Student Information

COVID-19 as a mitigating circumstance

The Academic Council had previously determined that COVID-19 is a valid mitigating circumstance in all cases and have formally added it to the list of conditions qualifying for mitigation. Applications must be made through the mitigating circumstance process which is available online at the Exceptional Circumstances Mitigation form.

Academic Council decision on mitigation

Academic Council has decided that all repeat exam students – including those who have completed repeat assessments – can apply for exceptional circumstances mitigation.

Students who have not yet applied for the Autumn repeat exceptional circumstances mitigation have until 5pm on Monday, 14 September to apply at the Exceptional Circumstances Mitigation form. Those who have already applied for exceptional circumstances mitigation do not have to do anything.

Please note, students applying for exceptional circumstances mitigation are not required to specify how they were impacted by Covid-19.

There was a range of legitimate reasons that might have affected students' performance during their repeat examinations, or even prevented students from completing their repeat assessment.

All students who have applied for exceptional circumstances mitigation by 5pm on Monday, 14 September 2020 will be contacted in due course about what solution will apply to their situation. Students should keep a close eye on Moodle and student email for communication from the relevant Programme Board.

The Academic Council has met to consider the best approach to ensure students are not hindered in achieving their educational and career objectives as a result of Covid-19. The solutions for continuing students and students in award years have been considered separately.

At the forefront of the decision was ensuring students are not unduly impacted by the challenges in assessing them while also ensuring that the quality and reputation of the graduate is maintained.

Continuing students

A special Covid-19 amendment has been made to the academic regulations for this year only, which permits students who have applied for exceptional circumstances mitigation to progress to their next year of study – where a Programme Board is of the opinion that a student has been impacted as a result of Covid-19 then that student may be allowed to progress.

The way they will complete outstanding credits will be decided by their Programme Board. Please note there is a separate solution for Level 6 and 7 graduates seeking progression into follow-on programmes at WIT should read the ‘award year students’ information below.

Students should keep a close eye on Moodle and student email for communication from the relevant Programme Board.

Award year students

The Academic Council wants to give students in award years the maximum possible opportunity to graduate in 2020 and are giving these students an additional opportunity to complete outstanding assessments before the start date of the 2020/2021 academic term (28 September 2020).

These will be online where possible and Programme Boards will individually decide on the best form of additional assessment that also ensures quality assurance of the award.

Award year students should keep a close eye on Moodle and student email for communication from the relevant Programme Board.

Dear Student

Given the current growth rate of Covid-19 and the national advice to minimise mobility, the Institute is modifying some aspects of the planned academic delivery for semester 2. The academic year will follow the published calendar for start and completion dates and for the assessment cycles. The modes of delivery of some modules will however be changed to reflect the developing need to minimise the spread of Covid-19.

Academic Delivery

All lectures and academic activity including laboratories and workshops and those that require special equipment will be delivered in a virtual (online) manner from 25 January 2021 in line with the academic calendar and published academic timetables. Components of learning which are absolutely necessary to deliver onsite will be delivered in the latter half of the semester but not until after week 6 of the semester.  The practical implications of this is that students can expect that all material and learning will be virtual for the first weeks of term.

Support Services

The Institute encourages students to work from home as much as possible and to engage with the Institute through online channels as services continue to operate virtually. All offices within the Institute have published contact details that can be used to access services or ask questions.  Contact details for the various support services available. are published in the relevant section of the website and on tab 2 of this page. 

The library will offer click and collect services or electronic equivalent when possible and provide a range of online and remote resources to assist students.

Placements

The ability to support and quality assure new placements will be a challenge within the current environment. Individual programme teams will be working with students, professional bodies and placement providers to assess the impacts of the current restrictions and Covid-19 trajectory on the curriculum for the semester and will communicate plans as soon as practical.

Craft Apprentice Programmes

There are on-going discussions at national level regarding the delivery of craft apprenticeship programmes and the Institute will advise apprenticeship students concerning planned activities in February/March as information becomes available.

