Ladies and Gentlemen,
Due to the introduction of the state of epidemic in Poland, on 23 March 2020, the Minister of Science and Higher Education Jarosław Gowin signed the Regulation on the extension of restriction in the operation of universities until 10 April 2020. I therefore ask you to follow strictly the provisions which are effective during the state of epidemic, and particularly to limit contacts with other people. The situation is serious and requires us to adopt responsible citizenship and approach to the changing reality.
To reduce the effects of temporary suspension of classes, we have introduced to obligation to run classes online – regardless whether this solution was originally included in the education programme. Educational outcomes can be checked using IT technologies. We have prepared for you a number of e-learning solutions for this purpose. Information about distance learning at the University of Silesia is available on the following websites: www.e-learning.us.edu.pl and www.centrumdydaktyki.us.edu.pl.
Let me also remind you that 1.5 week ago we started a new website to help you find the most important information about the operation of our University during the state of epidemic introduced in Poland: www.koronawirus.us.edu.pl.
The university employees’ requirement to report for duty at the premises of the University has also been limited, except for the cases when the presence of employees is necessary to ensure continuity in the operation of the University. The current circumstances make it necessary to maintain the previously introduced changes in organisation and system of work at the University of Silesia in Katowice. I have implemented Ordinance no. 38 to extend the duration of introduced solutions regarding work organisation until 10 April 2020.
Unfortunately, not all university employees can perform their duties remotely. Many of you continue to carry out their tasks in the workplace. I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the service and administration staff – thanks to your commitment, we have no reason for concern about timely payment of benefits, or operation of the University buildings.
Strong efforts of the administration and service staff of university residential areas in the last few days enabled our University to respond appropriately to the recommendations of the Silesian Governor. I also appreciate the work of cleaning and security staff who take daily care of the maintenance and safety of our campuses and student residence halls in this difficult time.
I thank all academics, non-academic employees, doctoral students and students for understanding the seriousness of the situation, adjusting to the new working and studying conditions, for their commitment and readiness to help one another.
I would like to assure you that all decisions of the authorities of the University of Silesia are intended for the benefit of the University and academic community. We have to be together, especially in this difficult period, supporting and being friendly to one another – at this unique moment, unprecedented in the history of the University, we can prove that we are a community.
Kind regards,
Prof. Andrzej Kowalczyk
Rector of the University of Silesia