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Coronavirus: Information for students and staff of the Faculty of Science, Charles University

Faculty of Science, Charles University on the issue of coronavirus spread and measures resulting from it. Informations are presented here in chronological order.

June 3rd, 9:35 - Opinions of The Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University of 1 June 2020

 

The Task Force of Charles University, Faculty of Science (FoS), has adopted, in accordance with extraordinary measures of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic ref. no. MZDR 20584/2020-3/MIN/KAN of 25 May 2020 and ref. no. 15757/2020-19/MIN/KAN of 25 May 2020, the following opinion on the operation of the FoS with regard to developments in the Covid-19 pandemic:

 

I. Regime for Entrance Examinations at the Faculty

1. The faculty buildings are open to applicants on business days between 07:00 and 19:00. 

2. Applicants are, when entering the faculty’s space, obligated to use the disinfectant products for their hands that are located there for this purpose. For the entire time of their presence in the faculty, applicants are obligated to wear protection for their airways.

3. Before an entrance examination, an applicant must provide a written sworn statement on the non-existence of symptoms of a viral infectious disease (e.g. fever, coughing, shortness of breath, sudden loss of taste and smell, etc.).  In the event of an entrance examination in the form of a written test, an applicant will hand the statement over before entering the lecture hall. In the event of an entrance examination performed in the form of an oral interview, he/she will hand the statement over to the commission before starting the examination. If an applicant takes an entrance examination on more than one date, he/she hands over a statement for each date of examination. 

4. In the event of the non-provision of a sworn statement, an applicant will not be enabled to take an examination or remain in the faculty’s space.

5. Chairs of commissions for entrance examinations and teachers supervising written examinations are instructed, before the start of an examination, to check whether an applicant has submitted a sworn statement and, if not, to exclude such applicant representing a potential health risk from the entrance examination.

II. Regime for Entry into Faculty for Students

1. The faculty buildings are open to students on business days between 07:00 and 19:00.

2. Students are, when entering the faculty’s space, obligated to use the disinfectant products for their hands that are located there for this purpose. Students are not obligated to wear protection for their airways (e.g. a respirator, mask, mouth covering, etc.), provided they maintain distances of at least 2 m and provided there are not more than 15 people in a room.

3. Before first entering the school, a student must provide a written sworn statement on the non-existence of symptoms of a viral infectious disease (e.g. fever, coughing, shortness of breath, sudden loss of taste and smell, etc.). If a student has already issued the school with such statement, he/she does not submit it again.

4. At the FoS such sworn statement on non-infectiousness is submitted in electronic form, where a completed and signed form is photographed and sent by e-mail to the relevant student officer, or it is possible to sign the form and hand it over directly at the place of teaching or examination. You can find contact details for student officers here.

5. The Student Registry arranges the input of information about the submission of a sworn statement by a student into the SIS.

6. In the event of the non-provision of a sworn statement, a student cannot be enabled to enter the faculty, even for the purpose of attending an examination. 

7. Teachers are instructed, before the start of an examination or teaching, to check whether a student submitted a sworn statement and, if not, to exclude such student with a potential health risk from teaching or an examination.

 

III. Regime for Studying at the Faculty

1. The personal presence of students is possible only in teaching groups of no more than 15 students. Studying takes place without the necessity of wearing protection for the airways when no more than 15 persons are present in a room.

2. The limitation on the number of students in a teaching group does not concern practical and on-the-ground teaching. Outdoor teaching takes place without the necessity of wearing protection for the airways, provided distances of at least 2 m are maintained.

 

IV. Regime for Foreign Trips for Students and Faculty Employees

1. With regard to the current positive trends in the COVID-19 pandemic, the across-the-board limitation on foreign trips by students and faculty employees is cancelled.

2. Consent to a foreign trip will be dealt with in accordance with the current epidemiological situation in the destination and related transport limitations. We hereby ask approvers of foreign trips to, when approving individual trips, take into account the risk of quarantine, forced extension of a stay or testing, which will be charged to the relevant workplace/work group.

3. We draw attention to the fact that insurance for foreign trips does not apply to locations to which trips are not recommended in accordance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. In the case of other countries, the travel insurance is valid, but applies only to treatment costs (i.e. hospitalisation due to illness), not to additional costs arising in connection with ordered quarantine and stays.

 

V. Concluding and Repealing Provisions

1. FoS employees are obligated to comply with valid epidemiological measures. 

2. This opinion repeals all opinions and resolutions of the task force of the FoS issued in connection with infection with the COVID-19 disease.

3. This opinion is valid at the moment of its publication and effective from 1 June 2020.

 

May 29th, 13:05 - Advisory Board to the Dean´s announcement

Business trips abroad – current information

In view of the current positive developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, the general restriction on travel abroad for business has been lifted. Click on news for more information.

Approval for a business trip from now on will be resolved in accordance with the protective measure of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, the current epidemiological situation at the destination and any related transport restrictions. More detailed information can be found at https://www.natur.cuni.cz/fakulta/oddeleni-pro-vedu/zahranicni-mobilita/cestovani-a-koronavirus. In approving individual trips, we would like to ask the heads of workplaces to consider the risk of quarantine, forced extension of the person’s stay or the need for testing. These additional costs will be charged to the work-place/ working group which sent the person concerned on the business trip.