Accessing the College

Where, in exceptional circumstances, students must access the Institute for study or other purposes a managed access facility to the college may be available during term time.  During the current examination cycle, a space may be reserved in the Digital Hub if the student cannot otherwise complete an assessment but this service will be strictly limited, details are available on our library site.

Yours sincerely
Dr. Derek O’Byrne
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Registrar

Student Life & Learning

SLL Office: [email protected] 
Disability Office: [email protected]
Retention Officer: [email protected]
Access: [email protected]
Counselling Service (Operating Online): [email protected]
Institute Nurse: [email protected] 
Careers Office: [email protected]

You can also contact SLL by phone on 051 845513 or 087 6211255.

Academic Administration & Student Affairs

Examinations: [email protected] 
Registration: [email protected] 
ARE Helpdesk: [email protected] 
Repeat Learner: [email protected]
CAO Admissions: [email protected]  
Taught Postgraduate Admissions: [email protected] 
Research Postgraduate Admissions: [email protected] 
Advanced Entry Admissions: [email protected]

Library

Email: [email protected]

Computer Services

Email: [email protected]

For more information click here 

The Institute has developed a model for academic delivery 2020/21 (semester 1 and 2) which places the welfare of our students, staff and communities at the forefront of our thinking. 

1. All lectures and tutorials will be delivered remotely (off-campus) for the academic year 2020/21. Remote delivery will include live-streaming of lectures and other forms of remote learning platforms appropriate to individual modules or programmes. 

2. Learning activity such as laboratories and workshops or those that require special equipment will occur on-campus but be subject to appropriate social distancing and PPE based on the physical layout of the learning spaces. 

3. Your level of on- and off- campus activity will vary depending on your programme. 

4. Where prevailing public policy and the prevalence of Covid-19 change, return to on-campus delivery of lectures, tutorial and practical classes may be facilitated on a phased basis. Live streaming or remote delivery will continue in all cases in tandem with any further physical return to campus to ensure continued flexibility and choice for learners. 

We appreciate the difficulty that students and your families have in planning for college during a changing situation dictated by public health considerations. We advise that you be as flexible as possible in your planning particularly regarding accommodation, travel and general study arrangements for 2020/21. Our campus accommodation would like to assure students who have booked WIT accommodation and have a change of mind before signing a contract that their deposits will be refunded on request. 

In the meantime, we will continue to provide you with more details as we have them. For instance, updated timetables are being worked on by our timetabling unit and we will provide those to you as soon as they are available which is likely to be mid-September. Our library, shop and restaurants will all be open, albeit in a more restricted manner. Orientation will take place for first years but in a different way than previous years and we are working on a phased return to campus learning once national restrictions ease. All these and many more details are being worked out and we will update you once we have  more definite information to give you. 

 Download the What to do if you feel unwell 

If the student has been contacted by the Public Health to confirm he/she is a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, he/she will be advised to go for a Covid 19 test and restrict his/her movements which means not coming home for the weekend.

If the student has not been contacted by Public Health then he/she does not need to restrict his/her movements, but should continue to follow the advice on how to protect yourself and others.

You should continue to attend class as normal unless you have been contacted by the HSE as a confirmed close contact.  The HSE will advise if you need to self- isolate and go for a COVID test. If you start to feel unwell please contact your GP immediately.

The HSELive Covid Helpline is available to answer any questions that you may have or alternatively you can contact the Student Medical Practice, Rowe Creavin Medical Practice for advice:

•             HSELive Covid Helpline – 1850 24 1850 (HSELive COVID-19 Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday)

•             Rowe Creavin Medical Practice – 051-370057

You should continue to attend class as normal unless you have been contacted by the HSE as a confirmed close contact.  The HSE will advise if you need to self- isolate and go for a COVID test. If you start to feel unwell please contact your GP immediately. The HSELive Covid Helpline is available to answer any questions that you may have or alternatively you can contact the Student Medical Practice, Rowe Creavin Medical Practice for advice: HSELive Covid Helpline – 1850 24 1850 (HSELive COVID-19 Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday) Rowe Creavin Medical Practice – 051-370057

 Covid-19 Operational Charter for Students

Dear Student,

Waterford Institute of Technology is aware of a number of students who, as a direct result of Covid-19, may not be in a position to complete on-campus examinations during this repeat examination session scheduled for the two weeks commencing 17th August.

