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More freedom for organisation of education
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Unfortunately, Limburg is one of the most severely corona-affected regions in the Netherlands. There are students in quarantine and employees unable to come to campus. Schools and daycare centres are continually having to send classes home or even temporarily shut down, and we all know people who are stuck in quarantine or in need of care. This is not only worrying, but also brings with it a range of practical problems. These problems can differ from one faculty—or study programme or even tutorial group—to the next. Read on for an update on how we aim to cope with this.
More freedom for organisation of education We understand that we are a community of individuals, all of whom currently find themselves in different situations, with different needs and wishes. Some people are unable to come to campus due to quarantine, caregiving duties or school closures. And while some students are averse to face-to-face education for fear of infection, others are dismayed at the possible loss of their on-campus experience. All these situations can cause stress.
We cannot entirely do away with this, especially as we await the press conference tomorrow night (26 November). But assuming the government does not instruct us to revert exclusively to online education, we intend to give our students and teaching staff the freedom—temporarily, in mutual consultation, and depending on the specific educational situation—to make pragmatic choices concerning the most appropriate approach to education: on campus, hybrid or online. In practice, this is already the case, and we have every confidence that the complex phase in which we find ourselves is being handled with the necessary care and responsibility.
Exceptions: practicals and exams
Practicals Some practicals simply must take place on campus. As long as the government does not decide otherwise, we will do all we can to continue to offer this type of education in an appropriate and safe manner.
Exams Our position is that exams should be held on campus if and until we are told otherwise. We have made new agreements with the MECC to ensure that we can all keep a distance of 1.5 metres during exams.
Finally
Naturally, we are troubled by these developments and would prefer to apply the same, unambiguous approach for everyone. But doing so would not do justice to the complexity of the situation. We also believe that we can rely on our staff and students to find the appropriate balance in the organisation of education.
We had all hoped to kick off the winter season differently than last year. Together we have no choice but to keep going! Let us continue to take good care of one another and be mindful of the care tasks that once again weigh heavily on many of us. In particular, let us be tolerant of those whose views differ from our own. Reports have reached us that students and staff who choose to wear face masks during tutorial group meetings have on occasion met with suspicion. We must continue to show understanding for one another, and support each other wherever we can.
Following the press conference tomorrow evening, we will send an update this weekend or early next week if necessary.
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