Guidelines for universities
On 30 September, the guidelines for the safe operation of universities and other entities of the system of higher education and science during the epidemic, set out by the Ministry of Education and Science, entered into force, under which the rules of organisation of education at the University of Silesia in the academic year 2021/2022 have been established. The priority of the University of Silesia is to ensure access to education and opportunities to conduct research at the highest possible level while keeping all members of the academic community safe.
The rules for the organisation of education at University of Silesia in the academic year 2021/2022:
Organisation of education
- Classes at the University of Silesia are generally conducted on-site.
- The scope of classes carried out remotely has been established by the faculty committees, faculty committees for education and student affairs, and faculty educational councils.
- Faculty guidelines for education in the winter semester 2021/2022 and class schedules indicating the mode of delivery (on-site, remote, or hybrid classes) have been published on the faculties’ websites.
- Classes provided under the University Educational Offer (OOD) and special learning paths (e.g. tutoring) can be taught remotely.
Preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2
- Covering the mouth and nose with a mask is mandatory in all common spaces, including classrooms.
- The obligation to cover the mouth and nose is waived for lecturers and students and doctoral students when speaking.
- Classes and meetings in small groups (up to 5 people) may be held without covering the mouth and nose, provided that all participants agree.
- Social distancing and regular hand disinfection is recommended, and airing the rooms and disinfecting them is a necessary practice.
- The University recommends and strongly encourages everyone to get vaccinated and provides prompt access to vaccination for all interested members of the academic community. To sign up for vaccination, please contact the university staff via szczepienie_koordynator@us.edu.pl
Conducting classes remotely
- The decision to conduct classes in whole or in part remotely may be made (in accordance with the rules set by the dean of the faculty) by:
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- the degree programme director – with regard to classes in 1st cycle studies, 2nd cycle studies, and long-cycle studies
- the head of doctoral studies – with respect to classes taught in doctoral programmes
- the head of doctoral studies upon consultation with the head of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies
- the coordinator for specific educational programmes, e.g. tutoring
- The decision to conduct classes remotely in doctoral schools may be taken by deans of doctoral schools.
Temporary remote teaching
- Classes that were intended to be conducted on-site may be conducted remotely for a specific period of time with the agreement of the degree programme director or, if appropriate, the dean of the doctoral school.
- The participants must be informed at least 24 hours in advance of the change to the remote mode.
Exams and credits
- Exams and credits will be conducted on-site.
- In justified cases, it will be permissible to carry out the verification of learning outcomes remotely.
Consultations and office hours
- Consultations and office hours for students, doctoral students, and postgraduate students will be held on-site, in the University of Silesia buildings.
- In justified cases, consultations and office hours may take place remotely.
The University of Silesia maintains its first security level (yellow). The manner of operation, in accordance with the regulations for this security status, has been specified in the Regulation of the Rector of the University of Silesia No 179 of 16 October 2020. In the coming days, the regulations for this level will be adjusted to the current guidelines.
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