In this section, the Executive Board provides information on the latest developments and measures taken by the university in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, all members of the university community are advised to follow the latest hygiene and safety guidelines and to keep a close eye on the latest information.
The federal government’s new Infection Protection Act has paved the way for the easing of restrictions. Since then, only so-called ‘basic protection’ has applied nationwide, although the state parliaments have been able to adopt further measures.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the new COVID-19 Protection Ordinance (CoronaSchVO, in force since 3 April 2022) stipulates that the mask mandate and the 3G rule now apply only in strictly defined areas (e.g. in medical or care facilities and on public transport). The general regulations previously in force no longer apply.
For Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, this means that the regulations set out in the framework hygiene concept, which has been in force since 21 March 2022, are no longer mandatory. However, the university recommends that you continue to adhere to the regulations set out therein on your own initiative, particularly with regard to wearing a mask. The Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia has also issued a corresponding recommendation: “Although the Federal Infection Protection Act does not provide for a general mask mandate, the state and the universities recommend that students, lecturers and university staff wear a face covering whilst on university premises.” (https://www.mkw.nrw/hsspiss22)
Recommendations from the Health and Safety Department at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences:
The Health and Safety Department continues to recommend wearing a medical mask in buildings and enclosed spaces; from a health protection perspective, the use of an FFP2 mask is strongly recommended, as this ensures personal protection against infection.
Furthermore, the Health and Safety Department continues to recommend making use of regular testing opportunities in order to detect chains of infection at an early stage and prevent further transmission through self-isolation. It is advisable to visit the university only when you are in good health.
The Health and Safety Department continues to advocate adherence to the AHA+L+C guidelines to ensure everyone can interact safely on campus:
In light of the new decisions taken by the Federal Government since 18 March 2022 and their subsequent implementation by the federal states, the Executive Board has decided on the following, based on the recommendations of the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ Corona Task Force:
Amendment to the
framework hygiene policy The framework hygiene policy will be amended in line with occupational health and safety recommendations. The changes relate in particular to access to buildings (3G proof) and the wearing of a medical mask in buildings and enclosed spaces.
Adjustment of testing facilities on campus
Following the amendment to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), employers are now only obliged to provide employees with the opportunity to be tested once a week. By distributing test kits to staff, the University is already fulfilling this obligation. However, in line with its role as a role model, the University may continue to offer staff one testing opportunity on each of the two campuses.
The requirement to work from home has been lifted
The amendments to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) mean that, with effect from 20 March 2022, employers are entitled to recall their staff from working from home, provided that no operational or individual agreements made with the staff preclude this. Furthermore, the monitoring and documentation obligations for employers associated with the 3G requirement no longer apply.
On 18 November 2021, the Bundestag passed the ‘Act Amending the Infection Protection Act and Other Acts’ following the lifting of the declaration of an epidemic situation of national significance. The Act sets out a nationwide catalogue of measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic, which came into force on 24 November 2021.
A key change concerns the 3G rules. Employers are now obliged to check employees’ 3G proof. If employees refuse to provide 3G proof, they must expect consequences under employment law.
Furthermore, employers are once again obliged to allow employees to work from home where they carry out office work or similar activities. In future, therefore, they must once again allow working from home wherever there are no ‘compelling operational reasons’ to the contrary. In the context of the university and its services, this applies to all office workstations that do not involve the provision of services. The university management has decided that, in cases of doubt, line managers will assess whether compelling operational reasons exist.
To curb the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal and state governments agreed on stricter measures last week. Given the situation in Germany, which remains highly dynamic, the policy essentially provides for 3G in the workplace and 2G in leisure settings. It remains to be seen whether the laws and regulations expected in the coming days will also bring about changes in the higher education sector. At this stage, however, it can be assumed that, amongst other things, the constitutional right to education must be safeguarded in all cases and that, therefore, a hybrid learning model can be maintained at universities on the basis of existing protocols.
