University of Silesia in Katowice

Organisation of education

1. As a rule, classes are conducted on-site. The remote classes are highlighted in the schedule.
2. Exams and credits will be conducted on-site. In justified cases, it will be possible to conduct verification of learning outcomes remotely.
3. Consultations and office hours of academics for students, doctoral students and participants postgraduate studies will be held on-site in the premises of the University of Silesia. In justified cases, consultations and office hours may be held remotely. Information is provided by the relevant dean’s office.

Documentation

All matters related to the course of studies, which required personal presence in the Dean’s Office, in particular requests for extension of the examination session, settlement of the semester and approval of the subject of diploma thesis can be processed remotely, with the exception of the cases when personal presence of the student is required due to the effective regulations or decision of the faculty authorities.

Organisation and participation in events

Organisation of events subject to external regulations (governmental information), only in the locations approved by the University authorities. Organisation of events possible to the extent to which sanitary regime (including distance) can be maintained. Recommended consultation on organisation of events with the Team for Monitoring the University Operation during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Information is provided by the Student Service Centre: dlastudenta@us.edu.pl.

Mobility

Foreign mobilities are allowed with consent of the Dean/Head of the Unit expressed on the request for foreign trip – WS part (referral to go abroad) or WP part (business trip order). There is no requirement of submitting an additional application.

• The Dean/Head of the Unit may refuse the consent for foreign mobility, taking into consideration the destination and goal of the trip.
• In planning and executing mobility it is necessary to take into consideration the existing restrictions in international traffic (closed borders of particular countries, air traffic restrictions, quarantine, COVID-19 test requirement etc.) and other restrictions.
• It is necessary to submit additional statements before the departure and take action to limit the potential effects of increased risk.
• All standard procedures maintained.

Information on standard mobility procedures: https://us.edu.pl/student/mobilnosc/wyjazdy-zagraniczne/.

Information on additional requirements related to the pandemic: https://www.zdalny.us.edu.pl/pl/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa.

Information on mobility procedures is provided by the International Mobility Settlement Office at the International Relations Department: brmm@us.edu.pl, phone no.: 32 359 1868, 32 359 1400.

Foreign mobilities within the framework of educational exchange (Erasmus+, CEEPUS, bilateral agreements, NAWA etc.) take place in accordance with the applicable, above-indicated, standard procedures, applicable at the University of Silesia, taking into consideration the procedures applied as part of a particular exchange programme (including qualification in accordance with the procedure effective in the programme, signature of individual funding agreement, preparation of agreement for curriculum/internship (learning agreement for studies/traineeship, obtaining approval of the receiving institution). Mobilities in progress executed taking into consideration additional actions and solutions in connection with COVID-19, introduced by the institutions managing educational exchange programmes, host institutions, relevant authorities of the country of stay.

Information on mobilities under educational exchange: https://us.edu.pl/wspolpraca/wspolpraca-miedzynarodowa/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa/.

Information on mobilities under educational exchange is provided by the International Exchange Office at the International Relations Department: international@us.edu.pl, phone no.: 32 359 11 78.

Contact with the University

1. Communication by e-mail, phone or directly (mostly the first type). Doctoral students receive the most important information via the mailing list.
2. Meetings of the team managing the doctoral school with PhD students via MS Teams are permitted.
3. Documents can be delivered online. E-mail sent from an address in us.edu.pl is regarded as a signed document. Exceptions are the situations in which it is necessary to hand over the signed document due to procedural reasons. In such cases, the rules specified by the authorities of the Doctoral School shall be effective.

Organisation of education

1. Classes that can be organised with sanitary regime are conducted on-site, in hybrid manner or remotely, according to the arrangements of individuals planning the education process (deans, heads of doctoral studies).
2. Organisation of scientific and teaching work (internships in the form of conducting classes) in line with the rules effective in the research unit where it is carried out.

Organisation and participation in events

Organisation of events subject to external regulations (governmental information), only in the locations approved by the University authorities. Organisation of events possible to the extent to which sanitary regime (including distance) can be maintained. Recommended consultation on organisation of events with the Team for Monitoring the University Operation during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Information is provided by the Student Service Centre: dlastudenta@us.edu.pl.

