Important info - COVID-19

Last update: Monday 23rd March at 9.00am

The Union of Students recognises the decision taken by the University of Derby to move teaching online from Monday 23rd March and also to the announcement that from 5.00pm on Tuesday 24th March areas of Kedleston Road will be closed to students and staff. This includes the Union quarter and main atrium. In response to this decision the Union is making several changes to the way our services will be offered, with these changes in place from today until Monday 20th April. We expect to carry out a further review on our services following the end of the Easter holiday for students and will update our News regularly as things progress.

• All Union activity at Kedleston Road has now ceased, with Blends and the Keddies shop now closed. This is due to the Union quarter and atrium area being closed to students and staff from Tuesday 24th March. As of 5.00pm on Tuesday 24th there will be no members of Union staff on site and you are therefore encouraged to make contact with us via facebook, phone or email. Please note the library remains open to students Monday-Friday and further details can be found in your student email.  
• The Union has now cancelled all Union events up to the end of the academic year, following University instructions. This includes sports club, society and student led services events. We have explored the option of postponing our end of year award ceremonies but have taken the decision to cancel these events due to the financial cost of these going ahead with low numbers in attendance and in anticipation of the ongoing public health risk to large group gatherings. We are working on delivering these events virtually and more information will follow soon so that achievements from this academic year are suitably recognised and celebrated. Unfortunately it has also not been possible to move Varsity to later in the year and so this has been cancelled.    
• All Union advice appointments will now be carried out via phone or Skype. This is in the interest of protecting the wellbeing of our staff advisors and the students visiting for appointments. Appointments are still available to book online at derbyunion.co.uk/advice/booking 

We recognise that these are exceptional times for all of us, and the Union remains available to support all students. For further information on the measures we are taking please email info@derbyunion.co.uk

More information from the University of Derby: derby.ac.uk/coronavirus