Over the past two weeks, the Executive Board has examined the evolving situation in detail, taking into account the recommendations of the university’s Corona Task Force. Rhein-Waal University’s framework hygiene plan remains viable and has only needed to be adapted with regard to the validity of test certificates. Following the update to the COVID-19 Protection Ordinance (CoronaSchVO) in North Rhine-Westphalia on 10 November 2021, the following applies:
Staff responsible for carrying out 3G checks were informed immediately and are already implementing this consistently. In view of the worsening pandemic situation, the university is placing even greater emphasis on the requirement to wear masks:
However, changes are on the horizon for the university’s staff, as the amendment to the Infection Protection Act, which will come into force on 24 November 2021, will introduce the 3G rule in the workplace. Exactly how this can and should be implemented by employers will depend on further statutory regulations (including the CoronaSchVO).
From an infection control perspective, the combination of immunisation (vaccination or recovery from Covid-19) and regular testing is the safest way to navigate the pandemic. As an additional measure, there are therefore plans to distribute test kits to all staff. These unsupervised self-tests are not a substitute for the legally required tests for those who are unvaccinated or have not recovered from the illness; rather, their primary purpose is the early detection of an infection.
In addition, the Health and Safety Department is working to be able to offer vaccinations (initial or booster doses) on campus or nearby again in the near future. University staff will be informed of the dates.
With regard to study and teaching, the aim remains to maintain the current provision of face-to-face teaching. Initial planning for the examination period is also underway, but here too, concrete details will only be available once the legal framework is known.
The new Coronavirus Protection Ordinance issued by the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs in North Rhine-Westphalia has been in force since 1 October 2021. A key change is that universities are granted some flexibility regarding 3G checks. Whilst checks on all event participants should be as comprehensive as possible, this may be ensured through a system of random checks.
To this end, the university has updated its policy on enforcing the 3G rules. For checks on students attending teaching and examination sessions, this means that checks will be carried out at the control points at the access points – which remain restricted – using appropriate random sampling.
Access to the buildings remains as follows:
On the Kleve campus:
On the Kamp-Lintfort campus:
To make things even easier, entry wristbands will be issued to vaccinated university members at the following locations and times:
Kleve Campus:
On Wednesday 6 October 2021, at the testing centre in Building 5a from 7.00 am to 1.00 pm; thereafter during the testing centre’s opening hours:
Kamp-Lintfort Campus:
On Friday, 8 October 2021, at the testing centre/at the entry checkpoint in the Audimax from 7.00 am to 10.00 am; thereafter during the testing centre’s opening hours on the ground floor of the Audimax.
The admission wristbands grant access to university buildings until 28 February 2022 simply by presenting them. These wristbands serve as proof of 3G compliance when entering the buildings. However, random entry checks will continue to take place. You must therefore carry proof of vaccination and identification with you at all times and present them on request.
The winter semester began on 20 September 2021 with Freshers’ Week. Following a one-and-a-half-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, students have returned to the university for events such as the Music Nights in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort, the campus tours, faculty events and the ASTA sports events.
The university management emphasises that the winter semester will be a sort of ‘transitional semester’ and that its start, in particular, will be very challenging, requiring flexibility from everyone involved. The ultimate aim is to make face-to-face study possible once again and to revitalise study, teaching, research and knowledge transfer. In this way, through considerable joint effort, we can successfully begin the winter semester and be in a position by the summer semester to have restored in-person teaching at HSRW.
To ensure in-person attendance at the start of the winter semester, the university management is now relying on the consistent enforcement of the GGG rule for all indoor events, as prescribed in North Rhine-Westphalia (GGG = vaccinated, recovered, tested).
To date, lecturers and those responsible for teaching have in many places been obliged to check students’ GGG proof before each individual session. However, the university’s Executive Board has set itself the aim of providing the best possible support to anyone conducting a session on the university’s indoor premises in carrying out their verification duties, whilst ensuring that the checks for participants are as straightforward as possible. To this end, a plan for access restrictions and GGG checks at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has been adopted.
