COVID-19 Update

In response to the current COVID-19 crisis, our first concern is for the welfare of our students and staff and we sincerely hope that you all stay safe and healthy. We acknowledge that all HECA colleges are abiding and fully cooperative with the HSE instructions in relation to COVID-19 and will continue to do so. This situation is a reminder that to all of us, how important it is to follow preventative measures and social distancing protocols. It is evident that COVID-19 is presenting us all with unprecedented challenges. We appreciate all of the cooperation that we have seen from our students, staff and the higher education sector.

The member colleges of HECA have all developed and initiated contingency plans and are actively working with Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to ensure continuity in Education. HECA colleges are offering remote delivery of programmes for the remainder of this semester and likewise appropriate adjustments have been or are being made to modes of assessment and assessment schedules to ensure that students continue to be rigorously assessed to the highest standards. For specific details, please contact the relevant HECA college. 

We all face serious challenges from this global pandemic and would like to reassure you that HECA colleges are working together, sharing academic best practice and quality assurance and supporting each other as we face this extraordinary situation with COVID-19. The Higher Education College’s Association are working with other partners in Higher Education and with the Department of Education & Skills, the HEA and QQI to ensure that we address the challenges that COVID-19 is bringing to our higher education shore and to ensure that quality assurance, academic integrity, continuation of studies and student support is maintained through this unprecedented time.

HECA has also supported the plea from the Higher Education sector to students to recognise the seriousness of the public health challenge and to act responsibly in the weeks and months ahead for the full letter click Collective response form the Higher Education sector in Ireland to students - COVID-19

HECA wish their staff, students, their families and the wider community well during this period of unprecedented national challenge and urge everyone to mind themselves and be mindful of others. We are convinced we will collectively get through these difficulties and assure our College Communities that we will do everything possible to support them.

#StaySafe and maintain #SocialDistancing