Dear colleagues,
As summer semester 2020 comes to a close, we have been busy preparing for winter semester 2020/2021 over the past few weeks. In this context, I would like to thank our Vice President for Teaching and Academic Programmes as well as the deans of studies and their teams who embraced this complex issue in a constructive, discursive and solution-oriented manner.
Our university needs to prepare reliable plans for the autumn and winter - however, these plans can only be based on our present understanding of the situation as well as the current regulations implemented to contain the coronavirus pandemic. It is crucial that these plans can be applied in various scenarios depending on the future development of the pandemic and taking into account the possibility that the crisis may intensify.
I would like to emphasise that universities continue to rely on face-to-face learning in order to create a sense of identity and to provide a home for their students. In many emails and personal encounters, our students have stressed that this is of the greatest importance to them - and how much they miss "their university".
However, considering the challenges outlined above, an immediate and complete return to face-to-face learning is currently not possible. In the interest of all members of the university, this would be irresponsible.
Since the current regulations on hygiene and distancing continue to be in place for the foreseeable future, the dean of studies offices have agreed on the following points regarding learning formats in the upcoming winter semester:
- First-semester students: At least in part, sessions for new students will take place face-to-face - such as in alternating, small and consistent groups supplemented by online learning formats.
- Wherever possible, sessions that cannot be held online will take place face-to-face. In particular, this includes practical laboratory courses and other practical exercises as well as field trips.
- Larger sessions - particularly larger lectures - will be held online.
- Wherever possible, smaller seminars will be held face-to-face.
I think that this approach will enable us to implement a hybrid semester with a mix of face-to-face and digital learning.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to our first semester students. Please support them in becoming acquainted with their studies and the student community while taking their worries and questions seriously to ensure that they feel welcome at Leibniz University Hannover.
Once again, I would like to thank all those involved for their outstanding commitment during the summer semester. I am confident that, as a team, we will be able to tackle any challenges that may arise in the winter semester.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