Mobility

Foreign mobilities are allowed with consent of the Dean/Head of the Unit expressed on the request for foreign trip – WS part (referral to go abroad) or WP part (business trip order). There is no requirement of submitting an additional application.

• The Dean/Head of the Unit may refuse the consent for foreign mobility, taking into consideration the destination and goal of the trip.
• In planning and executing mobility it is necessary to take into consideration the existing restrictions in international traffic (closed borders of particular countries, air traffic restrictions, quarantine, COVID-19 test requirement etc.) and other restrictions.
• It is necessary to submit additional statements before the departure and take action to limit the potential effects of increased risk.
• All standard procedures maintained.

Information on standard mobility procedures: https://us.edu.pl/doktorant/mobilnosc-rozwój/konferencje-i-wyjazdy-zagraniczne/.

Information on additional requirements related to the pandemic: https://www.zdalny.us.edu.pl/pl/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa.

Information on mobility procedures is provided by the International Mobility Settlement Office at the International Relations Department: brmm@us.edu.pl, phone no.: 32 359 1868, 32 359 1400.

Foreign mobilities within the framework of educational exchange (Erasmus+, CEEPUS, bilateral agreements, NAWA etc.) take place in accordance with the applicable, above-indicated, standard procedures, applicable at the University of Silesia, taking into consideration the procedures applied as part of a particular exchange programme (including qualification in accordance with the procedure effective in the programme, signature of individual funding agreement, preparation of agreement for curriculum/internship (learning agreement for studies/traineeship, obtaining approval of the receiving institution). Mobilities in progress executed taking into consideration additional actions and solutions in connection with COVID-19, introduced by the institutions managing educational exchange programmes, host institutions, relevant authorities of the country of stay.

Information on mobilities under educational exchange: https://us.edu.pl/wspolpraca/wspolpraca-miedzynarodowa/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa/.

Information on mobilities under educational exchange is provided by the International Exchange Office at the International Relations Department: international@us.edu.pl, phone no.: 32 359 11 78.

Contact with the University

1. Communication by e-mail, phone or directly (mostly the first type). Doctoral students receive the most important information via the mailing list.
2. Meetings of team managing the doctoral school with all PhD students via MS Teams every two weeks.
3. Documents are provided online only. E-mail sent from an address in us.edu.pl is regarded as a signed document. Exceptions are the situations in which it is necessary to hand over the signed document due to procedural reasons. In such cases, communication must be carried out via outboxes or designated points.

Regulations

https://us.edu.pl/szkola-doktorska/

https://www.mssd.us.edu.pl/

https://us.edu.pl/doktorant/

Organisation of education

1. As a rule, classes are conducted on-site. The remote classes are highlighted in the schedule.
2. Exams and credits will be conducted on-site. In justified cases, it will be possible to conduct verification of learning outcomes remotely.
3. Consultations and office hours of academics for students, doctoral students and participants postgraduate studies will be held on-site in the premises of the University of Silesia. In justified cases, consultations and office hours may be held remotely.

Work organisation

Implementation of research and organisational duties on-site subject to sanitary regime and optional remote rotating system, if it is necessary to keep the distance rules or in case of other special reasons (decisions of relevant managers). Implementation of teaching duties in accordance with the rules of organisation of education as specified for risk status 1.

The employees in quarantine and the employees in mandatory home isolation may, subject to the employer’s approval, perform the work specified in the contract of employment remotely and receive remuneration for performing their duties.

The request for remote work during quarantine or insulation, which constitutes Annex no. 1 (Request for remote work during quarantine or insulation), should be delivered to the following address: dzial.plac@us.edu.pl, cc: kadry@us.edu.pl.