 

May 4th, 12:52 - Meeting of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University of 4.5.2020

At its meeting on 4.5.2020, the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University adopted the following resolutions and measures:

 

1. Organisation of meetings of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University

The Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University will continue to meet as and when necessary with regard to development of the epidemiological situation.

 

2. Regime for access to faculty buildings from 11.5.2020

In view of the current measures imposed by the government and the Rectorate of Charles University, faculty buildings will be open on working days between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from 11.5.2020.

 

3. Declaration by students that they are free from infection

A student may only be present on university premises in person if he/she does not currently have any health problems corresponding to a viral infectious disease.

Before first entering university premises, the student must, in compliance with the measures imposed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the recommendations of the Rectorate of Charles University, provide a written affidavit declaring that he/she is free of symptoms of a viral infectious disease (e.g. fever, cough, breathlessness, sudden loss of taste and smell, etc.).

In the Faculty of Science at Charles University, this declaration of being free from infection is submitted by e-mail, by sending the photocopied and signed form to the respective Study Officer, or the form can be signed and handed over in person on university premises.

Forms with the affidavit can be downloaded here:

https://www.natur.cuni.cz/fakulta/studium/bc-nmgr/formulare/cestne-prohlaseni-o-neexistenci-priznaku-viroveho-infekcniho-onemocneni

Contact details for Officers in the Study Department can be found here: 

https://www.natur.cuni.cz/eng/study/department-of-student-affairs

4. Organisation of study from 11.5.2020

Physical presence of students during university study is only possible subject to meeting of the condition of there being a maximum of 15 students in the group.

This restriction does not relate to practical teaching and teaching in the field (subject to compliance with all valid epidemiological instructions, Vice-Deans of Sections can be consulted regarding teaching specifics).

 

5. Completion of timetabled teaching in the summer semester 2020

The Rectorate of Charles University and the Task Force of the Faculty of Science recommend that teaching staff complete timetabled teaching in the summer semester (in particular lectures) in distance form.

 

6. Foreign students

Information relating to the possible return of foreign students to the faculty is published on the university website:

https://cuni.cz/UKEN-379.html?news=9601&locale=en

Exception for EU citizens for the purpose of performance of economic activity in excess of 72 hours, Exeption for pupils and students (from 27.4.2020)

and the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic:

https://www.mvcr.cz/docDetail.aspx?docid=22247269&doctype=ART

Possibilities for entry of citizens of the European Union (effective from April 27th, 2020)

Confirmation of study for foreign students – link to the methodological instruction in Czech:

https://www.natur.cuni.cz/eng/study/student/bachelors-and-masters/confirmation-of-the-student-status-confirmation-of-completion-of-studies-and-transcript-of-exams-in-sis-with-an-electronic-signature

 

April 28th, 9:41 - Updated report from the meeting of the CU FS Dean and the Advisory Board on April 27th, 2020

New regulations  – In conjunction with the passage of Act No. 188/2020 Coll., on special rules for education and decision-making at higher education institutions in 2020 and on the assessment of the period of study for the purposes of other acts (the basic points and a link to the full wording can be found here), the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has published its interpretation (here). The Ministry also published extraordinary internal regulations for universities (special rules for studying at CU). The text is available on the website in both Czech and English.

Current measures for university operationsAs of April 27th, 2020 all students are granted access to universities, but only when complying with current regulations. Classroom instruction for all years and any other instruction will continue to only take place online until further notice. Information is given in the measures of the faculty crisis team posted on the CU and CU FS websites. Instruction, consultation and research activities at individual sections are governed by the instructions of the section vice-deans. Students must sign statements that can be found outside of the classrooms or downloaded from the website and filled out at home, and hand these in to their teacher before beginning instruction, consultation or examinations. These declarations will then be collected at the appropriate workplaces. Disinfectant is available in every building. Students should come to consultations/examinations at the appointed time in a manner that minimizes the risk of spreading possible infection. Students will be divided into smaller groups of no more than 5 persons. Examination results will always be announced after 1 student has been examined during the appointed time, and after receiving his/her result the student will immediately leave the building. Classrooms/laboratories will be arranged to ensure sufficient space between students and teachers (at least 2 meters), and this distancing must also be maintained in common areas. Before examination, students will wait in another room under the same conditions, the number of examiners will be reduced to the absolute minimum.

Procedure for changing manner of grading (credits, examinations) – The teacher/ guarantor of the subject will request approval of a change in grading from the guarantor of the program/field (via e-mail) and any change in conditions for meeting subject requirements will then be entered into SIS (e.g. oral examination replaced by a written exam).

Methodology for remote forms of state examinations and thesis defenses – State doctoral examinations and thesis defenses will be held after June 1st, 2020. The methodology for remote forms of state examinations and thesis defenses will be specified after the meeting of the Dean's Advisory Board on May 11th, 2020.

Reservation of room in SIS – The period during which rooms can be reserved in SIS by the head scheduler and section schedulers is extended from May 11th, 2020.

Libraries – From May 4th, 2020 the libraries of individual sections will be open but will have special hours and will be subject to the requirements of extraordinary measures (hygienic measures, restrictions on numbers of people in the library etc.).

Foreign students – CU management (in cooperation with representatives from other Czech universities) is negotiating with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to ensure that foreign students can resume their studies. Current information on the border situation will be posted on the university and faculty websites.

