This coordinated approach, which has the support of government for national implementation and the endorsement of public health authorities, is centred on the clear intention for a ‘predominately on-site learning experience for students and learners’ for the year 2021/22. The Higher Education Press Release confirms that both teaching and research are essential activities within Higher Education.

Many will be anxious ahead of a return to campus and this communication is intended to provide an update to our student community as plans progress. As throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the health, safety and wellbeing of all of our Institute community has been and remains the priority throughout any planning. As always, any decisions will be guided by Government policy and public health recommendations.  Regular updates will be communicated to you by email and posted on the dedicated COVID-19 portal. 

Semester 1 Start Dates and Induction

Start dates for the next academic year are as follows (see Institute Academic Calendar, https://www.dkit.ie/study/current-students/academic-calendar.html ).

• Onsite Induction for second year undergraduate students: 16 & 17 September 2021.
• Onsite Induction for new undergraduate students: 23 & 24 September 2021.
• Start date for 2nd 3rd, 4th Year returning undergraduate students Monday, 20 September   2021.
•  Start date for First Year undergraduate students: Monday, 27 September 2021, to allow time to process CAO applications in light of the delayed release of Leaving Certificate results (September 3rd). 
•     Apprenticeships will commence on Monday 27 September with Induction on that date.
• The start dates for some undergraduate nursing and midwifery students differs to the above, students will be advised by the Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years. 
• Start dates for part time and postgraduate programmes will be advised by the relevant academic departments and/or Life Long Learning Centre.
• Please note that Academic timetables will be issued to all Staff and Students in early September.

Returning to Student Life

Students can expect a return to a fuller on-campus experience for the start of the 2021-22 academic year commencing September 2021.  We look forward to welcoming you all back.  Our approach is designed to ensure the needs of all students will be considered in relation to on campus experience regardless of level, year or discipline.

Important points to note: 

• Activities will be mainly onsite with the exception of large lectures of 150 persons or more. These may continue to be delivered remotely.  The Institute wishes to ensure all students that the Estates Department have taken great care to evaluate the risks posed by the spread of COVID-19 and have completed a thorough risk assessment of the ventilation on the Institute Campus.
• Lecture start and end times will be reviewed to minimize potential for crowding in corridors at those times.
• Entry and egress to buildings and facilities will be carefully managed via contra flow and other measures; 
• Students who have no timetabled in-person events on a given day will be requested not to attend the campus so as to manage overall campus capacity.
• There may be a small number of students who, have unusual medical situations, and for whom attendance presents an undue risk.  We will work with those students, and their medical professionals to seek an individual solution.  This may involve additional protective measures or some additional supports.  It may also involve deferring a year or some modules. These students should make their situation known to their Head of Department as a matter of urgency.
• Students will be required to complete a COVID-19 Health Declaration as part of Registration.
• Detailed induction timetables will be updated over the next few weeks, second year students and new incoming students who accept a place will receive a timetable for induction.
• Programme timetables are currently being finalised and will be made available over the next few weeks.
• Students will have much more opportunities to participate in societies, sport and social activities.
• The full range of student support services will be available including our Student Health Unit, Counselling Services, Pastoral Care, Disability Service, Careers and Placement Service, Maths Learning Centre, Student Learning and Development Centre, International Office and our Student Information Desk.
• Information in relation to Library Services will be communicated directly by the Library. Currently Library Services and Supports are hybrid combining virtual and physical collections, supports and services.
• Schools and Departments will continue to communicate with their students in relation to these guidelines and the evolving situation regarding the return for on-campus activity and teaching so please check your DkIT email on a regular basis.
• The Students’ Union are elected representatives to represent you, locally and nationally throughout the year. They are located in the Faulkner Building (M114) and are there to support you in any way they can, whether it be socially or academically throughout the year. They run student events and campaigns on and off campus. If you have any questions or queries please either call in to them in person, or find us on social media.

In addition, we encourage all students to engage with relevant updates which will be posted by our Marketing and Communications Team on our social media channels and website as students return to campus in the coming weeks.

Catering Outlets

The following are the intended opening times for catering outlets on campus: 

Staff and Students Remaining Safe

Staff and students have a role to play in keeping our Institute community safe. At all times, please continue to comply with the prevailing public health advice. We will continue to comply with the Public Health measures to ensure a safe return to campus, which includes enhanced cleaning protocols.   Systems are being updated to deal with management of disease incidence and investigation and control of outbreaks as we return to an increased on campus activity.

The Institute recommends that students get vaccinated unless otherwise advised by their doctor.  The evidence is that it protects both you and other people.  If you decided not to get vaccinated you are increasing the risks to your own and other people’s health, and you should take extra care with your behaviour.  The HSE Vaccination portal for the age group 16 and older is now open and you can register at https://vaccine.hse.ie.

To register online you will need your Personal Public Service (PPS) number, your Eircode, a mobile phone number and an email address. If you are an international student, or you don’t have any of these, or if you don’t want to register online, please call HSELive on 1800 700 700. 

Please remember: 

• Facemasks: All staff, students and members of the public entering any building on campus MUST wear a face mask unless they are excused for medical reasons.
• Sanitise hands on arrival and wash hands frequently while on campus.
• Maintain physical distancing where possible and avoid congregating in groups, unless it is for an organised and controlled event.
• Remember to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Where possible open windows and doors.
• All students and staff should take personal responsibility for their behaviour and avoid risky situations
• Any staff member, student or visitor who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 must remain off Campus and contact their relevant Manager.
• Download the COVID-19 Tracker

The Institute has remained open during the COVID-19 crisis and we all have come through challenging times together – challenging for many of us in so many ways – thanks to the dedication and determination of our students and staff. As we move towards the new academic year, we note the critical need for personal responsibility and shared collective responsibility to facilitate the safe operation of campus life in 2021/22.