The Executive Board aims to ensure compliance with the legal requirements for access restrictions and GGG checks through three key measures:
Fast-track proof (“wristband solution”)
All members of the university (students and staff) have the option, on a voluntary basis, to receive a permanent access wristband bearing the university logo if they can provide proof of immunisation (full vaccination, recovery status or recovery status combined with a Covid vaccination). Access wristbands for students are issued at a central registration desk in the testing centres (Kleve Campus, Building 5A, or Kamp-Lintfort Campus, Building 4). Staff may also apply for the wristband from the persons to whom they are required to provide proof during teaching and examination sessions, in accordance with separate service instructions issued by the President and the Chancellor. The access wristband entitles the holder to attend all events without having to provide proof of GGG status again before the event begins.
Extensive access restrictions in buildings where teaching sessions take place
Access to buildings used primarily for teaching and examination sessions is, as a general rule, restricted to those who can provide proof of GGG status.
Centralised access control
Central checkpoints will be set up outside buildings with restricted access. This is intended to ensure that sections of the building (which are connected by main corridors) are checked uniformly, in order to avoid individual checks taking place during teaching sessions. As this will require a significant number of staff, all organisational units of the university will provide staff to carry out the checks.
There will be more face-to-face teaching at all universities in North Rhine-Westphalia than in the last three semesters, including at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Campus life and studying will return to the campus.
However, it is already certain that the 2021/22 winter semester will not take place entirely in person. Due to the pandemic situation, more than half of the courses will still have to be held online or in a hybrid format. This makes particular sense for large courses and lectures.
In-person teaching, on the other hand, will finally be possible again for courses that rely on direct interaction, such as laboratory practicals, small intensive projects, etc. In other words: some aspects of the course will take place online and, where necessary and practicable, in person.
Provisions have also been made for those who are unable to attend in person – whether due to travel restrictions, their state of health or other reasons. These students will benefit from the online options and will not lose a semester. (Additional note dated 20 October 2021, to avoid any misunderstanding: this does not, however, mean that every course will be offered in a digital or hybrid format. Depending on the degree programme, selected courses will be available online or in person.)
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences will not be able to offer fully in-person teaching during the 2021/22 winter semester. However, it will be possible to learn and discuss together in smaller classes. There are also plans to reopen the library, other service facilities and study rooms. The university therefore recommends that all students return to their campus in Kleve or Kamp-Lintfort for the winter semester.
Background
The coronavirus pandemic continues to prevent Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences from resuming 100 per cent face-to-face teaching from the 2021/22 winter semester onwards. Reasons for this include:
General circumstances
Enrolled students have already been informed by their faculties that many courses will be offered in digital and hybrid formats, although some will also be held in person. The arrangements vary considerably from degree programme to degree programme. Further planning is still underway, and more detailed information on the arrangements for the winter semester will follow as soon as possible.
Guidance
All students are asked to note the following:
Incidence rates continue to fall, schools have resumed face-to-face teaching, and there is once again greater freedom in everyday life. All signs point towards a further easing of restrictions. At universities across the state, too, it is now possible to begin considering a gradual return to more on-campus activity.
Accordingly, on 10 June, the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) discussed the prospects for the coming winter semester. “In view of the significant decline in infection figures and the widespread lifting of vaccination prioritisation, there is growing hope amongst all those involved that study conditions will gradually return to normal,” said HRK President Prof. Dr Peter-André Alt. “Universities want to make swift and extensive use of the emerging opportunities for face-to-face teaching. At the same time, however, they must fulfil their responsibility towards students and teaching staff and take into account the uncertainty surrounding the further course of the pandemic in their planning.”
For Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW), there are now increasing prospects for a cautious easing of restrictions and reopening. The aim remains to complete the summer term and the upcoming examination period as planned. At the same time, however, small gatherings on campus, small in-person meetings and social contact for students and staff may soon be permitted again. The HSRW’s framework hygiene policy is currently being revised to take these and other changes into account.
Background
With the entry into force of Section 28b(3) of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), as amended by the Fourth Act on the Protection of the Population in the Event of an Epidemic Situation of National Significance, the higher education sector is directly affected by the federal government’s so-called ‘emergency brake regulation’.