GAUK – The Charles University Grant Agency has posted current information for GAUK project researchers with respect to the COVID-19 crisis situation: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-753.html

 

Prof. RNDr. Jiří Zima, CSc. 

Dean

Announcement by Charles University's Rector Tomáš Zima (April 24, 2020)

Dear Colleagues,

In connection with yesterday's meeting of the Government and the issuing of newly framed res-olutions of the Government of the Czech Republic on the adoption of crisis measures in educa-tion, as well as in connection with other legislative changes, I would like to inform you of the following:

Study - distance forms of teaching and assessment of study

Today has seen the publication in the Collection of Laws (Section 69) of Act no. 188/2020 Coll., on special rules for education and decision-making at higher education institutions in 2020 and on the assessment of the period of study for the purposes of other acts, ("ZZP"). Following this step, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports also immediately registered the university regulation Special Rules of Study at Charles University.

Following the finalisation of this process, it is now possible to carry out state final examinations, state rigorosum examinations (MUDr.), or parts thereof, as well as state doctoral examinations and the defence of doctoral dissertations ("state examinations") in distance form. For more de-tailed information on the newly adopted distance form of state final examinations, please see the content of the section of the website dedicated to the methodology for the carrying out of state final examinations in distance form at: https://cczv.cuni.cz/CCZV-273-version1-new_ii_zmena_304komplet_metodika_statni_zaverecna_zkouska_en.pdf

According to the government resolution of 23 April 2020, no. 455 (and/or 456), with effect from 27 April 2020 the physical presence of students for consultation, examination and teaching is now permitted up to a maximum of 5 people, and without restriction now only to students in their final year (literal citation of government resolution – see below).

This means that, from 27 April 2020, students of all years can:

  • participate in consultation or examination with the presence of not more than five persons

  • perform laboratory, experimental or artistic work, in particular for the implementation of final theses within the framework of study in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral study programme in the presence of no more than five persons

  • participate in clinical and practical teaching and praxis.

The physical presence of students at mass forms of teaching and examinations (lectures, mass written examinations in the lecture hall) is still prohibited.

At the same time, I would like to point out that it can be expected that the government may further loosen the measures within a matter of days, which will result in the increase of the number of students who will be able to attend classes at the same time (10 students can be anticipated for teaching, and 20 students for clinical, laboratory and practical teaching).

I emphasise that continued compliance with necessary hygiene measures is required. The government resolution permits only students without current symptoms of viral disease to partici-pate in teaching and testing, while providing a written statement on the absence of symptoms of viral disease.

Citation of Resolution of the Government of the Czech Republic of 23 April 2020:

With effect from 27 April 2020, the Government hereby prohibits:

  1. the physical presence of pupils and students in primary, secondary and higher vocation-al education in schools and school facilities under Act no. 561/2004 Coll., on pre-school, primary, secondary, higher vocational and other education (the Schools Act), as amend-ed, and at events organised by these schools,

  2. the physical presence of students at mass forms of teaching and examinations during university studies under Act No. 111/1998 Coll., to regulate higher education institu-tions and to change and amend other laws (the Higher Education Act), as amended, whereby physical presence is permitted for clinical and practical teaching and praxis; the prohibition of the physical presence of students under this point does not apply to individual visits to libraries and study rooms for the purpose of collecting or handing in study literature and to the physical presence of students:

     

    • at consultation or examination with the presence of not more than five persons,

    • to laboratory, experimental or artistic work, in particular for the implementa-tion of final theses within the framework of study in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral study programme in the presence of no more than five persons,

    • at clinical and practical teaching and praxis.

     

The Government orders that students may participate in the forms of teaching, examination or other activities at the University as referred to in Art. I/2 only if the following conditions are met:

 

  • the student is free of acute health problems corresponding to a viral infectious disease (e.g. fever, cough, shortness of breath, sudden loss of taste and smell, etc.),

  • the student performs hand disinfection at the entrance to the examination room, where-by the disinfectant is provided by the higher education institution,

  • the student has not been ordered to undergo quarantine measures at the relevant time. They must provide a written declaration of the absence of symptoms of a viral infectious disease.

 

Dormitories

Following the government resolution, dormitories shall fully re-open to students from 27 April 2020. From this day on, students who have availed themselves of the discount on accommoda-tion will be able to return to the dormitories.

The discount will be maintained for the period of April 2020 for students who have availed themselves of the dormitory discount. The full price of accommodation in dormitories shall be reintroduced and charged from 1 May 2020.

The possibility of terminating accommodation contracts without penalty with a reduced notice period of 15 days shall be retained if students avail themselves of this option by 15 May 2020. Applications will be accepted up to the end of April 2020 or the middle of May 2020, with the proviso that applications received at the end of April will result in the termination of the ac-commodation contract as of 15 May 2020, and applications received by 15 May 2020 will result in the termination of the accommodation contract as of 31 May 2020.

Refectories

The Kajetánka Refectory is still in operation. Full operation will now be resumed at the Albertov Refectory.