The Institute advises students to follow all national and Institute published guidelines in respect of Covid-19 including adherence to travel restrictions, protection of the vulnerable and self-responsibility for preventing the spread of Covid-19.

While we would encourage all students, who can safely travel and attend campus, to take the opportunity afforded to close out their current repeat requirements, students must make decisions based on the national guidelines and their own individual circumstances and the Institute respects the need for that individual choice given the current uncertainties.

Where a student determines it is not possible to attend the examinations due to a Covid-19 reason then the Institute will apply mitigation. The Institute, working with the Students’ Union, will develop appropriate mitigation outcomes to ensure students are not unduly impacted. The nature and form of this mitigation will be determined by the Institute’s Academic Council at its first meeting in September and the form of mitigation applied will depend on the nature and requirements of the individual programmes of study and the need to ensure an appropriate quality assured outcome. A simple process of applying for mitigation will be developed and advised to students over the coming days.

The scheduled on-campus exams will take place in an environment compliant with national health and safety guidelines. All national health protocols will be followed and students have been sent the overarching principles for the safe conduct of examinations.

Repeat examinations provide an additional opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their learning and are designed to maximise the potential to achieve a positive outcome. Repeat examinations are delivered in the format the student studied and within a quality assured and formal environment that guarantees the integrity of the award received by the graduate.

Regards, 
Dr. Derek O' Byrne,  Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar

In light of national health requirements to restrict travel in Kildare, students from this county are not to travel to WIT for on-campus examinations for the duration the restrictions are in place. The Institute is considering appropriate arrangements to ensure any impacted candidates are not disadvantaged and will communicate further on this in due course.

The Institute also reminds students that anybody experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or a close contact of a confirmed or a suspected case should not attend on campus and should submit a mitigation circumstances form.

Visit the back to college page for plans in development for autumn 2020.

We appreciate the uncertainty facing college students starting the 2020/21 academic year given coronavirus and the tentative re-opening of commerce, enterprise and education. While it is not possible to fully predict the circumstances that might prevail in September, WIT is actively planning for how the college will operate based upon a number of key principles. 

We intend to create a student experience that will involve on-campus activity appropriate to the individual programme of study and proportionate to the learning required by the student but mindful of the requirements on national health advice and the absolute need to maintain a safe environment for all our community. 
Students can therefore expect to be present on campus for at least part of their studies while also expecting greater use of moodle and other on-line tools to support and enhance the learning experience. Students can also expect to see new mandatory behaviour rules and routines designed to ensure WIT minimises the risk of coronavirus spread.

As the national plan for the return to normal operations unfolds WIT will publish more detail on its September start.

View the academic calendar here

The Academic Council had previously determined that COVID-19 is a valid mitigating circumstance in all cases and have formally added it to the list of conditions qualifying for mitigation.

The Academic Council have now approved changes to the mitigating circumstances process to support that decision.  For this academic session the following process will now apply.