The provisions set out therein for the higher education sector simply transpose the regulations designed for the school sector, without, however, taking adequate account of the differences and specific characteristics of the higher education sector. The specific wording of the Act disregards the specific characteristics, requirements and possibilities of higher education teaching during the pandemic and jeopardises the achievements of higher education institutions to date. A blanket ban, without exception, on all forms of face-to-face teaching once the incidence rate reaches a threshold of 165 directly harms a significant number of students.
Against this background, the Conference of State University Rectors (LRK), the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and the Ministers of Science (KWM) of the federal states have emphatically called for a corresponding interpretation and amendment in the interests of the universities.
In this spirit, and in accordance with the interpretations of the LRK, HRK and the KWM, the Executive Board of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has adopted the following
resolution
In line with the KWM’s interpretation, the provisions of Section 28b(3) are interpreted as follows for Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences:
In accordance with the currently valid version of the Corona Protection Ordinance of 19 April 2021 (Section 6(1)), attendance at the university is to be permitted only in exceptional cases and where absolutely necessary.
The third semester has begun under COVID-19 conditions. The time for decisive action has not yet come, so patience and caution are still required. Nevertheless, the availability of testing and vaccinations is creating a new set of circumstances that allow for an optimistic outlook on the future.
The federal and state governments are also continuing to grapple with the implementation of a coronavirus strategy that is as uniform as possible, with the issue of rapid and self-tests coming increasingly into focus alongside the vaccinations themselves. Whether and how these can play a central role in a strategy for easing restrictions is currently the subject of heated debate in many quarters – including at the conferences of university vice-chancellors and university chancellors.
Working from home and online teaching
In this context, the state’s current Corona Protection Ordinance (CoronaSchVO) of 23 April 2021 has not yet brought about any changes for the state’s universities at this stage. Under the new CoronaSchVO, all previous regulations remain in force for the university. The university management assumes that, in accordance with the CoronaSchVO and our framework hygiene policy, in-person attendance will continue to be permitted only in exceptional cases, provided that it is absolutely essential.
Furthermore, all line managers in the faculties, departments, administrative units and central services are urged to ensure that duties are carried out by making extensive use of remote working and working from home. Staff are urged to make extensive use of these options. Attendance on campus should only be scheduled where absolutely necessary for work purposes.
Rapid tests
Staff who must be on site due to unavoidable work-related necessities may – if they wish – visit the relevant test centres on the university’s campuses to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test in person during working hours.
This service forms part of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ contribution to containing the pandemic. At the same time, the university wishes to encourage in-person rapid COVID-19 testing as a measure of care for its staff. This service is an additional measure; under no circumstances does testing replace the regulations on social distancing, the wearing of face masks, handwashing and ventilation. (Further information on rapid COVID-19 tests can be found here: www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronatest/faq-schnelltests.html)
Compulsory face coverings
In addition to the University of Rhein-Waal’s framework hygiene concept, which has been in force since 1 October 2020, the following stricter measure is announced. Wearing a so-called ‘everyday mask’ is no longer sufficient; instead, a medical mask as defined by the CoronaSchVO must be worn. (Medical masks as defined by this regulation are so-called surgical masks, masks meeting the FFP2 standard and higher standards – in each case without an exhalation valve – or comparable masks.) In the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ framework hygiene concept, the term ‘mouth and nose covering’ is therefore to be replaced by ‘medical mask’ in all instances. You can find the updated framework hygiene concept here
Outlook
It is hoped that the infection situation will allow for more face-to-face teaching to resume for all students in the winter semester, whilst complying with the hygiene guidelines and requirements set by the health authorities. Against this background, the Executive Board is engaged in extensive planning and consultation processes, including with other universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, to develop and jointly implement testing and vaccination strategies, reopening scenarios and further measures aimed at restoring normality to university life.