Meals are and will continue to be distributed to the following distribution points:

  • Albertov

  • Sport

  • HTF

  • Jinonice

  • Hvězda

  • U Rotlevů

Other refectories and facilities will be opened up in stages as follows:

  • Právnická Buffet – will be open within three days at the request of the PF

  • Arnošta z Pardubic Refectory – will be open as required depending on the number of portions sold, particularly at the Právnická Buffet

  • The Budeč Refectory will be open as required, depending on the number of portions sold, particularly at Albertov Refectory

  • HTF Dispensary – following agreement with the HTF, this will be open with limited oper-ation from 27 April 2020., and fully open from 4 May 2020

  • Canteen at Komenského Dormitory – will be opened as required (no demand yet)

  • Na Kotli Canteen (Hradec Králové) – will be open according to the requirements of the faculties

  • Šafránkův pavilon Refectory (Plzeň) – will be opened according to the requirements of the Faculty of Medicine in Plzeň

  • Lidická Canteen (Plzeň) – will be opened according to the requirements of the Faculty of Law in Plzeň

  • LF Buffet and Canteen (Plzeň) – will be opened according to the requirements of the Faculty of Medicine in Plzeň

With regard to discussions on the reopening of refectories, I ask the faculties to discuss their requirements for the start of operation with the Dormitories and Refectories of Charles Univer-sity at least three days before the required date of resumption of full operation.

Operation of buffets – Právnická Buffet, the UHK buffet, Kavárna u Rotlevů and the CU buffet will resume full operations from 25 May 2020.

Libraries – operation from 20 April 2020

The libraries of CU have been open from 20 April 2020 to the extent and in the regime set out in the Communication of 17 April 2020.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Kind regards,

Prof. MUDr. Tomáš Zima, DrSc., MBA

FAQ

24.4. 2020, 12:12 – Information issued by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports

Individual activities within the framework of study in a student’s last year of study have already been possible since 20 April, this always being with a maximum number of five students in the group. This in particular concerns activities which are essential for completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral course of study. Libraries and study rooms will then only be open for the purpose of acceptance or handover of educational literature.

Starting on 27 April, the above-mentioned provisions will also apply to students in other years of study at university. There must again however always be a maximum number of five students in the group for the purposes of consultation or examination or clinical and practical teaching as well as practical training.

 

April 21th, 1:00 pm - Meeting of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University of 20.4.2020

At its meeting on 20.4.2020, the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University adopted the following resolutions and measures:

1. Organisation of meetings of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University

The Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University will continue to meet regularly once every two weeks. It will also meet as and when necessary in the event of an emergency.

2. Regime for access to faculty buildings

In view of the current instructions issued by the government and the Rectorate of Charles University, faculty buildings are open on working days between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This does not concern opening of the faculty for regular operations, teaching, examinations or consultation. Access to buildings is intended exclusively for the individual activities of students in their last year of study who need access to the buildings in order to complete their research within the framework of their theses and for completion/meeting of their study obligations. In exceptional cases, access is allowed for the individual activities of other students, for whom access is essential for performance of a research experiment. The head of department/institute will decide on these exceptions after consulting the Vice-Dean of the section.

3. Problems faced by foreign students at the Faculty of Science at Charles University

In relation to the current permission given to students in their last years of study – in order to meet their study obligations – the Task Force has considered the situation of foreign students. There are currently 927 foreign students studying at the Faculty of Science, of which 393 are students from Slovakia. A total of 156 students from Slovakia are currently in their last year of study, 46 in Bachelor study programmes, 57 in post-Bachelor study programmes and 53 in doctoral study programmes. The Task Force has recommended that the Dean of Faculty inform university management about the problems faced by foreign students (and about obstacles preventing them from meeting their study obligations). A request will be submitted to the management of Charles University asking that the Rectorate of Charles University initiate negotiations with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports regarding remedy for obstacles preventing study (e.g. negotiation of exceptions allowing students to cross state borders). 

4. Cancellation of the summer physical education training course in Albeř

The summer physical education training course which was to have taken place in June at the training centre in Albeř is cancelled, this being due to the fact that there would be a concentration of more than 100 students there and that the Charles University training centre is closed. Student absence will be excused for students by the Study Department. Detailed information will be provided to students by the Department of Physical Education, on the understanding that the department will also prepare an offer of alternative options for gaining course-credits by taking optional physical education subjects.

5. Distance examinations

The regulations currently only allow for distance assessment of study for subjects completed with awarding of course-credits and taking of examinations. Only students in the last year of study can currently be examined on university premises at the Faculty of Science (in particular in view of checks on meeting of conditions for state final examinations). Students in other years of study can only be examined using a distance form of assessment until the emergency measures have been lifted. Students cannot be forced to take distance examinations. It will be possible to take examinations on university premises during the summer months (until 24.9.2020). The same applies to examinations for subjects taught during the winter semester 2019/2020.

It is not currently possible to take state final and state doctoral examinations (incl. defence of theses) using a distance form of assessment. Dates for state final examinations are defined by the new Measure of the Dean entitled Timetable for the Academic Year 2019/2020. State doctoral examinations and defence of dissertations on university premises will be taking place from the start of June (in view of the valid government regulations).

The Vice-Deans responsible for study must be consulted in advance regarding potential holding of state doctoral examinations or defence of dissertations using a distance form (the reason for this is in particular the need to satisfy the requirement for preservation of the public nature of the examination/defence, or where applicable creation of a recording). The aforementioned poses no restriction to students in registration for state doctoral examinations or for defence of a dissertation.

