The University is transitioning to online teaching
NEWS
Due to the Government's new recommendations for higher education institutions, Umeå University has decided to transition to online teaching from March 18. The decision also means that the university's premises, with certain exceptions, will be closed to students and visitors.
Text: Camilla Bergvall
In order to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus, Prime Minister Stefan Löfvén announced on Tuesday that the Government is recommending higher education institutions to conduct their teaching remotely from 18 March. Umeå University is following the government's recommendations, and is now suspending all teaching involving physical meetings. In addition, the University is closing its premises for students, with some exceptions.
“We have tried to prepare as much as possible for a similar situation, among other things, the opportunity for our teachers to use alternative and digital teaching methods,” says Hans Adolfsson, Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University. “With the new recommendation, we must take further measures. This means that all teaching from tomorrow will be conducted online, and that our premises will be closed to students.”
The decision also means that thesis work and independent work will not be allowed to take place in the university premises. More detailed guidelines on this will be announced shortly, as will guidelines on clinical placements in health care, as Umeå University is awaiting the regions' position on the issue.
Umeå University has already implemented a transition to alternative teaching and examination forms due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
“We have reviewed the capacity and support of the University's digital systems to facilitate and ensure a transition to online teaching. Since this morning, we have also permitted deviations from course syllabi regarding teaching and examination forms,” continued Hans Adolfsson.
In recent weeks, the University has taken several measures in response to COVID-19, among other things, and all public events have been canceled until further notice. Faculty, staff and students with illness symptoms have also stayed at home.
