CIT to radically change timetables and academic year amid coronavirus

Posted in Governance and administration, Teaching on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“A redesign of semester one for first years, starting in November, and a careful look at timetables and delivery modes is underway at Cork Institute of Technology in preparation of the next academic year. In a statement to The Echo, CIT President Dr Barry O’Connor acknowledged the overwhelming effort put in by staff and students throughout this semester that has seen a great deal of adaptation in line with the Covid-19 safety and hygiene measures introduced …” (more)

[Roisin Burke, EchoLive, 6 May]

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NUIG Becomes Third University to Reverse Rent Increases for Next Year

Posted in Governance and administration on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“NUI Galway has become the third university to reverse rent increases for next year, u-turning on a 4% hike on its Goldcrest and Corrib Village accommodation. Students who paid deposits in February for the complexes will be refunded the extra amount they paid while the increase was in place, and will pay existing rates for their occupancy for the rest of the year …” (more)

[Donal MacNamee, University Times, 6 May]

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IUA launches details of how the university sector is supporting Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis

Posted in Governance and administration, Research on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“Today the Irish Universities Association is launching its publication ‘Irish Universities Help Fight The COVID-19 Pandemic’ which details how the sector has galvanised into immediate action, contributing to the national emergency response in every way possible as the pandemic developed …” (more)

[IUA, 6 May]

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Leaving Cert exams: McHugh chairs meeting on ‘Plan B’ options

Posted in Fees, access and admissions, Teaching on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“A meeting is being held at the Department of Education this afternoon in a bid to resolve unhappiness from parents and pupils over the plans to hold the Leaving Cert at the end of July. Minister for Education Joe McHugh is holding discussions with parents, teachers, school managers and students to discuss the practicalities of running the exams in the context of social distancing and public health advice …” (more)

[Vivienne Clarke, Irish Times, 6 May]

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Irish Times view on higher education: Universities can be part of Covid-19 solution

Posted in Governance and administration on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“Irish higher education, like so much else of society, has been plunged into uncharted waters since the arrival of Covid-19. Almost overnight it has switched from face-to-face lectures to remote learning and assessment. By most measures, it has adapted well. However, an even greater challenge looms, with implications for the sustainability of universities and the quality of teaching and learning …” (more)

[Irish Times, 5 May]

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Medics, paralysis and the class of 2020

Posted in Fees, access and admissions, Teaching on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“I’m in lockdown for what seems like forever and although there is a feeling of being in the movie, Groundhog Day, I’m actually quite happy. I think I needed a break from ploughing into DCU every day for too many years to mention. It has been interesting to observe how the country is coping with the Covid crisis …” (more)

[Tales from Academia, 6 May]

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Uncertainty faces 2,000 Leaving Cert students seeking college places abroad

Posted in Fees, access and admissions, Teaching on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“More than 2,000 students in Ireland who are seeking college places in the UK and Europe do not know if they will be able to take up their places this year due to the decision to delay the Leaving Cert. Many students have reported receiving correspondence from UK universities stating that they require their Leaving Cert results by August 31st …” (more)

[Carl O’Brien, Irish Times, 6 May]

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The Leaving Certificate

Posted in Teaching on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“Sir, – As a doctor working in the community medicine branch of public health, and a mother of a Leaving Cert student, I am completely at a loss as to how these proposed exams on July 29th are still being considered as a viable option. Added to that, the notion of bringing these 60,000 students back to school for two weeks before their exams, as the country is slowly exiting from a lockdown, beggars belief …” (more)

[Letters, Irish Times, 6 May]

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Leaving Cert contingency plans being examined, department says

Posted in Teaching on May 6th, 2020 by steve

“The Department of Education has confirmed that ‘complex’ issues relating to contingency plans for the Leaving Cert are being examined by officials. However, it says it is still planning for the exams to go ahead on July 29th, subject to public health advice …” (more)

[Carl O’Brien, Irish Times, 5 May]

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