.ac.uk
PGR Students:
This week we have met with the phD society and the UCU regarding issues around PGR students and GTAs. We know a lot of PGR students are worried about both time and financial extensions to their phDs, along with what form their Annual Progress Reviews (APRs) may take in a time of high anxiety and stress. We will continue to take into account the feedback we are getting from PGR students and discuss this with the VP for Research at the University.
Meeting with the Principal:
On the back of the Facebook Live Townhall that was held last week which Scott (President) was a part of, we got a chance to have a meeting with Anton Muscatelli this week to discuss issues around PGR Students, PBSAs (to which Anton has agreed to support our efforts) and to talk about the longer term future of the University. We will be having more frequent meetings with Anton for the foreseeable future to make sure the issues students bring to us around Coronavirus are addressed.
School of Engineering – Faceguards for the NHS:
A call was made by GU Volunteering for students of any experience who could help the School of Engineering in their operation to produce 3D-printed medical visors to supply to the NHS. The slots for this opportunity were filled almost immediately and hundreds of you showed an interest, showing once again the willingness of UofG students to get stuck in and help out. Thank you! We have also donated what materials we could to the effort and are looking at trying to source some more for the School.
Mental Health:
The UofG Mental Health Working Group discussed the ‘Big White Wall’ and the different courses available on it and we will be publicising it soon, including different self-help courses that are freely available to all students on the service.
Nursing Accommodation:
The first student from the School of Nursing has been confirmed to be going into an organised flat this weekend following the update on availability last week. They are due to start in their paid position soon which has eased the process for keeping social distancing measures in place.
Refuweegee:
GU Volunteering have reached out for UofG students to support Glasgow-based refugee charity, Refeuweegee. The charity have made an isolation support flyer, and they’re seeking donations of essential items to safely deliver to Glasgow’s refugee/asylum community. Please get head here to see if you can help.
Thanks for reading our weekly update. We hope you are all safe and well. Please remember that our staff are still working away behind the scenes to support you. For general enquiries please contact enquiries@src.gla.ac.uk – for advice and guidance get in touch with advice@src.gla.ac.uk
Best wishes,
Scott, Kirsty, Liam, Tom
GUSRC Executive