Council Decision	Implication for students
Deferrals will be automatically granted to candidates, at the semester 2 examination boards, where the student has not attempted the assessment and/or has not achieved a passing grade. There is accordingly no need for students to make an application for a deferral or submit evidence of COVID-19 impacts.	The Institute will automatically assume you have been impacted by COVID-19 if you do not attempt or do not pass an assessment. You will therefore see a ‘Deferred’ grade recorded as the result. You will be entitled to take the repeat assessment as your first attempt for that module and there will be no fee charged for the autumn repeat assessment. As this will be done automatic you do not need to worry about submitting any application.
Candidates that have achieved a passing grade may seek mitigation and will be granted a deferral in all cases.	If you get a result (that enables you to pass the module) but you think does not reflect your ability, then you can apply for mitigation and you are automatically entitled to be granted a deferral. In such cases, you will be entitled to take the repeat assessment as your first attempt for that module and there will be no fee charged for the autumn repeat assessment.
Candidates that have achieved a passing grade and seek mitigation will have the autumn sitting count as their first attempt and will have that mark used as their final grade in all cases even if it is lower.	If you have passed a module and opt to take the autumn repeat assessment, then that result will be the final mark you achieve regardless of whether it is higher or lower that the semester 2 assessment result. If you select to repeat you will not have the choice of which mark will be used and only the autumn mark can be counted.
A simplified online application process for students that have achieved a passing grade to request deferrals will open after the examination results are issued.	As the need for applying for mitigation only occurs after the results will be issued (all other mitigation will be automatic) then a simplified system will be put in place and advised to students once the exam results are issued.

Programme teams developed alternative assessment for Semester 2 modules. The format of the Semester 2 Autumn repeat assessments will mirror that used in Semester 2 2019/2020. Details will be sent directly to you from your academic school.

Academic Council have stated that the format of the Semester 1 Autumn repeat exams will mirror that used in Semester 1 2019/2020 - they will  be closed book on campus exams. It is planned at this stage that the semester 1 repeat exams will be scheduled from 17th to 28th August 2020 but will be mindful of the requirements on national health advice and social distancing.  Further information will follow.
Please note that the closing date to register for the Autumn session has been extended from today Friday 26th June to Tuesday, June 30th.

The fee waiver is only relevant to students registered on a semester 2 module in the current academic term (2019 ) impacted as a result of Covid-19. The fee waiver is not relevant to those who will register for the first time in order to complete a semester 2 module assessment in the Autumn 2020 sitting, such students will pay the €200 per 5 credit Repeat Learner fee.

It is planned that the structure of semester 1 examinations will follow the assessment ordinarily applied in semester 1 autumn examinations. Academic Council took this decision to support students and present an assessment that best mirrors their preparation of and expectation of the assessment. This decision is taken in the interest of making the examination as familiar as possible for the student and maximising their opportunity to perform in the examination.

Please note that the closing date to register for the Autumn session has been extended from today Friday 26th June to Tuesday, June 30th.

I was deferred on a semester 2 module(s) at the Autumn 2019 Exam Board. How will I access Moodle in order to complete my alternate assessments?

The Institute has  activated your access to Moodle to support you in completing your deferred module. Click here to log into Moodle.
 

I was deferred on a semester 2 module(s) at the Autumn 2019 Exam Board. How will I be assessed? 

Programme teams are developing alternative plans for assessment and will provide you with details of the alternative assessment arrangements for your programme, including the dates on which the actual assessments will be given to you. You must engage with Moodle for your module updates and associated information.
 

I was deferred on a semester 2 module(s) at the Autumn 2019 Exam Board however when I logon to Moodle I do not see anything. What should I do?

It is your responsibility to log into your Moodle account and ensure that you have access to both your programme area and your deferred modules. If you do not have access please email [email protected] and [email protected] immediately so that we can resolve any issues. If you have questions regarding the academic element, please address these to your Course Leader or school office.

Please email your query to [email protected] or look at our FAQ section where you may find the answer to your question.

It is not possible to hold the graduation ceremonies in late October as we have traditionally.  We hope to hold a graduation ceremony for 2020 graduates at some future date, when the Covid-19 Guidelines permit mass gatherings.

Parchments will be posted to all graduates from the time graduation would normally take place. Please ensure that your home address is up-to-date on your WIT records so that you receive your parchment, you can do so at the following link:  https://studentssp.wit.ie/login/login.aspx?app=OLSSP

If you are not currently a registered student you can request that your postal address be changed by e-mailing [email protected] from your WIT student e-mail address which remains active after you have completed your course.

Where a work placement activity has not been possible, the student should contact the programme leader for advice on the next steps required. During the summer months it may also be helpful to contact your School Office, details are available at here.

