On the day before, Professor Tao Wu, the Dean of Faculty of Science and Engineering gave a lecture to all FoSE students on the domestic live broadcast platform before the official launch of offline course. Professor Wu introduced the faculty’s preparation for the return of students, answered students’ question about the face-to-face teaching and assessment arrangement, and also most importantly, extended his sincere welcome to the long-lost students. In the First Lesson, Professor Wu also emphasised that we are grateful to see so many of FoSE students made great efforts to return on campus and put their trust on the university and the faculty. We surely will do our best to protect them from COVID-19 and assist them to achieve all the learning outcomes.

Although there will be two additional weeks for this semester, giving the faculty more flexibility to deliver lab based activities, we hope each department/school could fully make use of it to achieve the learning outcomes. Time is precious and once it is gone it never comes back again. All the las and computer rooms in PMB, IAMET and CSET will be accessible to students upon their requests. Students are also encouraged to discuss with your module conveners and Head of Department/School (HoD/S) how these two weeks can be better used to assist your learning.

The Faculty has been working closely with colleagues from the UK and Malaysia and consulted UK professional institutions that have accredited our courses. A plan for examination has been finalised and is submitted to the Campus Teaching Committee (CTC) for approval. Once approved in the next few days, it will be communicated to students by the HoD/S. The faculty will ensure fair assessment where no one is disadvantaged or advantaged.

This morning, students came earlier than the time before to receive the temperature test before entering the PMB, IAMET and CSET. In the class, it is also required to wear a mask during the class for both staff and students and strictly take PPE during the lab course to guard every student and staff member’s health and safety.

The situation of COVID-19 pandemic in China has improved quickly over the past few weeks, but there is by no means we can lower our guard or relax control. In the Dean’s First Lesson, Professor Wu advised students to strictly follow the instructions given by the University Security and Safety Office and the Faculty Health and Safety Team and always stay vigilant.

The health and safety protocols for classroom teaching

Prior to class: lecturers are to collect masks from the Faculty Office (PMB 416) for both yourself and students, in case some of whom may arrive in class not wearing a mask.

In class: remind students to observe personal preventive hygiene at the beginning of class as follows:

• Wear a mask at all time during class (both staff and students)

• Refrain from touching each other or talking in close proximity

• Use the hand sanitizers located in the classroom before and after each class

• If you feel unwell, raise your hand to indicate this to the teaching staff and explain that you are feeling unwell

If a person feels unwell during a class

• Ask the person feeling unwell to remain where they are

• Ask the other students in the class to remain where they are, other than those within two metres who should move away but remain in the classroom

• Ensure the person feeling unwell wears a mask

• Call 88180120 (clinic) and wait for a member of the medical staff to attend to the situation

• The medical staff will guide the person to the nearest temporary isolation room

• Continue to complete the session and ask students to stay behind until further notice from the clinic staff

“It is a difficult time for everybody. It is time to rescue, to revive and to renew.” We hope all the students can work closely with academic staff in your Department/School, Faculty Health and Safety Team, Faculty Office and Department of Campus Life in the best form of communication. Enjoy your study back on campus.