Winter term 2021/22: Return to a hybrid learning model

Winter semester 2021/22: Return to partial in-person teaching (as at 11 August 2021)

There will be more face-to-face teaching at all universities in North Rhine-Westphalia than in the last three semesters, and this also applies to 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, over 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 benefit from direct interaction, such as laboratory practicals, small intensive projects, etc. In other words: some parts of the degree programme will take place online and, where necessary and practicable, in person.

Arrangements 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 courses on offer and will not miss out on a semester.

Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences will not be able to offer fully in-person teaching in the 2021/22 winter semester. However, learning and discussing together in smaller groups will be possible. 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 COVID-19 pandemic continues to prevent Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences from resuming 100 per cent in-person teaching from the 2021/22 winter semester onwards. Reasons for this include:

• the pandemic situation, which remains dynamic worldwide, not least due to the Delta variant
• a lack of physical capacity to ensure that social distancing rules can be adhered to in the event of a full reopening
• a lack of information regarding the level of vaccination coverage amongst teaching staff and students
• international students have not necessarily been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the Paul Ehrlich Institute
• uncertainties regarding entry and visa restrictions for international students

General circumstances

Enrolled students have already been informed by their faculties that many courses will be offered in digital and hybrid formats, though some will also take place in person. The circumstances vary greatly from degree programme to degree programme. Further planning is still underway, and more detailed information on the organisation of the winter semester will follow as soon as possible.

Guidance

All students are asked to note the following:

• Get vaccinated. Important for students from abroad: This must be a vaccine recognised by the Paul Ehrlich Institute from one of the following manufacturers: BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson or Moderna (www.pei.de)
• If you have any symptoms of illness, stay at home under all circumstances
• Strictly adhere to the AHA rules
• Make use of the testing facilities
• Use a coronavirus warning app for contact tracing: Corona-Warn-App

Coronavirus – Important information for students