“The universities regard the increased testing capacity as a potential component of their tried-and-tested hygiene measures and as an opportunity to gradually resume in-person classes with clearly defined, small groups of participants. However, in addition to the infection situation developing accordingly, this would require the universities to have access to the necessary financial and logistical resources.” (HRK)
It is certainly helpful in this regard to focus, on the one hand, on the targeted reopening of teaching spaces and, on the other, on the examination period, and to be able to conduct the lecture term safely, even against the backdrop of the current difficult situation.
Nevertheless, a tightening of contact restrictions cannot be ruled out at present should the infection situation worsen in the coming weeks. In that case, it could even be that the university would once again have to revert to ‘protected core operations’ – as was the case in March 2020. This would mean that all events and gatherings where people come into contact with one another – regardless of the number of participants – would be prohibited, both indoors and outdoors, and that teaching, research and other university activities would once again have to be conducted entirely online.
The university management is in constant contact with the relevant authorities and the heads of other universities in the state. The primary focus is on rapid and self-tests, as well as options for contact tracing, including electronic methods. As soon as further changes become apparent, internal consultations and decisions will be made within the university regarding the University of Rhein-Waal’s position on these matters.
Even under the state’s Coronavirus Protection Ordinance, which came into force on 23 April 2021, all previous regulations remain in force for the university. It remains the case that essential face-to-face sessions may only be held in exceptional circumstances and in strict compliance with hygiene regulations. Where possible, suitable premises and alternative teaching formats, such as hybrid and alternating sessions, should be utilised.
At present, the start of the semester is set for 1 March, the end of the semester on 31 August, and the lecture period (including the examination period), in accordance with the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, is set for the period from 29 March to 23 July 2021.
At present, it must be assumed that pandemic conditions will generally persist throughout the 2021 summer term and that widespread vaccination will not yet be available. Particularly at the start of the semester, it is not to be expected that restrictions will be significantly eased; therefore, preparations for the summer semester must continue to be made in accordance with the guidelines of the HSRW’s framework hygiene concept: as an online semester characterised by digital and hybrid teaching, a flexible online semester.
In contrast to the 2020/21 winter term, there are increasing signs that face-to-face teaching may be possible under specific circumstances. Nevertheless, we expect to have to remain flexible: as a general rule, teaching will take place digitally or online.
Building on the experience gained over the last two semesters, the faculties and teaching staff can further develop their organisational and pedagogical approaches. The Executive Board hopes that this will, on the one hand, improve the teaching and learning dialogue with students and, on the other hand, reduce the individual workload of teaching staff to a more normal level. It encourages all stakeholders to contribute to the internal university discussion on improving teaching under pandemic conditions.
The past few weeks have been characterised by the challenges of the winter term, and the examination periods are fast approaching. At the same time, the Federal Government and the Minister-Presidents have held extensive consultations at short intervals, reached decisions and adopted these as state regulations. It is clear that the pandemic, with its ever-changing nature, continues to disrupt our lives – both privately and professionally – and compels us to take action.
Against this backdrop, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) has always been guided by its responsibility towards both students and all members of the university. Ensuring that students can continue their studies, on the one hand, and safeguarding the health of all members of the university, on the other, are our top priorities.
Even under the state’s new COVID-19 Protection Ordinance, which has been in force since 23 April 2021, all previous regulations remain valid for the university; the new regulation also addresses the protection of health as well as the essential need for face-to-face teaching to prepare for examinations and for the examinations themselves. Naturally, digital formats are still to be prioritised, and student participation must be ensured.
The Executive Board currently assumes that, acting with the utmost responsibility and in accordance with the Coronavirus Protection Ordinance (CorSchVO) and the framework hygiene concept, it will still be possible to permit face-to-face teaching in exceptional cases.
Likewise, all line managers in the faculties, departments, administrative units and central services are still required to ensure that tasks are carried out whilst making extensive use of remote working and working from home. Staff are urged to make extensive use of these options. Attendance on campus should only be scheduled where absolutely essential for work purposes.
At its meeting on 7 January 2021, the Executive Board discussed the current developments in the COVID-19 pandemic at length. In doing so, it took into account the decisions of the Conference of Minister-Presidents (MPK), the measures implemented to date in the federal states, and discussions within the Conference of Chancellors and the Conference of State Rectors.