Participation in trainings

Trainings are conducted remotely, on-site or in hybrid form. Trainings in the premises of the University may be conducted only in groups that allow to keep safe distance and subject to sanitary regime. Participation in trainings organised outside the University is permitted only with consent of the supervisor and subject to sanitary regime.Participation of employees in open trainings conducted in the hybrid form or on-site is possible under the condition that the employee submits a statement of will to participate in the open training conducted in one of the above-mentioned forms.

Information is provided by the HR Department: dhr@us.edu.pl

Mobility

Foreign mobilities are allowed with consent of the Dean/Head of the Unit expressed on the request for foreign trip – WS part (referral to go abroad) or WP part (business trip order). There is no requirement of submitting an additional application.

• The Dean/Head of the Unit may refuse the consent for foreign mobility, taking into consideration the destination and goal of the trip.
• In planning and executing mobility it is necessary to take into consideration the existing restrictions in international traffic (closed borders of particular countries, air traffic restrictions, quarantine, COVID-19 test requirement etc.) and other restrictions.
• It is necessary to submit additional statements before the departure and take action to limit the potential effects of increased risk.
• All standard procedures maintained.

Information on standard mobility procedures: https://us.edu.pl/pracownik/sprawy-miedzynarodowe/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa/.

Information on additional requirements related to the pandemic: https://www.zdalny.us.edu.pl/pl/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa.

Information on mobility procedures is provided by the International Mobility Settlement Office at the International Relations Department: brmm@us.edu.pl, phone no.: 32 359 1868, 32 359 1400.

Foreign mobilities within the framework of educational exchange (Erasmus+, CEEPUS, bilateral agreements, NAWA etc.) take place in accordance with the applicable, above-indicated, standard procedures, applicable at the University of Silesia, taking into consideration the procedures applied as part of a particular exchange programme (including qualification in accordance with the procedure effective in the programme, signature of individual funding agreement, preparation of agreement for curriculum/internship (learning agreement for studies/traineeship, obtaining approval of the receiving institution). Mobilities in progress executed taking into consideration additional actions and solutions resulting from COVID-19, introduced by the institutions managing educational exchange programmes, host institutions, relevant authorities of the country of stay.

Information on mobilities under educational exchange: https://us.edu.pl/wspolpraca/wspolpraca-miedzynarodowa/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa/.

Information on mobilities under educational exchange is provided by the International Exchange Office at the International Relations Department: international@us.edu.pl, phone no.: 32 359 11 78.

Selection process for academic posts

Selection process for academic posts mostly conducted remotely. On-site meeting of the selection board in the premises of the University possible subject to sanitary regime. On-site meeting in the premises of the University with candidates possible in the case of conducting qualification interviews in accordance with the provision of Section 130 of the Statute of the University of Silesia subject to basic sanitary regime.

Information is provided by the HR Department: dhr@us.edu.pl.

Work organisation 

Work performance in the workplace at the University of Silesia subject to sanitary regime and social distance rules, it is also possible to work remotely (decision to be taken by the immediate supervisor).

The employees in quarantine and the employees in mandatory home isolation may, subject to the employer’s approval, perform the work specified in the contract of employment remotely and receive remuneration for performing their duties.

The request for remote work during quarantine or isolation, which constitutes Annex no. 1 (Request for remote work during quarantine or isolation), should be delivered to the following address: dzial.plac@us.edu.pl, cc: kadry@us.edu.pl.

Information is provided by the Department of Personal and Social Affairs: kadry@us.edu.pl.

Remote work rules:

• employee performing remote work is obliged to carry out the ordered duties in their effective working time, including in particular: monitoring business e-mail (managing correspondence on an ongoing basis) and using company mobile phone and/or computer (if available);
• employee is obliged to provide the results of ordered remote work via electronic media systematically, whereas the direct supervisor shall verify the completed work on an ongoing basis;
• direct supervisors of the University employees shall keep ongoing contact with an employee performing remote work and supervise the effects of their work;
• remote work is ordered to an employee by the direct supervisor [TEMPLATE OF REMOTE WORK REQUEST];

Additional guidelines for work performance:

1. With reference to work performance in the workplace at the University of Silesia:
2. In the case of performing work in the workplace, apart from normal working time for the employees specified Sections 34-35 of the Rules and Regulations of Work at the University of Silesia, flexible or equivalent working time can also be used respectively.
3. With reference to mixed work performance on a single day (remote work and work performance in the workplace at the University of Silesia):
4. In the case of mixing remote work and work performance in the workplace on a single day, it should be taken into consideration that travel time to the place of residence counts as working time.

