Dear colleagues,
Our semester commenced on 12 October and I am glad that the lecture period started in October, not in November like at many other higher education institutions. This gave us the opportunity to enable our students – in particular our first-semester students – to experience at least two weeks of university life and face-to-face learning, and therefore a chance for networking and socialising.
Considering the rapidly increasing number of infections, the situation is extremely serious. Reducing contacts to an absolute minimum (“social distancing”) is the only way to break the chain of infection and stop the exponential growth rate of infections.
As announced in the news, the measures implemented as a result of discussions at federal level will have a significant impact on social life.
In this context, I would like to provide some information on measures implemented by the Presidential Board in agreement with the emergency committee of LUH, which will lead to further restrictions regarding university life – in the interest of all university members!
In light of the increasing number of infections, we consider maintaining day-to-day university operations our main responsibility (teaching, research, further education), while protecting LUH members and refraining from unnecessary activities. LUH considers itself an institution with an exemplary function, committed to society as a whole. University management urges each member of LUH to reduce contacts, take great care and demonstrate solidarity.
I would like to thank you for your commitment in terms of implementing hygiene measures and facilitating face-to-face learning at Leibniz University Hannover. I am sure that we will need these concepts in the future. For the time being and with a heavy heart, university management and the emergency committee have decided to return to online learning, starting on Monday. For Leibniz University Hannover, this is the only way to contribute to the overall goal of reducing contacts. In addition, ensuring the well-being of students, teaching staff and employees as well as those in their social environment is our highest priority.
The following measures must be observed by all members of LUH:
Lectures from 2 November
Starting on Monday, 2 November, all lectures must be held online. Face-to-face sessions are only permissible in cases where online teaching could potentially lead to an extension of the duration of studies. Specifically, this affects practical laboratory courses, practical sessions and theses.
Field trips
Effective immediately, field trips are no longer possible.
Events
In general, LUH events involving external guests (receptions, readings etc.) are not permitted.
Please determine, whether internal events can be held online. Cases where this seems impossible must be justified and proposed to the Presidential Board.
Scientific conferences and networking events
LUH conferences involving external participants are not permitted.
Further education
In general, further education programmes for external partners must be suspended. Exceptions may be made in individual cases in agreement with the Presidential Board.
Internal further education programmes for LUH members of staff should be held online.
Appointment committees and interviews
In general, appointment committees and interviews should be held online. Please determine whether face-to-face meetings are strictly necessary. If it is strictly necessary to meet in person, the regulations determined in the hygiene measures must be observed.
Work-related meetings
In general, work-related meetings with external guests should be held online. Please determine whether face-to-face meetings are strictly necessary. If it is strictly necessary to meet in person, the regulations determined in the hygiene measures must be observed.
In general, internal work-related meetings should also be held online. If it is strictly necessary to meet in person, the regulations determined in the hygiene measures must be observed.
Business travel
In general, business travel is not permitted. Business trips within Germany or abroad must be approved by the Presidential Board. Requests must be submitted to the Senior Vice President via Sandra Cohrs, Finance Department.
Working from home
The respective supervisors shall decide whether duties must be carried out on-site or may be performed while working from home taking into account the interests and requirements of their staff. Supervisors must ensure that operations can be maintained to the usual extent. In particular, employees must be available via email and telephone.
With regard to protecting more vulnerable groups, such as family members living in the same household, working from home is encouraged.
Other facilities
The University Sports Centre will be closed from 2 November. TIB - Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology and University Library - will stay open. The study areas located in the atrium of the main university building (“Lichthof”) and on the fourteenth floor of the Conti building as well as the PC lab on the second floor will also remain available. We call upon the faculties to keep all of their study areas open for which hygiene measures have been approved.
For any changes, please refer to the FAQ section on the university website https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/corona and the websites of the affected facilities on a regular basis.
Face mask or covering
Since 2 September, a face mask or covering must be worn in all LUH buildings. Members of staff may only remove their face mask or covering at their workspace (see FAQ 2.1.2). University management would like to remind all LUH members that this is strictly necessary.
Thank you for your perseverance and commitment in these difficult times. Please continue to be patient and respectful while demonstrating solidarity!
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
