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, 

The Institute has developed a model for academic delivery 2020/21 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. 

Regards, 

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

 Covid-19 Operational Charter for Students

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

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                                                   

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).