6. Opening of SIS for reservation of rooms

SIS is closed until the end of April and events of a faculty nature can be reserved (head timetable planner, timetable planners for sections). Reservations will be open for the SIS administrator and secretaries of departments and institutes from the start of May. SIS will be open for reservation of rooms by teachers from the middle of May.

Reservations made before the current state of emergency should remain unaffected. Despite this (in view of the modifications or renovation underway in several lecture rooms), it is recommended that a check be made on reservations made earlier.

7. Threat of cyberattacks

The Task Force would like to draw attention to the persisting threat of targeted cyberattacks via so-called phishing, details regarding which have been published by the National Cyber and Information Security Agency. The Information Technology Centre has prepared information on how to recognise threats and instructions on how to react to such threats, even when an attack has already been made. Continuously updated information and instructions for the faculty public are concentrated on the website https://www.natur.cuni.cz/fakulta/aktuality/varovani-pred-nebezpecim-kybernetickeho-utoku

8. Regime for cleaning buildings

In view of the minimal operation of buildings, the regime for cleaning remains in the current limited regime. Gradual renewal of regular operations is being counted on starting from next week.


New changes in the Organisation of Study at Charles University - University webpage


April 17th, 2:15 pm - Information regarding teaching at the Faculty of Science

Starting on Monday 20.4.2020, in line with the "Timetable for relaxation of measures in the field of education" published by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, direct and indirect teaching will be possible at the faculty in groups with a maximum of 5 students, this primarily being to ensure successful completion of individual degrees of study. The consent of all participants is necessary for all types of teaching as is compliance with the valid anti-epidemic measures. All faculty buildings will be open from 20.4.2020 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Operation of libraries will remain in the current regime.

Prof. RNDr. Jiří Zima, CSc., Dean

 

April 14th, 10:16 am - Meeting of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University of 14.4.2020

At its meeting on 14.4.2020, the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University adopted the following resolutions and measures:

 

1. Cancellation of the off-site meeting of the ABD and the ASF

The off-site meeting of the Advisory Board to the Dean and the Academic Senate of the Faculty is cancelled in view of the current restrictions which are in place. 

 

2. Information from the Rectorate of Charles University

Distance types of assessment of study – According to the instructions issued by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the National Accreditation Bureau and the Rectorate of Charles University, switching to distance learning is recommended wherever possible. The same applies to assessment of study for subjects taught. In the case of state examinations, a distance type of examinations/defence will not be possible until the new Act on special rules for education and decision-making at universities in 2020 and on evaluation of the period of study for the purposes of other acts comes into effect, and after the internal regulation Special rules for study at Charles University becomes valid.

Maximum period of study – The maximum period of study will be prolonged for all students for whom this period expires in the period from declaration of the state of emergency until the end of the calendar year 2020. The maximum period of study for such students will be prolonged until the end of the calendar year 2021.

Neither the dates of entrance examinations nor the dates for enrolment will change for the time being. If the emergency measures persist, any changes which may be made will be announced in good time.

 

3. Organisation of study at the Faculty of Science at Charles University

A distance type of taking state examinations and defence of theses is not possible for the time being. The Rectorate of Charles University will prepare methodological instructions for distance assessment in collaboration with the faculties, this being used in relation to the approved legislation. Methodology and tools (version as of 14.4.2020) have been published on the website of the university Lifelong Learning Centre https://cczv.cuni.cz/CCZV-238.html

Rules can be changed for the course of assessment of study of subjects (or state examinations) in the necessary scope different from procedure determined in the Rules for organisation of study. Change to conditions for meeting the requirements for a subject may be permitted for guarantors by the Dean of the Faculty with respect to the specifics of the study programme and in cases where such changes make sense. (E.g. an oral examination may be replaced by a written examination, but also seminar work. Practical training and laboratory work, etc. may be replaced by theoretical study, written assignments or distance learning.) Change to types of assessment of study must be transparent and notification of such changes must be provided in advance in SIS.

Resolution: The recommendation by the Task Force to the Dean of Faculty is that the course of state examinations and defence of theses be implemented in a distance manner and that procedure in the event of change to the types of assessment of meeting study obligations be regulated for in a Measure of the Dean.

Number of credits for progression to the next unit of study

The minimum numbers of credits for progression to the next unit of study will not change for the time being.

Resolution: The Task Force calls on all students in bachelor’s and master’s programmes to make a check on meeting of their study obligations in SIS no later than 30.4.2020 and to check whether they have enrolled in sufficient subjects or registered for sufficient credits in the academic year 2019/2020, meeting of which (no later than 24.9.2020) will allow them to progress to the next unit of study. Students who plan to register for a state final examination on the spring or autumn dates 2019/2020 must check whether they have the possibility of meeting the conditions for the state final examination, or gaining 180 credits in bachelor’s programmes and 120 credits in master’s programmes which are needed for completion of study.

Students who lack the determined number of credits (e.g. due to the fact that they were unable to complete any of the subjects which cannot be taught using the distance type of study) for progression to the next unit of study or for registration for a state final examination (or part thereof) will be allowed additional enrolment in subjects (distance or block, etc.).

The faculty will consider offering new study subjects which it will be possible to take until 24.9.2020 at the start of May 2020 (in relation to the “inventory check” on block tuition).

