You are here Email Archive

Dear students and colleagues,

Over the coming weeks, Trinity will open up to levels it has not experienced in more than 18 months. We recognise that this is an exciting time for many, whilst for others a return to campus can be a cause of anxiety. To assist with our return, the Provost has established the ‘Trinity Return to Campus Community Unit’.
This unit will be a contact point for the College community to highlight any concerns or issues that emerge relating to our return to campus experience. For example, the unit will assist with queries on sourcing more teaching space; identifying more study spaces; dealing with additional Teaching Assistant related requests; coordinating practical ‘on-the-ground’ actions; and providing more clarity on policies and regulations.  You can get in touch with the unit by emailing ReturnToCampus@tcd.ie.

Pop up HSE vaccination centre

A HSE pop up vaccination centre will be open on campus next Monday 27 September and Wednesday 29 September from 8.30am – 8pm in the Marquee at New Square. This is a walk-in clinic for all students and staff and no appointment is necessary.

The aim is to maximise vaccine uptake in those who have not yet availed of vaccination, including international students, and to build on the gains already achieved with the vaccine programme. The clinic will provide first or second doses. See here for more information.

The Library – extended opening hours & consecutive bookings

All libraries are open and consecutive bookings of 1 hour 45 minute slots are now possible. This restriction, originally implemented in February 2021 to reduce the risk of readers being deemed close contacts, can finish now due to the successful rollout of vaccines. Opening hours are being extended from next Monday, 27 September - evening and Saturday openings will be introduced in the Berkeley, Lecky, Ussher and Hamilton libraries. You can see the new term time opening hours here.

Please remember to pre-book a seat or quick visit on the Library booking system to gain access to any Library building and don’t forget that face coverings are mandatory. Information on how to ‘Plan Your Visit’ can be found here. Seats are currently spaced at 2 metres, in line with the Provost's 'return to campus' plan. The Library is different in this respect to 'teaching spaces', which use 1m social distancing. The reason is that we do not have the same leeway under public health guidelines for libraries as we have with teaching and learning spaces.

Events on campus

Today is the last day of Freshers’ Week and it was wonderful to see students enjoying the various activities. This week the Trinity Living with Covid Oversight Group approved a number of events including performances in Samuel Beckett Theatre for the Dublin Theatre Festival, 29 September - 2 October; The Hist Show Debate and The Phil Chamber Debate, 23 September; the Law Soc Touch Rugby Event, 24 September; The Phil Bram Stoker Medal Award Ceremony, 24 September; the Law Soc awards event, 30 September; and the recommencement of Fire Drills from week beginning 04 October. You can see a full list on the Return to Campus website here 

Now that term time has started, we would like to remind students and staff that all event proposals will require a full Event Management Plan to be submitted to Trinity Enquiries with sufficient notice.

Mask up!

Free face coverings will available from next Monday to all students courtesy of the HSE and will be available at the Nassau Street entrance, Front Gate and Science Gallery entrance. The wearing of face coverings for indoor teaching activities by students is mandatory under Government Public Health measures and is a requirement at Trinity. Any exception to not wearing a face covering for medical reasons will need to be medically verified. Other areas that require face coverings are the Library, study spaces, dedicated research space and indoor public areas. 
Thank you for your ongoing support in wearing a face covering to ensure the health and safety of all the Trinity Community and for continuing to adhere to public health guidelines.

UniCoV project – safeguarding our campuses

Students and staff are invited to participate in the UniCoV project. This pilot surveillance study assists in the detection of increased levels of COVID-19 across higher education institutes with the aim of facilitating the safe and sustainable re-opening of campuses. Please see more information here.
Stay safe. Stay well. Bígí slán agus sábháilte.

Kind regards,

John Coman, Secretary to the College
Seán Ó Comáin, Rúnaí an Choláiste
Orla Cunningham, Interim Chief Operating Officer
Orla Ní Chuinneagáin, An Príomhoifigeach Oibriúcháin Eatramhach
Dr David McGrath, Director, College Health Service
An Dr Daithi Mac Craith, Stiúrthóir, Seirbhís Sláinte an Choláiste