Dear students,
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 first-semester students – to experience at least a short period of university life and face-to-face learning.
However, in light of 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 view 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.
With a heavy heart, the Presidential Board 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 Presidential Board and the emergency committed have decided to implement the following measures:
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.
Study areas
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.
University Sports Centre
The University Sports Centre will be closed from 2 November.
Cafeterias
For detailed information on the current situation, please refer to the website of student services (“Studentenwerk”).
Face mask or covering
Since 2 September, a face mask or covering must be worn in all LUH buildings (see FAQ 2.1.2). University management would like to remind all LUH members that this is strictly necessary.
Please do not hesitate to submit any questions by sending an email to vpl@uni-hannover.de.
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
