I hope that you're all doing as well as possible in what continue to be really challenging times. We recognise it must be an especially strange time for PGT students, as you're now just getting into the research for your Dissertations at exactly the point you can't get to the library. We do understand and hope that the following updates might be helpful (apologies to PGRs for cross-posting! some of this information applies to you too, but for PGR-specific updates, please see https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/english/currentstudents/postgraduate/covid-19updates/)

 

Library resources

 

Kate Courage has posted some excellent information about how to access e-resources through the library online here:

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/english/currentstudents/undergraduate/covid-19updates/library/

and there's a surprising amount of information available. 50% of the library's books and 75% of its journals are available digitally, and Kate is happy to buy in any e-books you need. You make your requests for books through this page:

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/library/students/student-book-suggestions/

 

Meetings with staff

 

I've asked all personal tutors to be in touch with you, and where needed, convenors of your modules. You should now have finished most of your teaching for these modules, but convenors are happy to talk directly with you on MS Teams if you feel you'd like to discuss any particular subject or question further.

 

Dissertations

 

Dissertation supervisors will also be in touch with you to arrange meetings about your work. We respect that library closures and a lack of internet access may have impacted on your ability to complete work as you would normally do. Please be assured that we will be marking with the conditions under which you’re currently writing and researching in mind. English and CLS will consider the impact of all factors when marking your assessments so that you are not disadvantaged. We recognize that these factors include lack of access to internet, books, resources, and libraries; lack of quiet places to study and write; financial challenges; being involved in caring for others; decline in mental health; and feelings related to being displaced, unsettled, and frightened. Some of you are also recently bereaved and we are especially aware of how deeply distressing this period is for you. So please don't worry about your work: just keep going as best you can. If you do find you're unable to work at all, please get in touch with PGEnglish@warwick.ac.uk

 

Wellbeing

 

Our Senior Tutor Professor Dan Katz is always available if you have any questions about wellbeing, and Wellbeing Support Services remain available. Support includes:

 

- A 'Feeling good and functioning well' masterclass, accessible 24/7:

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/wss/students/masterclass/

- Coronavirus wellbeing FAQs:

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/wss/coronavirus-update/

- Specialist skills sessions such as ‘Sleep better’, ‘Boost your mood’ and ‘Getting things done’ delivered online: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/wss/students/workshops/

 

Warwick Enterprise

 

Some of you might be interested to learn that the Warwick Enterprise Summer Programme 2020 has moved online:

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/enterprise/summer-term-online/

The program comprises 10 weeks of live events, guest speakers, competitions and prize draws to help you tackle problems and reflect on your innovative potential.

 

Postgraduate Symposium

 

You are warmly welcome to attend to the PG Symposium on 11 Mary from 14.00-16.00. The organisers, Li, Ruby, Anna, and Chunyan, are holding the symposium as a virtual roundtable, with participants having 10 minutes to introduce research, followed by discussion and a virtual wine reception. If you'd like more information, please email: engpgsym@warwick.ac.uk.

Please do look out for further updates from the department and the University and as always, you're welcome to ask me or PGEnglish@warwick.ac.uk any questions as we go through term 3 together.

 

Take care.