Having weighed up the various interests and the need to protect the health of all members of the university, whilst ensuring that studies and teaching – in particular examinations – can continue, the Executive Board has adopted the following resolution:
Line managers in the faculties, departments, administrative units and central services are requested to ensure that duties are carried out by making extensive use of remote working and working from home. Staff are urged to make extensive use of these options. Physical presence on campus should only be planned where absolutely essential for work purposes.
This decision shall apply until further notice, subject to any further and more restrictive regulations issued by the competent authorities (MKW, MAGS or the health authorities of the districts of Wesel and Kleve).
Should the regulatory situation change in the coming days and weeks such that in-person examinations are no longer permitted, the Executive Board considers the provision of digital examination formats to be the appropriate option. Should this not be possible in exceptional cases, a postponement of the examination period until the start of the 2021 summer semester (29 March–11 April 2021) and a shortened lecture period (12 April–23 July 2021) would be conceivable. The summer semester examination period (12 July–23 July 2021) is not expected to be affected by this for the time being.
The Executive Board also draws the attention of all members of the university to the stricter entry requirements into Germany from high-risk areas:
“For entry into Germany from high-risk areas, in future, in addition to the existing ten-day compulsory quarantine – which may be terminated early upon presentation of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no earlier than the fifth day of quarantine – a mandatory testing requirement upon entry will be introduced (two-test strategy).
The mandatory testing requirement upon entry can be met by taking a test within 48 hours prior to arrival or by taking a test immediately after entry. The Model Quarantine Regulation will be amended accordingly and implemented by the federal states in their respective regulations with effect from 11 January 2021.
In addition to the testing requirement in place since August 2020, the Federal Government will, on the basis of the Third Civil Protection Act, issue separate rules, in particular regarding the requirement for pre-entry testing for specific high-risk areas, which pose a particular risk of importation due to the spread of virus variants or particularly high incidence rates. The federal and state governments once again strongly emphasise that travel to high-risk areas without a valid reason must be avoided at all costs and that, in addition to the testing and quarantine requirements, there is an obligation to complete a digital entry declaration when entering Germany from high-risk areas.” (Source: MPK resolution)
The evolving pandemic situation once again requires flexible and responsible action from us all. The updated Coronavirus Protection Ordinance (CorSchVO) of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia has also introduced further regulations governing operations at universities and other educational institutions. The Executive Board of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has, in consultation with the task force, considered the necessary measures at length.
Following the university-wide email sent by the Chancellor and President at the beginning of December, and in accordance with the requirement to comply with Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ framework hygiene concept, only absolutely essential face-to-face teaching sessions have been permitted to date. The majority of courses have been taking place online since the start of the semester (flexible online semester). As a result, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has been able to comply with the requirements of the coronavirus regulations at all times.
The updated CorSchVO (effective from 23 April 2021) continues to stipulate that ‘teaching and examination activities at universities and in healthcare training institutions are permitted in accordance with separate provisions under Section 28(1) of the Infection Protection Act (is). Face-to-face teaching sessions are not permitted. Face-to-face examinations and preparatory measures for these are only permitted if, for legal or practical reasons, they cannot be rescheduled to a date after 10 January 2021, or if rescheduling would be unreasonable for the candidates. Practical training periods are only permitted in accordance with the guidelines for the respective practical field.”
Against this background, the Executive Committee once again emphasises the absolute necessity of complying with the framework hygiene concept and the guidelines and regulations for the winter semester, and resolves
Line managers in the faculties, departments, administrative units and central services are requested to ensure that duties are carried out by making extensive use of remote working and working from home. Staff are urged to make extensive use of these options. Physical presence on campus should only be scheduled where absolutely necessary for work purposes.
This decision is valid until further notice, up to 10 January 2021 (to be reviewed in early January 2021); however, it must be assumed that, due to the ongoing pandemic, this regulation will remain in force beyond this date or will need to be amended.
The Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia has revised the guidelines for teaching and examination procedures at universities in the state and issued a new general directive. This has been in force since 30 March 2021 and has no further implications for teaching at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The plans for the flexible online semester and Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ framework hygiene concept had already taken these guidelines into account, which is why there are no changes for the university.
With a few exceptions, the flexible online semester will be held digitally. Face-to-face sessions are still only permitted if they are absolutely dependent on specific premises, equipment or other special conditions (laboratories, practical sessions, etc.).
Extension of the mask mandate
Due to the current sharp rise in infection figures, the Executive Board has decided, in accordance with the provisions of the Corona Protection Ordinance (CoronaSchVO) of 23 April 2021, to extend the existing mask mandate. From 3 November 2020, members of the university and visitors are required to wear face coverings not only in communal areas and in specific situations, but as a general rule whilst on university premises. This requirement applies to teaching and examination sessions, to speakers and participants at other events, during meetings, in all rooms and in waiting areas outside buildings; it remains in force until further notice.
Exemptions from the face covering requirement are only permitted under Section 3(4) of the CoronaSchVO for teaching staff during educational events and under Section 3(2) of the CoronaSchVO in office spaces, provided that the minimum distance is maintained in each case.
Flexible online semester
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has planned the 2020/21 winter semester as a ‘flexible online semester’, allowing faculties a degree of flexibility in how they organise their programmes. The spectrum ranges from occasional face-to-face and blended learning courses to purely distance learning. Selected face-to-face events (practical sessions, examinations and voluntary additional courses) may be offered in accordance with the current hygiene regulations. This has been carefully taken into account when planning events; face-to-face attendance remains an exception and is only envisaged where absolutely necessary.
The guidelines set out in Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ framework hygiene concept remain in force. The scenarios outlined therein may incorporate potential instructions from the health authorities. The scenarios are intended to give everyone at the university an insight into what they may need to prepare for. However, implementation and stricter enforcement will only take place following a corresponding directive from the health authorities or the relevant ministries. Only when new guidelines are issued by these bodies will Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences be required to respond (as was the case in March this year). The university’s approach was to be prepared, in the knowledge that this situation could arise again, although it might not.
A return to normal face-to-face teaching in the winter semester is unlikely. The extent to which face-to-face teaching may be possible varies greatly across the university’s campuses nationwide, which is largely influenced by the composition of the student body and the differing conditions regarding resources, in particular room capacity and staffing levels.
The planning and delivery of the 2020/21 winter semester must take into account the current pandemic situation, whilst drawing on the insights and experience already gained. Overall, the winter semester must be planned in such a way that not too many people are gathered in the buildings at any one time, so that social distancing measures and hygiene rules can be observed at all times.
The updated framework hygiene concept provides guidelines, recommendations and mandatory requirements to ensure the best possible protection against new infections with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and to help contain the pandemic at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. It sets out the necessary measures to be taken during an epidemic to implement the safety requirements relating to hygiene, with the aim of providing comprehensive protection for all members of the university.
On 8 May 2020, the Executive Board adopted the Regulations on Mitigating the Consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Epidemic for Study and Teaching at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences; these came into force on 9 May. These regulations govern, in particular, flexible teaching and examination formats, opportunities for free attempts and resits, an extended standard duration of study, and expanded measures to compensate for disadvantages.
Since the publication of the state ordinance, the Executive Board had been working extensively on this matter and had drawn up the resulting implementation requirements for the university. The regulations now in place were discussed at length and developed by the Executive Board in collaboration with the Digital Education Working Group and during several detailed meetings of the Faculty Conference, always taking into account the most comprehensive federal and state regulations wherever possible, whilst at the same time remaining open to flexibility in the event of changing circumstances. This is primarily to ensure, on the one hand, that the current semester – or rather its lecture period – is now secured promptly (and retrospectively). On the other hand, the aim is to ensure that, over the coming weeks and months, there is as much leeway as possible to respond to changes and to avoid frequent amendments to the regulations. This flexibility is provided for in the regulations published on 9 May.