With reference to correspondence and handling affairs:

• contacts between employees at work should be reduced to minimum to the extent possible;
• affairs may be handled by e-mail;
• General Office is still used for handling traditional correspondence from units and stakeholders sent to particular general university administration units.

Participation in trainings 

Trainings are mostly conducted remotely. In the case of subjects which cannot be conducted remotely, it is possible to conduct a training in hybrid form or conditionally on-site. Trainings in the premises of the University may be conducted only in groups that allow to keep safe distance and subject to sanitary regime. Participation in trainings organised outside the University is permitted only with consent of the supervisor and subject to sanitary regime.

Participation of employees in open trainings conducted in the hybrid form or on-site is possible under the condition that the employee submits a statement of will to participate in the open training conducted in one of the above-mentioned forms.

Information is provided by the HR Department: dhr@us.edu.pl

Mobility 

Foreign mobilities are allowed with consent of the Dean/Head of the Unit expressed on the request for foreign trip – WS part (referral to go abroad) or WP part (business trip order). There is no requirement of submitting an additional application.

• The Dean/Head of the Unit may refuse the consent for foreign mobility, taking into consideration the destination and goal of the trip.
• In planning and executing mobility it is necessary to take into consideration the existing restrictions in international traffic (closed borders of particular countries, air traffic restrictions, quarantine, COVID-19 test requirement etc.) and other restrictions.
• It is necessary to submit additional statements before the departure and take action to limit the potential effects of increased risk.
• All standard procedures maintained.

Information on standard mobility procedures: https://us.edu.pl/pracownik/sprawy-miedzynarodowe/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa/.

Information on additional requirements related to the pandemic: https://www.zdalny.us.edu.pl/pl/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa.

Information on mobility procedures is provided by the International Mobility Settlement Office at the International Relations Department: brmm@us.edu.pl, phone no.: 32 359 1868, 32 359 1400.

Foreign mobilities within the framework of educational exchange (Erasmus+, CEEPUS, bilateral agreements, NAWA etc.) take place in accordance with the applicable, above-indicated, standard procedures, applicable at the University of Silesia, taking into consideration the procedures applied as part of a particular exchange programme (including qualification in accordance with the procedure effective in the programme, signature of individual funding agreement, preparation of agreement for curriculum/internship (learning agreement for studies/traineeship, obtaining approval of the receiving institution). Mobilities in progress executed taking into consideration additional actions and solutions resulting from COVID-19, introduced by the institutions managing educational exchange programmes, host institutions, relevant authorities of the country of stay.

Information on mobilities under educational exchange: https://us.edu.pl/wspolpraca/wspolpraca-miedzynarodowa/mobilnosc-miedzynarodowa/.

Information on mobilities under educational exchange is provided by the International Exchange Office at the International Relations Department: international@us.edu.pl, phone no.: 32 359 11 78.

Selection process for non-academic employees 

Selection process for non-academic employee posts mostly conducted remotely. On-site meeting in the premises of the University with candidates possible at the last stage of recruitment subject to basic sanitary regime (concerning individual meetings with the maximum of 3 candidates who meet the expectations best).

Information is provided by the HR Department: dhr@us.edu.pl.

Check-in/check-out

Applications for granting a place in the student residence hall are submitted by e-mail (scans) or sent by traditional mail. Accommodation at the beginning of the academic year is carried out in line with the determined schedule (limited number of individuals and queues). Accommodation process subject to sanitary regime and taking into consideration the social distance (it is mandatory to cover your nose and mouth).

