The federal states have agreed on a joint approach to organising the 2020 summer term. The aim is to create the necessary framework conditions to ensure that teaching and research activities at universities run smoothly.
The 2020 summer term is set to be an unusual one. However, to ensure it does not become a wasted term, the federal states have jointly decided to put in place the necessary framework to ensure that teaching and research at universities can continue smoothly. At Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, preparations for this are already in full swing.
“In view of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 summer term should be characterised by creativity, flexibility, consideration and reliability towards our students, as well as all other members of our university,” explains President Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen. Together with the state government and the Ministry of Science, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, in consultation with the other universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, will offer its students a wide variety of teaching and examination options. Students can take advantage of these options depending on their individual circumstances and thus earn credit points.
“At present, we are working on the assumption that, in accordance with nationwide regulations, the summer term will not count towards the standard period of study. If students are unable to complete all planned courses, this should not affect the standard period of study,” the President continued. Furthermore, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences will, as a matter of principle, continue to enter into contracts with student assistants for teaching purposes and, as far as possible, continue to award teaching contracts to lecturers.
Nevertheless, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is also faced with the question of whether and when, after the Easter holidays, face-to-face teaching might be able to take place on both campuses alongside online courses – possibly initially as blended learning, i.e. a combination of digital teaching and face-to-face sessions. For Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, this will also represent a significant step forward for the future, as not all teaching formats can be easily delivered online. This applies in particular to (laboratory) practicals, seminars and workshops. Furthermore, much of the course content is fundamentally characterised by face-to-face interaction and practical application.
“There will certainly be further insights and scope for flexibility by the time the summer semester officially begins on 20 April. We will need to continue to assess the situation on a day-to-day basis,” explains the President, adding: “Fundamentally, however, despite all the opportunities offered by digitalisation and online learning, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences will remain a university with a strong focus on face-to-face teaching. This is because our international and intercultural approach, in particular, is characterised by face-to-face communication and on-site integration.”