The provisions of the regulations serve to legally safeguard the digital start to the semester that has already taken place, which is why the ‘digital format’ is emphasised here. Not least to foster motivation and respect within the university, in response to the ongoing pandemic. Despite the focus on digitalisation, the regulations include provisions allowing other formats to be implemented at any time in accordance with federal and state guidelines, thereby creating further scope for the faculties.
The final decision and responsibility for introducing flexibility across the entire university lies with the Executive Board, which is accountable for the functioning of the entire university, particularly in the areas of study and teaching. Here, the university must fulfil its fundamental responsibility and, even during the crisis – in accordance with its constitutional mandate – duly fulfil its teaching and examination obligations.
Based on feedback from the faculties and the administration, the Centre for Quality Improvement in Studies and Teaching (ZfQ) will provide an informative guide to the regulations. This will be continuously updated based on experience gained whilst the pandemic regulations remain in force.
In addition, a medium-term plan will be drawn up for the continued implementation of essential operations, with a view to the transition to the 2020/21 winter semester.
The regulations on mitigating the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus epidemic on studies and teaching at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences can be found here.
Protected core operations
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences was placed under regulated emergency operations at an early stage to protect all its members. This was done to safeguard the health of all members. Extensive opportunities for working from home were made available. The corresponding Executive Board resolution of 17 March 2020 remained in force until 19 April.
From 20 April, operations at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences will transition to protected core operations. On-site presence must continue to be kept to a minimum. Nevertheless, in order to implement digital teaching programmes and ensure the smooth running of the semester, it is necessary to allow access to office spaces, shift work in laboratories for research purposes, and access to facilitate the organisation of digital teaching, e.g. for recording lectures. All public and non-public events, as well as gatherings where people come into contact with one another – regardless of the number of participants – both indoors and outdoors, remain prohibited, and hygiene regulations must be observed.
“We now wish to work together to help shape a sustainable response to the coronavirus pandemic; this is why we are transitioning the university to ‘protected core operations’ as the basis for its continued functioning, in line with the Federal Government’s policy statement. Our special thanks go to all members of the university community who have already made an enormous contribution in this exceptional situation over the past few weeks, and to all those who are shaping the times ahead so that the university can maintain its operations and develop new formats,” emphasises the President, Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen.
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Coronavirus Task Force
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has set up a Coronavirus Task Force to monitor the situation and coordinate possible measures. The task force is currently meeting several times a week to respond to the latest developments. It also draws on scientific expertise from the university’s faculties and institutions and liaises with the health authorities. Furthermore, there is close coordination with the other universities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Hygiene
An increased focus on hygiene measures and awareness is the top priority at present. For example, posters with hygiene guidelines have been displayed throughout the university and additional hand sanitiser stations have been set up. To protect against infection, the university continues to ask that you strictly observe the hygiene measures listed below:
Recommendations
The Executive Board of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences recommends that all members of the university community follow the latest information, travel and safety advice closely and monitor the situation.
Further information from the Federal Ministry of Health and the Robert Koch Institute can be found in the downloads section.
Information provided by the library
You can find a comprehensive overview of current services on the library’s website.
General information
The university continues to follow the recommendations and assessments of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the health ministries regarding the coronavirus: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebie...
The local health authority for the district of Kleve can be contacted Monday to Friday between 8.00 am and 11.00 am on 02821 85 – 311 (https://www.kreis-kleve.de/de/fachbereich5/corona-virus/).
The local health authority for the district of Wesel can be reached on 0281 207 – 0 (https://www.kreis-wesel.de/de/dienstleistungen/infektionskrankheiten-meldung-information-und-beratung/).
A further note: There are currently many rumours circulating about the spread of the coronavirus and its consequences. In this context, we would urge you to treat this information with caution. Please consult only official sources such as those of the RKI: https://www.rki.de. Do not treat anyone with general suspicion! Nor is there any reason to subject people from the affected areas to special protective or behavioural measures, or to demand certain behaviours from them, without good cause. This is not in line with the current risk assessment by the German health authorities.
Further information is published regularly on the university’s website.
