Ressort Presse

• von Arne Rensing
• 16.06.2021

The regulations (concepts of measures) for attendance events, examinations and other events at the UDE have been revised - as have some other issues - on the basis of the current guidelines. The university approaches relaxations flexibly, but always with a view to the safety of students and employees.

Still a "hybrid semester"; exceptions at the beginning and end of studies

According to the legal provisions now in force and the general decree of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, it is possible to hold courses in attendance within a limited framework (usually 20 to 30 people, maximum 50 participants). However, even with falling incidence rates and rising vaccination figures, an appropriate balance must continue to be struck between the necessity of on-site teaching events and the existing risks.

In general, the current summer semester at the UDE - in agreement between the Rectorate and the deans of the faculties - is to be continued essentially as planned as a "hybrid semester".

The Rectorate therefore asks that this option only be used in special cases: In particular, courses for students who have started their studies from the summer semester 2020 or are about to complete their studies are suitable for this.

• Concept of measures for the implementation of face-to-face teaching events

General events

As part of the opening up of public life, general events at the UDE should once again be possible in presence, but on a smaller scale (up to a maximum of 100 participants), such as working meetings in projects, PhD workshops, inspections during evaluations, further training, lecture events, committee meetings or staff meetings on difficult and/or complex topics. Other formats should remain on hold until at least the autumn. These include annual, graduation or graduation celebrations, major opening events or social gatherings for general exchange.

The prerequisite for general events is still compliance with the regulations of the corporate action plan and the submission of a negative rapid test by all participants.

• General information on events

Examinations

On-site examinations are permitted at the current incidence level 1. However, in view of the upcoming examination period, the Rectorate also asks that this option only be used after careful consideration and that planned distant formats not be changed.

• Concept of measures for conducting presence examinations

Work in the home office

The home office regulation of the UDE has been extended until 30 September.

However, with the expiry of the strict legal requirements of the SARS-CoV2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance, the mandatory home office offer and the obligation for employees to use this option will probably cease to apply.

The UDE wants to maintain the flexibility to work in a home office where possible and reasonable. At the same time, the university management expects that with the cautious ramping up of the presence in teaching, the presence at the workplaces will also gradually increase. Provided that the positive trend with declining infection figures and progressive vaccinations continues, the rectorate expects to be able to return to attendance at the start of the winter semester on 1 October.

The results of the "Future of Work" process are currently being transferred into a service agreement on home office: initially for employees in technology and administration, and in the future for academic and artistic employees. The aim is to reconcile the experiences of the past year with the requirements of a presence university.

Opening up the buildings

The entrance doors to the UDE buildings will be opened again: Mondays to Fridays from 6 am to 9 pm, Saturdays from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm. Extended opening hours apply to buildings housing libraries. Access to study areas is permitted in the libraries themselves.

Continue to exercise caution

In order to ensure the safety of students and employees on campus as best as possible, the measures laid down in the UDE's operational safety concept will continue to apply, such as the obligation to wear mouth-nose protection (mask), the established distance rules and the current UDE test strategy.