THE LEAVING Certificate Class of 2020 has been encouraged to “come onto” Limerick Institute of Technology’s campuses to continue their education this upcoming academic semester.
LIT President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, is strongly encouraging new third-level students to continue their journey in education, saying, “We want you to come onto our campuses, where we will ensure your safety and provide you with a stimulating college experience.”
Professor Cunnane, who is currently the Chair of the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), was speaking after principles and guidelines for programme delivery for the 2020/21 academic year were published this week.
The guidelines, to be adopted by LIT and all other Institutes of Technology across Ireland, set out how students and communities will be supported over the coming months and through the next academic year.
LIT recently unveiled its roadmap to reopening its campuses and outlined preliminary plans for the new 2020/21 academic year.
The institute will introduce a blended model of learning which will include remote teaching and lectures coupled with practical classes and tutorials that will take place predominantly on campus.
Professor Cunnane welcomed the guidelines and recognised the importance of the student experience in producing graduates that respond to regional industry needs.
The LIT President said they want students and parents/guardians across the country to know “that we will take care of you and all of our students next year”.
“Our model blends the theoretical with the practical, and because of this our students will continue to be on campus for much of their learning,” Professor Cunnane said, adding, “It may be happening in a different way, but it will be happening. The entire sector has been working to ensure that our students will be safe and will experience college life.”
Although LIT’s campuses will be open more fully from September 2020, the volume of people on campus at any given time may be substantially reduced to allow for social distancing and other public health directives.
Professor Cunnane said students who accept their CAO offers for an LIT course will “be beginning an exciting and dynamic professional journey” that will help shape not only their future, but that of the region and Ireland.
Returning LIT students will return to their studies on September 14, with incoming LIT students beginning their term on September 28, in line with all others Institutes of Technology across the country.
LIT is planning to maintain all services for students throughout the academic year 2020/21.
More details on the principles and guidelines for programme delivery for the 2020/21 are available on www.thea.ie
