Dear students,
In light of the constantly high number of infections and additional concerns regarding a mutated form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the federal and state governments have reached an agreement issued on 5 January 2021, which states that measures to contain the corona pandemic must be tightened. In particular, this applies to limitations on contact as well as a possible limitation of the range of movement in regions with an incidence rate exceeding 200. The state of Lower Saxony will implement the resolution by the federal and state governments by preparing state-specific regulations in a timely manner.
Even though these measures explicitly apply to private contexts - and not professional ones - Leibniz University Hannover strives to handle this situation responsibly while keeping in mind the interests, requirements and concerns of students and members of staff as much as possible. Therefore, we permanently assess risks and possibilities. Ensuring the well-being of all those involved is our highest priority. In addition, our obligation as a university must be to fulfil our educational duties towards society, in order to enable you - our students - to continue and complete your studies.
Understandably, we receive many questions and concerned queries, which I would like to answer in the following. Please also refer to the information provided on our corona website.
Examinations
- Will on-campus examinations at LUH take place as scheduled?
Yes. We have already introduced special hygiene measures for conducting examinations, which have been approved by the local health authority. Since we have great confidence in the quality of our processes and their implementation by the faculties, those regulations remain unchanged for the time being in order to ensure that you can continue or complete your studies. - How will the recent resolution to extend the lockdown affect the situation at state or federal level? Am I allowed to travel to Hannover in order so sit examinations on campus?
Based on your status as a LUH student, you may sit examinations and therefore travel to Hannover, provided that you do not show any symptoms of illness (see FAQ sections 1.2 and 2.2). Travel for the purpose of sitting on-campus examinations is not considered private travel. Therefore, limitations on contact in place for the private domain do not apply.
Currently, the situation in public and long-distance transport permits travel to and from examinations; transport providers offer transportation with unchanged schedules. - What happens if I cannot sit an on-campus examination?
If you have registered for an on-campus examination, but cannot sit the examination as scheduled, this will not be counted as an unsuccessful attempt. Where possible, please use the registration period for resits and register again. With regard to individual regulations that may be in place at your faculty, please contact the respective dean of studies office. - Are there any alternatives to on-campus examinations?
In the course of the general examination regulations established to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning, faculties and examination boards can change assessment types, provided that this is possible for scheduled types of examinations determined within the scope of the examination regulations. Please contact your dean of studies office in order to learn more about possible alternatives to on-campus examinations.
Access to buildings and study areas
In general, students are not permitted to enter most LUH buildings. Students attending a face-to-face session at the university in winter semester 2020/21 are called upon to go straight to their lecture or seminar room and leave the building immediately once the session has ended. Staying inside the university buildings is only allowed in specifically designated areas. The PC lab on the second floor as well as study areas on the fourteenth floor of Conti-Campus are available for students of all faculties. Additional study areas are available in the atrium of the main university building ("Lichthof"). Further information can be found in section 3.1.1.
TIB - Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology and University Library
Circulation desks and most reading areas are available at the following locations: TIB Science/Technology (Welfengarten), TIB Conti-Campus, TIB Social Sciences, TIB History/Religious Studies. Further information, including detailed opening hours, can be found here: www.tib.eu/en/service/news/details/corona-virus-updated-opening-hours-and-information-on-library-visits
If you have any questions regarding your studies, please do not hesitate to contact our Vice President for Teaching and Academic Programmes, Prof. Julia Gillen, or members of staff in her department at vpl@uni-hannover.de. Professor Gillen has succeeded Professor Billmann-Mahecha as Vice President for Teaching and Academic Programmes, who retired in January.
Finally, I would like to address an important matter: Please demonstrate solidarity, reduce personal contacts and support the measures to contain the pandemic by acting responsibly. In this context, I would also like to remind you that a face mask or covering must be worn at all LUH locations as well as in all buildings of LUH. I am confident that we will be able to overcome any challenges that may arise in the coming months.
Kind regards,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
