Lancaster’s proud collegiate history has come into its own during the global health crisis triggered by Covid-19.

As Government restrictions began to take effect and health advice necessitated the closure of buildings and shops across the country, staff from Lancaster University’s colleges have been working around the clock to support more than 1,700 students still living in university accommodation.

Along with other essential workers and volunteers who remain on campus, college staff have made themselves available to support students, making contact every 48 hours to check each student is safe and well, providing support, advice and practical help.

Senior College Principal Nigel Watson said: “Lancaster’s colleges have always been an essential part of the University experience here at Lancaster bringing a sense of belonging and community to people joining us from all corners of the UK and beyond. Over recent weeks we have seen what it really means to be collegiate. In particular, college managers and accommodation managers have done a fantastic job, working long hours each day to continue to provide welfare support and to monitor room occupancy.”

The Colleges also have an office on campus - the Nine Colleges office - which is based in Pendle College and is open Monday-Friday 9-5 for students who need to speak to an advisor in person.

College principals, college managers, and accommodation managers have kept the office open since the 23rd March.

Dr Watson said: “Staff from each of the nine colleges and the accommodation service continue to do a fantastic job, reaching out on a daily basis to students who are here on campus and offering advice, support and practical help. Most of this support is being provided remotely, but we know there are a few students on campus who need to see and to speak to an advisor in person. That is why we established the Nine Colleges Office, which is staffed entirely by our staff-member volunteers. We are working closely with colleagues in the SU and SES to deliver services to students and, of course, we are following safety protocols very closely to keep students and staff safe.”

College Manager Lorna Harrison said: “The College community is central to the student experience, our role is to provide support, guidance, reassurance and be a friendly face, even just for a chat. I can’t think of another time when that provision has been as crucial as it is now, particularly for our students who cannot be with their family or friends.

“We are finding ways to continue working together while staying apart, maintaining our college community while maintaining social distancing. It has been challenging, but I am reassured by how quickly we have managed to get processes in place. We just need to keep being flexible and positive. The student response has been lovely. Students know we are still here and that they can come and speak to someone, email or telephone and that there will be a real person at the end of it, and in the case of the colleges, someone that they are familiar with, it is hugely reassuring.”

Special thanks go to Lorna Harrison, Tom Buckley, Tracy Hargreaves, Jean Bennett, Louise Lawless, Karen Wright, Will Harpley, Nigel Watson and Joanne Dickinson who have been staffing the office in person.

The colleges are part of the University’s key student support team including Head of Student Wellbeing Dr Sarah Sweeney, Students’ Union Chief Executive Misbah Ashraf, Senior College Principal Nigel Watson, Head of Commercial Services Jo Hardman and Head of Accommodation Candace Davies. Their efforts have also ensured students are provided with essential supplies. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/team-effort-ensures-students-in-need-get-vital-supplies