Obligation to submit statements: all individuals living in student residence halls and teacher residence halls are obliged to submit a relevant statement in the administration office of the relevant student residence hall/teacher residence hall [TEMPLATE STATEMENT]

General Principles

Observing safety rules, application of basic protective means, including disinfection (at the entrance to the building), permitted temperature measurement for individuals entering a student residence hall.

You will find current information in the Announcements tab on the following website: https://www.zdalny.us.edu.pl.

Publicly available rooms

Hand disinfection at the entrance to the building, permitted movement of persons, keeping social distance, restriction in the number of people using rooms at the same time.

Payments

Recommended remote payments, possibility to use payment terminals.

You will find current information in the Announcements tab on the following website: https://www.zdalny.us.edu.pl.

Guest visits

Possibility to restrict access for the individuals who are not residents.

Information on processing personal data of individuals from the outside/guests visiting the campus inhabitants (GDPR clause); available in particular at the porter’s lodges of student residence halls/teacher residence halls.

Information is provided by the Student Service Centre: dlastudenta@us.edu.pl.

Access to infrastructure for the purpose of implementing research work

Access to equipment subject to sanitary regime. The faculty authorities may determine the rules for registering individuals present in laboratories.

Provisions of this paragraph shall apply to research and artistic infrastructure used for conducting research, artistic process and education.

Information on the operation of research, educational and artistic infrastructure is provided by the offices for research, educational and artistic infrastructure at the relevant faculties:

1. Faculty of Natural Sciences – Dr Agnieszka Janiak, agnieszka.janiak@us.edu.pl
2. Faculty of Science and Technology – Sławomir Kaptacz, MSc, slawomir.kaptacz@us.edu.pl
3. Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School – Dr Adrian Robak, adrian.robak@us.edu.pl
4. Faculty of Arts and Educational Science – Tomasz Rzeźniczek, MA tomasz.rzeźniczek@us.edu.pl

and

Science and Research Department, Artistic, Research and Educational Infrastructure Office, Dr Eng. Marcin Libera, Dr Stella Hensel-Bielówka, Tomasz Gaweł PhD Eng., bibda@us.edu.pl.

1. Administrator of the workroom/laboratory is obliged to maintain the register pf entering individuals [INFRASTRUCTURE USE RECORD].
2. Administration and Economic Departments of Campuses provide the appropriate disinfecting and protective measures for IT infrastructure and prepare the place for storing these measures, together with the relevant descriptions.
3. Disinfecting and protective measures are located in every room with Artistic, Research and Educational Infrastructure, in designated areas, and they shall be labelled due to the intended use as “personal disinfectant”, “device disinfectant” etc.
4. The rooms where IT equipment is used are provided by the Administration and Economic Department with foil for securing keyboards and other IT devices touched during work.
5. The Faculty Office for Research, Educational and Artistic Infrastructure at the relevant faculty is responsible for the organisation of disinfection process of research, educational and artistic infrastructure and for the determination of disinfection rules in particular laboratories/workrooms, taking into consideration their specific nature.
6. Faculty Office for Research, Educational and Artistic Infrastructure provides information on the manner of disinfection to:
   1. academics through the relevant Dean’s office and Degree Programme Director,
   2. individuals using research, educational and artistic infrastructure by placing instructions with the manner of disinfection in a visible location in a room with research, educational and artistic infrastructure, including disinfectants and protective measures,
   3. administrators of research, educational and artistic infrastructure who specifically supervise it due to the unique nature of such infrastructure.
7. Depending on the type of research, educational and artistic infrastructure, in line with the instructions, the user may be authorised to disinfect the research, educational and artistic infrastructure before and after work with research, educational and artistic infrastructure.
8. The individuals staying in a laboratory/workroom are obliged to wear face asks or visors and gloves, apart from the clothes compliant with the relevant OHS regulations for a particular workroom/laboratory. You do not have to wear a face mask or visor if you are in a room by yourself.
9. The number of individuals who can in a laboratory/workroom at the same time is determined based on the laboratory surface minus the area occupied by the equipment (the minimum distance between people working is 2 metres).
10. The information in Polish and English about the number individuals who can stay in a workroom/laboratory shall be placed on the door.