 

4. Changes to the timetable for the academic year 2019/2020

Resolution: The recommendation by the Task Force to the Dean of Faculty is that, after approval of the Act on special rules for education and decision-making at universities in 2020 and the new internal regulation of Charles University, he issue the measure of the dean “Timetable for the academic year 2019/2020”, which modifies dates for registration for state final examinations, dates for submission of theses, dates for assessment of meeting requirements for state final examinations and the period for holding state final examinations (incl. defence), this being with the dates listed in the attachment to the minutes of the meeting.


April 7th, 10:36 - Meeting of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University of 6.4.2020

1) Information about the regime for libraries

The departmental libraries of the Faculty of Science are operating in emergency regime.

Loans and returns are possible subject to prior agreement by telephone or e-mail. The porters in the respective buildings have been informed and will allow students who have arranged a time and date for collection or return of books access to the building. 

2) Check on e-mail addresses in SIS

In view of the possibility of implementing distance learning and possible use of electronic tools for taking examinations and tests, students will verify the validity of their e-mail addresses listed in SIS. They will also ensure that an address in the natur.cuni.cz domain is listed as their primary address in SIS, this being in accordance with Measure of the Dean 4/2016 regarding policy for use of computers in the computer network of the Faculty of Science at Charles University. According to Art. 4 of this measure, this e-mail address is used as a means of official communication with the faculty.

3) Sending of instructions by tutors to students regarding subjects

Tutors will send instructions to students regarding individual subjects via SIS, this being to all students who are enrolled for the respective subject (i.e. not only those who are listed in the timetable sheets).

4) Change to the timetable for the academic year

Measure of the Rector No. 11/2020 was issued on 26.3.2020 on the Timetable for the academic year 2019/2020 determined in connection with the state of emergency declared by the Government of the Czech Republic on 12 March 2020 in relation to the coronavirus epidemic and the emergency measures declared by the Government and Ministries of the Czech Republic. 

The timetable for the academic year for the Faculty of Science with specification of dates for departments at the Faculty of Science will be modified by means of a Measure of the Dean in relation to current developments and in relation to the currently approved legislation (Charles University, Parliament of the Czech Republic) after the meeting of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science on 14.4.2020. 

5) Deadlines for submission of theses and registration for state final examinations

The deadline for submission of theses and registration for state final examinations, determined in the current timetable for the academic year as 15.4.2020, is cancelled and will be deferred in view of current development of the situation.

The new deadline for submission of theses and registration/deregistration for state final examinations will be announced after the meeting of the Task Force of Charles University and the Faculty of Science on Tuesday 14.4.2020. The period for holding of state final examinations and deadlines for checks on meeting of conditions for state final examinations will also be announced.

6) Assessment of study

Checks on meeting of study obligations can now be performed by remote (course credits, examinations). In collaboration with the faculties, the Rectorate of Charles University will prepare methodology and an overview of tools for distance examinations and testing, this including state final examinations, state rigorosum examinations, state doctoral examinations and defence of theses (the guarantor of the programme of study will decide on distance assessment of study for the specific subject on the basis of agreement with the guarantor of the subject; the Dean will decide whether or not to allow distance performance of state examinations for the given programme of study on the basis of agreement with the guarantor of the programme of study).

Methodology will be published in relation to approval of the legislation.

7) Block tuition in the summer semester 2019/2020

An “inventory check” was performed of block tuition of subjects in the summer semester 2019/2020 (practical exercises in the field, courses and excursions, etc.). By 24.9.2020, tuition of more than 90 subjects should be performed in the Faculty of Science in which more than 1,700 students have enrolled. Information will be available from individual sections by the end of April whether tuition will be taking place, or whether alternative forms of performance of subjects will be chosen, or whether in an extreme scenario, tuition will be cancelled or deferred until the following academic year.

The agenda for pedagogical work experience (SO) will be resolved independently as will that of Physical Education (Department of Physical Education) training courses.

8) Information about students who have been ordered to perform work

Students in the fields of Demography with public and social policy and Social epidemiology have been ordered by the Government of the Czech Republic to perform work in relation to declaration of the emergency measures. Students were informed by the Rectorate of Charles University on 20.3.2020 that they have been ordered to perform work and if they do report for work subject to call by the Rectorate of Charles University, they will be excused from tuition. The Task Force will ascertain further information from the Rectorate of Charles University.

9) Information about involvement of BIOCEV in testing

Four teams are already taking turns in BIOCEV examining specimens from hospitals and retirement homes in Prague for the presence of the coronavirus. The Task Force greatly appreciates involvement by employees from the ranks of university employees. 

 

 March 30th 2020, 15:58,  Meeting of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University

 

At its meeting on 30.3.2020, the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University adopted the following resolutions and measures:

1) Participation by workers at the faculty in diagnostics of COVID-19 in Biocev

  • Employees who will be involved in diagnostics of COVID-19 above the framework of their workload will work on the basis of special agreements to complete a job which are concluded; certain workers will be awarded a premium for work in an infectious environment. In line with practice in the Faculty of Science, the description of work included within the framework of the agreement to complete a job must be different to that included in the employee’s job description and the standpoint of the head of the respective workplace must be provided.
  • Medical examination of these workers will, in line with Government Decree No. 84/2020 Coll., be resolved in the form of an affidavit.   
  • The faculties of Charles University which are involved in diagnostics of COVID-19 in Biocev (Faculty of Science and 1st Faculty of Medicine) will jointly request reimbursement of costs incurred from the state.