All students are strongly encouraged not to come to campus and to continue your studies remotely. Please ensure to stay in contact with your supervisor who will be available to provide ongoing support remotely during this time period. Should you need to come on campus for any reason, please contact your supervisor to make arrangements as they will need to make sure a safe space is available for you and buildings may need to be opened.

WIT Libraries continue to operate library services online during this busy period of alternative assessments.  You can access help videos, ebooks, journals, databases, subject guides, various referencing guides and more through the library homepage - library.wit.ie.

This access is available around the clock 24/7 using your normal username and password.

If you need help, assistance or library learning support please contact us via email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Student support service team is currently working remotely. You can send your query to [email protected] and a member of staff will get back to you. You can also reach us by mobile on 087-6211255 or 087-1128224

Staff are currently working remotely. You can send your query to [email protected] and a member of staff will get back to you.

All learning support tutors are working remotely. You can email your  tutor directly for support. If you do not know your tutors email address contact [email protected].

If you are worried about your exam accommodations, email [email protected] and your course leader with your concern.

All staff are working remotely. You can contact your support worker by email or text. 

The Institute’s student counselling services continues to operate by telephone and online video calls.  Please email [email protected] to make an appointment.

Due to the current extraordinary circumstances face to face appointments cannot be offered during this time.

Other useful services                                                   

Medical Care Provider (Rowe Creavin)	051 370057
Caredoc	1850 334 999
University Hospital Waterford (UHW)	051 848000
Student Counselling Service (Main campus)	051 302878
Student Counselling Service (College Street campus)	051 302745
Samaritans (free phone)	116 123
Pieta House (Waterford)	051 858510
Pieta House 24/7 helpline	1800 247 247

How do I apply to the Student Assistance Fund?

If you are eligible for the SAF you can apply through the online application form which is available on the WIT website.

How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the Student Assistance Fund?

There is an Eligibility Reckoner on the WIT website which will help you determine if you are eligible for the fund. There is also a list of expenses for which the SAF can be and cannot be used for.

Is there a closing date for the Student Assistance Fund?

There is no closing date for the SAF but as the fund operates on a 'first come, first served basis', it is best to get an application with all the relevant documentation in as early as possible.

If I am having trouble with a certain part of the application or have a question, who can I contact to ask for help?

Please email [email protected] This email account is being regularly monitored and we will reply to your query as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can look up our detailed FAQ section in the website where you might find the answer to your question.

How will I know when there is no more funding left in the SAF?

The online application will close and you will not be able to apply. However, if you are experiencing financial hardship, please make contact with the Student Life and Learning Department via email ([email protected] or [email protected]) and we will try our best to refer you to any relevant resources.

More information: SAF webpage

Symptoms of Covid-19 as per HSE guidance:

• A fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) 

• A cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry 

• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties 

• Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal 

If you experience any of the symptoms of Covid-19, it is important that you see medical advice.  

Contact your own GP or alternatively the Student Medical Service: Rowe Creavin Medical Practice, Tel 051-370057, Monday-Friday 09:00-5:00 or CAREDOC on 1850 334 999 (after 6pm and weekends). 

I missed the deadline to register for my Repeat Learner Module. Is it too late?

An email was issued to all eligible to register students on Wednesday 1st April 2020 advising them that from 10am on Tuesday 7th April 2020 they must email  their request to register for an outstanding module as a Repeat Learner to [email protected].

Should your request be approved, your record will be amended and you will be able to register. 
Prior to submitting a request to register at this stage in the semester, you must read the FAQs relating to the change in delivery and assessment – click here.
 

I want to request to register for my Repeat Learner Module however due to COVID19 am experiencing financial difficulties. Can I still register?

The Institute understands that this is an uncertain time for you as it is for us. In an effort to support you in completing your outstanding modules, should your request to register for your outstanding module(s) be approved,  we will review your situation on a case by case basis with the option to have the payment of your fee deferred. Please email [email protected]

NOTE: All fees will be collected by the Institute at a later date.
 

