Update from Vice-Provost/Chief Academic Officer to staff

8 January 2021

Dear colleagues,

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year despite the spread of the pandemic in recent weeks. As you all know, COVID-19 presents enormous challenges to Trinity as we prepare for exams and the beginning of a new semester. Below you will find a detailed email which will be sent to students shortly. It contains a good deal of information about teaching in semester two as well as other matters such as accommodation and access to the campus.

The latest restrictions announced by Government earlier this week mean that teaching, research, administrative and professional staff should continue to work from home unless carrying out time-sensitive and essential work that cannot be done at home. The University is currently reviewing activities to see where staffing levels can be reduced further in light of the new restrictions. 

For those of you who are returning to campus, can we remind you that the University has a return to campus protocol which requests members of staff to minimise their time on campus and to limit the number of contacts they have on campus. We also ask you maintain a log of those you meet either manually or via the HSE COVID-19 Contact Tracing App. This is particularly important at this time given the pressures on the HSE’s contact tracing system. 

As stated in the email to students, access to campus and College buildings is limited until the end of the month to:

1.         Residents

2.         Essential researchers (as submitted by Head of School/Unit)

3.         Students with pre-booked time slot in the Libraries/Study Spaces

4.         Students with an exam location agreed in College

5.         Essential staff (as submitted by Head of School/Unit)

6.         Pre-approved visitors

We will continue to stay in touch in the weeks and months ahead but for now I hope that you and your families stay healthy and safe in these trying times. 

With best regards,

Jürgen Barkhoff, Vice-Provost/Chief Academic Officer

Jürgen Barkhoff, An Leas-Phropast/Príomhoifigeach Acadúil/Agus An Leas-Uachtharán