Students and staff at Abertay University have pledged to act responsibly to combat coronavirus as the new academic year begins today.
People across all sections of the university have signed up to the new Responsibility and Respect pledge, which sets out several actions intended to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading in class.
The charter has been created in partnership with trade union representatives and the Abertay Students’ Association.
Most classes will be in the form of online tutorials for now to reduce physical contact, but there will be some face-to-face sessions at the campus.
Among the commitments is a pledge is to wear face coverings where required, regular hand washing, adhering to social distancing and to self-isolate if suffering from Covid-19 symptoms.
There are also general commitments to treat others with respect and to encourage friends and colleagues to do likewise.
Staff and students have also promised to “have the courage” to report something that “doesn’t feel right”.
The university hope the return of students to some classrooms may help make a contribution to Dundee’s economy, as students use local businesses for lunch and other activities through the day.
Nigel Seaton, Abertay University principle professor, said: “Over the last few months we have worked hard to ensure the Abertay campus is ready to accommodate the safe but limited return of students and staff for face-to-face teaching.
“This pledge is an important part of these measures, recognising the role we can and must play as individuals to protect ourselves, our friends and colleagues, and the wider community of Dundee.”
Maureen Guild from Unite the Union said: “We hope the pledge will encourage positive behaviour by colleagues and students. Unite will continue to work with the university over the coming months to ensure the continued safety of staff and students.”
Daniela Bandeva, Abertay Students’ Union president, echoed those sentiments.
She said: “We are pleased to sign up to this pledge, and are committed to doing all we can to ensure students remain safe and the local community remains protected.”
Measures taken on campus include one-way systems, hand sanitising stations, enhanced cleaning and a sign-in system for contact tracing.