I missed the deadline to register for my programme. Is it too late?

An email was issued to all eligible to register students on Wednesday 1st April 2020 advising them that from 10am on Tuesday 7th April 2020 they must email  their request to register for their programme to [email protected].
Should your request be approved, your record will be amended and you will be able to register. 

Prior to submitting a request to register at this stage in the semester, you must read the FAQs relating to the change in delivery and assessment – click here.
 

SOLAS Apprenticeship Examinations for Term 2 have been deferred to a later date, yet to be agreed. 

You should talk to your placement employer in the first instance to establish if they wish you to continue/start your placement.

If they wish to continue as normal and you choose not to on grounds of personal health and safety or whether they ask you not to continue/start your placement, you should complete a mitigating circumstances form which is available on our website.

 Download a copy of the top tips here

Email to students from Dr Derek O'Byrne (Registrar) and Mr John Fortune, WITSU President on Friday, 3 April 2020
 

Dear student

We are writing to you as you prepare for the revised assessment structure that has been issued by your programme teams.

We recognise that it is a stressful time for everyone with significant changes to life routines and the familiarity of our daily practices. The changes to the modes and types of assessments you will face in May adds to this. Please be assured that the Institute and the Students’ Union continue to work together to ensure the best outcome can be achieved by all students in their studies and this has been recognised in the recent decisions of the Academic Council.

The Academic Council continues to monitor the situation and already has made a number of decisions that recognise the potential impact of the changes on the capacity of students to engage with the new modes of delivery and assessment.

One of these decisions is mitigating circumstances (factors outside of the control of students that impacts their performance). The Academic Council has decided that the pandemic is a basis for mitigation and any student can apply under the mitigating circumstances process based on being affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. The impact of applying for a mitigation for Covid-19 will be to permit the student to take the assessment in the Autumn in place of the May session. The Institute’s Executive has also decided that fees for any Autumn repeat assessment for all candidates affected by Covid-19 will be waived.

We are committed to assisting all our students to complete their programme of study and to that end encourage you to engage positively and proactively with the new arrangements and to establish a routine suitable for the new study and assessment mode.

We appreciate that this may appear a big ask at this juncture and it may be difficult for some to achieve, however we believe it will be worth it in the long term to ensure your career progression is optimised.  Please remember that the purpose of alternative assessments is to protect your future career development and to protect the quality of the awards you receive.

Dr Derek O’Byrne
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar

Mr John Fortune
President WITSU

Email to students from Dr Derek O'Byrne (Registrar) and Mr John Fortune (WITSU President) on Thursday, 26 March 2020

Dear student

We understand that this is an uncertain time for you as it is for us all and we are writing to you today to reassure you that staff at the institute and the Students’ Union are working tirelessly to ensure that you are facilitated in your learning and assessment during this time of national and international crisis.

Our priority remains the health and welfare of all our students, and the wider community, while ensuring learners are supported in completing studies in a timely and appropriate manner. This is a complex challenge when traditional modes of delivery and assessment are no longer possible, certainly in the short term.

Over the last weeks we have shifted our delivery online (through moodle) and are communicating with students through the official WIT email accounts. We would remind all students to regularly check their WIT email and moodle and to engage with this new delivery mode. We recognise the additional pressure this has created for both staff and students and the speed by which we have had to transfer from traditional to online delivery across so many of our activities. We thank you for your understanding and your resolution in that regard. Together we can draw this difficult period to a conclusion.

It is the intention that the academic semester’s teaching will be finished out through online delivery and it is our expectation, at this point, that we will complete the academic year as scheduled albeit in a different manner. We would ask you to concentrate on the completion of the course work as prescribed by your lecturer at this point and you can expect that you will be facilitated in completing your year of study including appropriate assessments.

