There's some cautiously good news from the South West with the University of Limerick confirming that its Autumn semester will begin on September 28. Students will get "blended delivery" with both online lectures and time on campus.
"We anticipate a blended delivery of programmes to allow students to spend some time on campus in the autumn to facilitate face to face laboratory classes, studio time, and some seminars/tutorials," they elaborate. "This will be limited in order to insure the health and safety of our community and to work within the government restrictions. Any planned approach will need to take account of the possibility that future full or partial closures may well be called for at short notice.
The date for new first years years is Leaving Cert dependent and Erasmus & Non-EU Exchange mobility remains suspended.
"Our plans for first year students depend on the scheduling of the Leaving Certificate but if as planned it takes place from the end of July we anticipate welcoming our incoming first year students at the beginning of November," they explain. "However, the date for entry of first years depends on many factors, including when the Leaving Certificate takes place as well as the completion of CAO offers and acceptance of places."
Semester 2 will proceed as planned on January 25, 2021.
"Great to see the plans coming together so we can make sure we are ready for our fantastic students in September," comments member of faculty, Dr Niamh NicGhabhann.
Hot Press has fond memories of seeing one of the Cranberries' first gigs many moons ago in UL's Stables Bar and bittersweet ones of returning to Plassey last year for the awarding of honorary doctorates to Noel and Mike Hogan and, posthumously, Dolores O'Riordan.

Latest UL update:

🗓️ Autumn semester to begin Sep 28th
❓ Date for new 1st years depends on Leaving Cert
2⃣ 2nd sem to begin as planned, Jan 2021
💻 Blended delivery: Lectures online + time on campus
✈️ Erasmus & Non-EU Exchange mobility suspended

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— University Of Limerick (@UL) May 1, 2020