KU spends more than £2.5m on Covid-19 measures

Last week Research Professional News revealed that Kingston University had spent over £2.5m on Covid-19 measures since the start of the pandemic.

The money was spent on remodelling campuses for social distancing and supporting students with additional hardship funds and bursaries, but this has not adversely impacted the university’s overall finacial position.

“The university has made significant progress in improving its financial position in recent years. This has included refocusing its course portfolio and undertaking a range of activities to enhance academic performance and student experience,” a Kingston University spokesperson told Research Professional News.

“As a result, despite the increased costs associated with addressing the pandemic – including implementing a number of measures to ensure its campuses are fully Covid-secure, increased investment in technology to support online teaching and learning, and supporting students through additional hardship funds and bursaries – the university’s financial position remains secure.” 

According to figures obtained by Research Professional News, between March and September last year, KU spent £2,578,000 in total on Covid-19 measures, including £1M on additional hardship funds and bursaries.

In October, The River revealed that KU, between June 1 and August 31 last year, paid out £1,301,260 in emergency grants to around 2,400 students who were struggling during the first lockdown.

“Students can access support through a variety of routes including money advisers, health and wellbeing teams, personal tutors, library helpdesks and the student achievement advisers.

“We have schemes such as KU Cares that have proactively reached out to students with no family support, or with significant caring responsibilities,” Jenni Woods, Head of Access, Participation and Inclusion at Kingston University, said.

For details of how to access financial support visit MyKingston for further information.