We are sure that you are particularly concerned about exams and how you will be assessed. The Institute’s Academic Council in an effort to complete the academic year and support the career and progression needs of students, established a committee that has been monitoring the situation, particularly regarding the holding of examinations in May. The committee will be reporting to the Academic Council this Friday and we expect to advise all students about the outcome of that Academic Council meeting early next week. While we would like to be able to give you a definitive plan of exams today, the institute needs a little time to ensure that we have a robust plan in place for you and we would again thank you for your patience while we work through this.

The Institute is committed to the academic integrity of our awards and to the maintenance of our standards. Graduates of 2020 can expect that their awards will continue to be recognised for the high standards that characterise the reputation of WIT.

Dr Derek O’Byrne
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar

John Fortune
President WITSU

The institute is committed to supporting students in their learning during this exceptional period and to that end, the Institute’s Academic Council has deliberated on this matter and has agreed the following contingency plan:

• Modules will continue to be delivered via Moodle with lecture notes available for each one.

• Students should regularly check Moodle for updates from lecturers.

• Students should communicate directly with their lecturers if they have any academic questions or require academic support. The programme team, including the Head of Department and Head of School, are here to support you in continuing with your studies. It is important that you engage and embrace these supports. All contact information is available in the relevant Schools section of our website.

• Students should communicate with their programme team and lecturers through email when necessary. Please remember that the institute is communicating using the offical WIT student email and not through personal email addresses.

• The Academic Council is currently working on a plan for semester 2 assessment and will give a robust plan to students early next week (w/c 30 March)

• Students are advised to exercise social distance in their ongoing daily routines in order to minimise the spread of the coronavirus in line with An Taoiseach’s direction.

The Institute will continue to monitor this unfolding situation and keep you informed of developments and updates as they happen.  Please check the website regularly for updates and advice.

The Academic Council has announced today that as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic all semester 2 examinations scheduled for May are to be replaced by alternative assessment.

Programme teams are now developing alternative plans for assessment and will provide students with details of the alternative assessment arrangements for each programme on Friday 3rd April, including the dates on which the actual assessments will be provided.

The submission dates for the revised assessment will be set by the lecturers for each module and can be expected within the period from 8th to 18th May.

Students should continue to engage with Moodle for their programme updates and for information.

The Academic Council recognise the difficult circumstances surrounding delivery and assessment in these unprecedented times and realise the extent of disruption that these necessary changes are causing to both staff and students but believe they are in the best interests of maintaining students’ academic progress and career aspirations.

Email to students from Dr Derek O'Byrne (Registrar) on Monday, 30 March 2020
 

Dear Student

The Academic Council has announced today that as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic all semester 2 examinations scheduled for May are to be replaced by alternative assessment.

Programme teams are now developing alternative plans for assessment and will provide you with details of the alternative assessment arrangements for your programme on Friday 3rd April, including the dates on which the actual assessments will be given to you.

The submission dates for the revised assessment will be set by the lecturers for each module and can be expected within the period from 8th to 18th May.

Students should continue to engage with Moodle for their programme updates and for information.

The Academic Council recognise the difficult circumstances surrounding delivery and assessment in these unprecedented times and realise the extent of disruption that these necessary changes are causing to both staff and students but believe they are in the best interests of maintaining students’ academic progress and career aspirations.

We continue to advise students to adhere to published health advice, to practice social distancing and, above all, to stay safe.

Dr Derek O’Byrne
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Registrar

If you are eligible for the SAF you can apply through the online application form which is available on the WIT website.

There is an Eligibility Reckoner on the WIT website which will help you determine if you are eligible for the fund. There is also a list of expenses for which the SAF can be and cannot be used for.

There is no closing date for the SAF but as the fund operates on a 'first come, first served basis', it is best to get an application with all the relevant documentation in as early as possible.

Please email [email protected] This email account is being regularly monitored and we will reply to your query as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can look up our detailed FAQ section in the website where you might find the answer to your question.

The online application will close and you will not be able to apply. However, if you are experiencing financial hardship, please make contact with the Student Life and Learning Department via email ([email protected] or [email protected]) and we will try our best to refer you to any relevant resources.