 

2) Aid for the fight against the coronavirus

  • On the basis of the first offer of financial aid for the faculty for activities relating to the fight against COVID-19, a separate account has been opened to which any deposits which may be made by potential donors can be directed.
  • Information will be posted on the website about the possibility of supporting the Faculty of Science at Charles University as a sponsor with definition of the scope of activities (diagnostics of COVID-19) which any contributions by sponsors will be used to support.

 

3) Records of COVID positive employees and students

  • Employees on whom quarantine has been imposed and COVID positive employees are obliged to report this fact to the HR Department.
  • Students on whom quarantine has been imposed and COVID positive students are obliged to report this fact to an office in the Study Department.
  • The above-mentioned information about employees and students is confidential in nature and will be handled subject to the appropriate personal data protection regime. 

 

4) Distribution of disinfectant agents

  • The sphere of clients which use disinfectants prepared in the chemistry section is gradually expanding to include other social care facilities.
  • Disinfectant agents are also used in the faculty. However, in view of the limited capacity, these are not intended for use outside of the faculty.   

 

5) Overview of distance learning tools

  • CIT has elaborated an overview of tools available to support e-learning, including evaluation of experience with their use at the Faculty of Science which will subsequently be available as a methodological aid for the faculty community.

March 25th, 2020, 13:07 - Updated information about the organisation of the studies

Dear colleagues, dear students, 

after the meeting of the faculty crisis committee and the meetings of the rector’s board and dean’s board in relation to the current exceptional situation, we are sending you updated information on changes in the organisation of the studies in the summer semestre. The following measures can be modified according to the situation. We will inform you about all the changes in time. We also recommend you to follow the university and faculty websites: 

https://cuni.cz/UK-6311.html?news=9598&locale=cz 

https://www.natur.cuni.cz/fakulta

We believe that we can overcome the situation together. We would like to ensure you that we and the department of study affairs are ready to solve any specific situations that may occur to you in relation to the emergency measures. 

We thank you for your cooperation and we wish you especially good health, happiness and virus-less days! 

Best regards

 

Markéta Martínková a Pavel Chromý

Vice-Deans for Study Affairs

---------

The Admission Procedure

The dates announced do not change for the moment. The applicants will receive an invitation stating that the dates are subject to change because of the current situation. The same information will be published on the faculty website. 

 

The organisation of the Studies at the Faculty of Science

The adjustment of the academic calendar 2019/2020 as announced in the Dean’s Measure will be done following a new measure issued by the Dean. 

To complete the courses, students have to follow instructions of their teachers. Such information is published in SIS (in course details) or sent via SIS. Direct teaching has been cancelled, but the classes continue in different forms (mostly via the internet). 

Recommendation: In SIS, it is necessary to provide instructions, but it is better to share study materials (especially big files, videos, audios, etc.) via Moodle, Google Drive, etc. Otherwise, SIS could collapse. 

When solving problems with not fulfilling study requirements, it will be probably taken into account whether the problem arose due to the emergency measures or due to student’s negligence (not following teacher’s instructions). 

The dates of controlling the study requirements (exam, course credits) and other dates will be adjusted after the emergency measures are finished (according to the situation). Students’ demands will be then assessed in line with these changes. 

 

Classes and courses in the summer semestre 2019/2020

The teaching period will be prolonged to June 30, 2020. The month of June will be used especially for work in the labs, practical tasks, courses and excursions. Current classes will not be taken again. The above mentioned courses can be, in case of capacity problems, scheduled also for July and September (the latest date is September 24, 2020). The courses are not cancelled. If needed, the teachers are recommended to (for instance) reduce the number of days of these courses and use alternative methods of distant teaching, self study or other solutions specific to each field. All the solutions should take into account the specific needs of the students and to provide them with the possibility to acquire at least minimal practical skills. Priority should be given to students who need to finish these courses in order to proceed to final exams, especially those who are about to submit their thesis in spring. 

 

Booking rooms via SIS: 

In accordance with the prolonging of the state of emergency, the schedule in SIS is blocked in the current state until June 30 in order to allow the classes to be finished. All the existing reservations have been kept. New reservations cannot be made. After the course credit week, the priority will be given to intensive courses, final exams, admission exams etc. Existing reservations that are not related to the studies will probably not be taken into account. Further changes will be announced according to the situation. 

 

Exam and exam period

Exams and other requirements can be done using distant methods. It is also possible to make exam dates for courses from the winter semestre 2019/2020. The summer exam period will be prolonged. It will be possible to have exams dates also in July and August, i.e. from July 1 to September 24, 2020. 

 

State final examinations and thesis defenses 

The dates (periods) of exams announced have not been changed for now. Changes that may occur in relation to the development of the situation and new dates will be announced after consultation with guarantors of study programmes at least one month in advance. The exact date will be announced at least one week before the exam. 

Students need to register for the final examinations and thesis defense via SIS regardless of the emergency situation. Electronic versions of theses are submitted via SIS (upload and confirm the submission). The system of the hard copy submission will be adjusted if needed (for instance, it is not possible to have a thesis printed and bound now).  

