This is one of our series of guidance notes to ensure the continuity of education and the student learning experience during the current rapidly evolving Coronavirus situation. Its focus is on guidance for academic staff including academic mentors in providing support for students. This document compiles relevant guidance already issued by LSE and the UK Government.
Acknowledge students’ feelings of stress, anxiety, or uncertainty generated by the outbreak. LSE is a highly international community. Some students may be from a country where travel restrictions or quarantines have been put in place. They may be concerned for friends and family or may be worried they won’t be able to travel home. Furthermore, as the media has been reporting, the COVID-19 outbreak has led to a rise in anti-Asian racism and xenophobia. These are examples of factors that may be contributing to student stress and self-isolation.
Establish channels of communication for students to contact you, In the circumstances and with the volume of courses being moved online, students will have a better experience if teachers align around a common set of full-supported tools e.g. email, phone, Moodle, Zoom, Microsoft Teams etc. We would advise against using unsupported technologies at this time (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook etc.) For instructions on how to use Zoom, which is accessible through Moodle, please read this guide.
Reassure students that the School is taking the situation seriously and is working hard to ensure continuity in students’ learning experiences and general wellbeing.
Remind students of LSE’s existing directives relating to COVID-19, which is that LSE remains open and staff and students are encouraged to continue day-to-day activities as usual. However, as Easter break approaches, LSE strongly cautions against travelling to areas identified as high risk (including transiting through airports) by the UK government.
Check-in with absent students via email or other pre-established lines of communication. Many students are now choosing not to attend lectures and seminars, which they may be permitted to do for up to four weeks with approval.
Contact your departmental advisers from the Eden Centre for guidance on how to develop a sense of community online, as students have reported feeling isolated since the COVID outbreak.
Move office hours online by conducting them over the phone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. For international students who may have already returned home, consider modulating office hours to suit different time zones, e.g. late morning and early afternoon, rather than early morning or evening.
Communicate regularly and clearly to avoid increasing panic or worry among the student body. This will also help curtail the spread of rumours. This could involve sending a weekly email or Moodle announcement to your course with updates and to dispel any rumours that may be circulating.
Manage expectations of your availability to students. While it is important that students feel cared for and supported, it is also necessary to manage expectations in terms of availability to avoid increasing workloads and communication beyond regular working hours for staff.
Base answers to COVID-19-related queries on LSE guidance. Should a student contact you with a question, refer them to the dedicated LSE COVID-19 FAQ page. You may also direct them to the NHS information page about the outbreak. For additional information, visit the Eden Centre’s COVID-19 planning page and the Staff resources page. You can also email eden.digital@lse.ac.uk for further teaching and learning advice.
Signpost relevant services available at the School. Students can:
Use the Academic Mentoring Portal to find relevant services.
Contact LSE’s Student Services Advice team for support.
Use Report it Stop it if they witness or experience any bullying or harassment.
Book an appointment or attend a drop-in session with Student counselling.
Book one-on-one appointments with LSE LIFE (face-to-face or online).
Book an appointment with the LSESU Advice team.
Consult the LSE Covid-19 immigration advice page.
Contact their Hall Warden if they live in an LSE hall of residence.
Contact the School Senior Advocate for Students, Dr Pete Evanson, for academic and pastoral support to students
COVID-19 FAQs (regularly updated)
Eden Centre COVID-19 planning (regularly updated)
Academic mentoring at a distance – FAQs and Good practices
Teaching and learning provision for students in areas where internet access is restricted
LSE’s Eden Centre for Education Enhancement is responsible for education-related COVID-19 contingency planning and supporting teaching and learning. For COVID-19 and online learning related enquiries, email: eden.digital@lse.ac.uk (regularly monitored). For further support, you may also contact your department’s academic development and learning technology advisers.
Staff counselling is available to staff members.
Report It Stop It to report any incidence of bullying or harassment. As the media has been reporting,
the COVID-19 outbreak has led to a rise in anti-Asian racism and xenophobia.
NHS: COVID-19 111 page, COVID-19 advice page, and common questions.
UK Government response page and travel advice.
Mind UK: Coronavirus and your wellbeing
UMO UK infographic
Mental Health Foundation: How to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak