Dear colleagues,
In light of mutated forms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and a constantly high number of infections, the federal and state governments had another meeting, which took place on Tuesday. As a result, all existing measures have been extended until 14 February 2021 while some measures have been tightened, in particular with regard to the mandatory use of face masks and regulations for working from home. Considering the current situation and the development of the pandemic, stricter limitations on contact must also be implemented in professional contexts. With regard to regulations for working from home, Leibniz University Hannover is already well-positioned. However, I would like to urge LUH staff in leadership positions to facilitate working from home, wherever possible. If working from home is not feasible, please consider other options, such as working in shifts. In addition, please refer to FAQ section 4.1 ff.
LUH has procured medical face masks and will distribute these masks to members of staff performing duties where face-to-face contact is necessary in professional contexts.
Following intensive discussions and in light of current developments regarding the spread of infections, the Presidential Board and the LUH emergency committee came to the conclusion that examinations scheduled to take place on-campus are no longer acceptable.
We know that this requires additional efforts on the part of all those involved and will result in organisational challenges and changes. Nevertheless, on-campus examinations at Leibniz University Hannover will be suspended between 25 January and 28 February 2021. With this measure, we aim to reduce contacts and ensure the well-being of all students and members of staff.
Written examinations held online and other assessment formats
The Presidential Board urges all dean of studies offices and all examiners to assess which on-campus examinations scheduled to take place before and after 1 March can be held online. We ask you to make use of the examination regulations established to reduce the impact of the pandemic, which facilitate alternative forms of assessments as well as greater leeway. Please note that our students are legally entitled to complete examinations within the current winter semester and that we must accommodate this. You are therefore asked to assess whether assessments originally planned as on-campus examinations can be held online (such as open book or multiple choice assessments) – either as scheduled or at a later date.
Members of teaching staff should inform their students as soon as possible, at the latest by the end of January, if examinations can be converted into an online format or an alternative form of assessment and provide specific information on dates and possible postponements.
On-campus examinations
Depending on the development of the pandemic, inevitable on-campus examinations must be held after 01.03.2021 and under strict compliance with the implemented hygiene measures. Alternative dates for these assessments will be scheduled by the task force mentioned below and announced from 15.02.2021.
The examination period will be extended to the summer semester.
Organisational aspects
For the purpose of planning alternative dates for inevitable on-campus examinations originally scheduled to take place until 01.03.2021, a university task force will be established, consisting of the dean of studies offices and the Examination Office and led the Vice President for Teaching and Academic Programmes. This task force will determine dates and locations for on-campus examinations.
The Presidential Board is aware that this decision causes immense difficulties for all members of Leibniz University Hannover and requires additional efforts in these extremely strenuous times. However, in light of the current situation, we are compelled to take this step. We thank all those involved for their patience and solidarity. We remain optimistic that we will be able to deal with this challenge together.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
