University disrupted as IT systems go down

The University of Wolverhampton asked people to work from home as there had been an issue across its campuses

Thousands of university staff and students have been asked to work from home after IT systems went down.

The University of Wolverhampton said the issue was across all its campuses.

It comes as Cambridge and Manchester universities suffered a cyber attack at the hands of Anonymous Sudan but the University of Wolverhampton would not confirm if it was affected.

In a tweet on Tuesday it said staff had been working hard to get initial critical services back up and running.

The university has campuses in Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford.

One student said the problem had him left with no wi-fi or access to online resources on campus and so he had gone home to the North East as it was the only way he could work and attend online lessons.

Motorsports Engineering student Rowan Ashby confirmed on Wednesday students on campus still did not have wi-fi.

When asked if the university had given an indication of how long the issue could persist he said he did not know.

"Some people have been saying it could last up to six months, two weeks. It's a very confusing time right now."

The university said on its social media pages on Tuesday: "Due to a systems issue across all of our campuses, we’re asking staff and students to stay at home today where you should be able to access Microsoft 365 systems.

"Please keep an eye on your University emails for further updates.

Students were contacted via a student app to tell them that plans were being put into place to move teaching online and that assessment deadlines would be extended.

A University of Wolverhampton spokesperson said campuses remain open for students but given the disruption all non-essential staff have been asked to work from home and on campus teaching will be rearranged.

“Staff are working hard to minimise disruption and get systems back up and running.

“We are keeping staff, students and key partners updated on the situation.”