Access to infrastructure for the purpose of conducting classes 

Research, educational and artistic infrastructure available for students subject to the following restrictions: classes conducted in line with special schedules with adjusted number of students in a group to social distance regime and required break for contact-free exchange of students, ventilation and disinfection of devices and rooms.

1. The teacher is obliged to maintain the register of entering individuals [INFRASTRUCTURE USE RECORD and LABORATORY WORK LOGBOOK].
2. Administration and Economic Departments of Campuses provide the appropriate disinfecting and protective measures for IT infrastructure and prepare the place for storing these measures, together with the relevant descriptions.
3. Disinfecting and protective measures are located in every room with Artistic, Research and Educational Infrastructure, in designated areas, and they shall be labelled due to the intended use as “personal disinfectant”, “device disinfectant” etc.
4. The rooms where IT equipment is used are provided by the Administration and Economic Department with foil for securing keyboards and other IT devices touched during work.
5. The Faculty Office for Research, Educational and Artistic Infrastructure at the relevant faculty is responsible for the organisation of disinfection process of research, educational and artistic infrastructure and for the determination of disinfection rules in particular laboratories/workrooms, taking into consideration their specific nature.
6. Faculty Office for Research, Educational and Artistic Infrastructure provides information on the manner of disinfection to:
   1. academics through the relevant Dean’s office and Degree Programme Director,
   2. individuals using research, educational and artistic infrastructure by placing instructions with the manner of disinfection in a visible location in a room with research, educational and artistic infrastructure, including disinfectants and protective measures,
   3. administrators of research, educational and artistic infrastructure who specifically supervise it due to the unique nature of such infrastructure.
7. Depending on the type of research, educational and artistic infrastructure, in line with the instructions, the user may be authorised to disinfect the research, educational and artistic infrastructure before and after work with research, educational and artistic infrastructure.
8. The individuals staying in a laboratory/workroom are obliged to wear face asks or visors and gloves, apart from the clothes compliant with the relevant OHS regulations for a particular workroom/laboratory. You do not have to wear a face mask or visor if you are in a room by yourself.
9. The number of individuals who can in a laboratory/workroom at the same time is determined based on the laboratory surface minus the area occupied by the equipment (the minimum distance between people working is 2 metres).
10. The information in Polish and English about the number individuals who can stay in a workroom/laboratory shall be placed on the door.

General

• participants of are obliged to disinfect their hands before and after classes;
• outside the sports facilities – before and after classes – everyone shall use the mask to cover their mouth and nose and keep safe social distance of at least 2 metres;
• 15-minute breaks for room ventilation between the groups;
• disinfection of handles, benches in changing rooms and rooms is carried out from 1 PM to 1:45 PM.

Sports classes 

Classes are conducted on-site subject to sanitary regime concerning recreation. To the extent possible, classes are partly conducted outdoors. Adjustment of the number of groups to the size of sports facilities, in line with the sanitary regime.

Information is provided by the Centre for Physical Education and Sport: cwfis@us.edu.pl.

Additional sports classes
(e.g. University Sports Association, non-didactic trainings, student organisations)

Trainings are conducted on-site subject to sanitary regime defined by specific sports associations/organisations. Information is provided by the Centre for Physical Education and Sport: cwfis@us.edu.pl.

Lease

Use of facilities by external individuals in accordance with the currently applicable regulations of the Council of Ministers and subject to sanitary regime. Possible lease subject to the specified restrictions.

Information is provided by the Centre for Physical Education and Sport: cwfis@us.edu.pl.

Premises (including administrative premises) are publicly available

Restricted gatherings in publicly available spaces, frequent ventilation of rooms, entering the building with nose and mouth covered, hand disinfection at the entrance, keeping social distance, following sanitary regime.

Service outlets subject to sanitary regime. Systematic monitoring of sanitary regime application (heads of administration and economic departments at campuses, organisational head).

Classrooms

Restricted gatherings near the lecture halls, frequent ventilation of rooms, entering the building with nose and mouth covered, hand disinfection at the entrance, keeping social distance.