‘Package for students to deal with pandemic’
Newcastle University has several measures in place for international students, says Professor Richard Davies
To protect international students, Newcastle University has put together a package of virtual support and then with a team of staff, willing volunteers and Students’ Union (NUSU) and reached out to the 181 international students who had stayed back. For students whose studies were impacted by the pandemic for various reasons, we provided different support options to allow tailored responses to students’ circumstances and to assist students with their finances, we waived all third term rent payments for students who left their University-owned accommodation.
We worked in collaboration with general practitioners and pharmacies to provide support to protect the students’ physical and mental health. I am very proud of the ‘Buddy scheme’ which provides support to students via a weekly phone call from a colleague volunteer.
The Newcastle University Students’ Union services and activities were shifted online, and regular updates were shared via Facebook pages.
Career planning was another major concern for international students, but our award-winning Careers Service rose to the occasion, and how. In addition to help mapping career paths, developing CVs and shaping online employee brands they also help with options of PG study or entrepreneurship support which includes endorsing visas for international students.
To help support students’ learning while away from campus, the university launched an online service which gives access to popular cluster PC software and university files. We also launched an IT request scheme for those in financial need, which has to date loaned 187 laptops to those who don’t have access to equipment in the UK and 197 grants to UK and international students so they can access wi-fi and equipment.
As a research-intensive university we are also working with partners to help develop new therapies for the virus, better protective gear, and prevention measures to combat a future epidemic or pandemic.
The writer is Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global at Newcastle University, UK