The rectorate of Charles University is working on changes of the procedures in case it is necessary to take the final examinations in a distant way (which is currently not possible). 

The period for final examinations in September will be decided by the programme guarantors by the deadline given (according to the academic calendar 2019/2020). 

 

Teaching practice of students 

For the students who have to take their practical teaching in the summer semestre 2019/2020, it will be taken into account whether they have provided any voluntary professional assistance at elementary schools and high schools (e.g. helping with distant methods of teaching). The evaluation of the practice is done by the teachers at the pedagogical departments and it needs to be done so the students can proceed to their final exams. 

Students of the courses of teaching practice will get information that they can offer their help to schools where they started their practice before the emergency measures. At the same time, teachers cooperating with the faculty will get information that they can ask for help of the students of pedagogy at the Faculty of Science. The coordination and communication in this regard is provided by the Department of Study Affairs (Jakub Jelen) after consultation with the teachers of pedagogy. 

 

Physical Education:

Physical education is organised by the Department of Physical Education which organises also the possibilities of fulfilling the requirements, also for the winter semestre. Summer courses are in preparation. 

Recommendation: Follow the information on the website of  the Department of Physical Education. Any problems should be discussed with the Head of the Department, Lukáš Frantál. 

 

State doctoral examinations and dissertation defenses

  • Doctoral exams and defenses are cancelled until the end of the emergency measures in April. New dates will be decided after the emergency measures are over or in the context of legal changes (distant form). 

  • The exam dates and defenses planned for May and June are not cancelled for now. New dates will be decided after the publication of rector’s measure and dean’s measure and after discussion of the guarantors, heads of committees and the vice-dean. 

  • Procedures started (applications submitted, committees prepared) are still on and the exams/defenses will be done when the emergency measures are over. 

  • Applications for the exams have to be sent electronically to the Department of Study Affairs. After these are received, the members of the department turn to the guarantors to decide on committees and dates. The dates should be in June, July or later. 

  • The Department of Study Affairs is accepting applications for thesis defenses, in the following ways: 

  • electronically by e-mail and by submitting the thesis in SIS (The electronic version must be identical to the hard copy therefore we do not have to worry that the hard copy brought later would be finished after the electronic submission.)

  • Upon making an appointment (by e-mail preferably), students can also submit their thesis in person. If it is not possible to bind the thesis (shops are closed), the hard copy shall be submitted at least 5 days prior to the defense, or in case of prolonged measures, prior to the graduation. 

If everything is alright (the requirements are completed, all the documents are handed in - scanned documents are accepted as well as e-mail correspondence, originals are substituted by electronic versions), the procedure is initiated and the defense date will be then decided upon common agreement and in advance. 

 

Graduation

The bachelor and master graduations planned for April 24 2020 have been cancelled. A new date will be decided only after the emergency measures are over (it can be also in August). The making of diplomas is not interrupted as their are needed by the graduates. The faculties will get the diplomas and the supplements. If necessary, students can make an appointment by e-mail at the Department of Student Affairs and get their diplomas (without having to go to the Rectorate). Students will be entitled to come to the graduation even if they pick up their diploma in advance.

 

 

March 16th, 1:36 pm - Charles University Rector’s Proclamation 

Dear Colleagues,

in connection with Resolution of the Government of the Czech Republic no. 215/2020 Coll., dated 15 March 2020, on the adoption of crisis measures prohibiting the free movement of people on the territory of the Czech Republic, I inform you of the following:

Basic information

All teaching activity is permitted by remote means only. With effect from 16.00 (4 p.m.) on 16 March 2020 until 24 March 2020 inclusive (or until the revocation of the crisis measures stated above), I hereby prohibit any form of individual tuition, including the holding of individual consultation, and individual tests and state exams (including rigorous and doctoral exams).

With effect from 14.00 (2 p.m.) on 16 March 2020, the deans of CU faculties and directors of CU institutes must facilitate home office (“H/O”) for all employees to the maximum possible extent. At the same time it is necessary to ensure the uninterrupted meeting of work obligations and the performance of essential tasks for the operation of Charles University.

Opening hours of relevant workplaces (in particular study departments) must be secured to the extent of no more than 3 hours per day for two days per week. During the notified working hours, the greatest possible number of tasks must be resolved through remote communication; in individual cases it shall be possible to arrange contact (personal) meetings depending on the issue at hand.

With effect from 0.00 (midnight) on 17 March 2020 all CU buildings shall be closed and access shall be granted only to employees and students under conditions set by the dean of the relevant faculty of director of the CU constituent part with respect to ensuring the performance of tasks essential to the operation of CU. The continuity of science and research work (laboratory work, care for laboratory animals etc.) in particular must be ensured. With respect to the continuation of work at individual workplaces, I call on all employees to respect the increased hygiene requirements and to behave responsibly both to those around them and to themselves.

International students and employees

The instructions contained in my memorandum of 13 March 2020 remain in force. The arrival of students from abroad, or international students, if they are permitted to enter the Czech Republic, shall be dealt with on an individual basis. International students should contact the representative offices of their own countries for a possible exemption from travel bans.

Student residences

Student residences shall continue to operate.

I again call on all students in accommodation at residences to not gather, to comply with strict hygiene rules, and to behave in a responsible manner both to themselves and to others. While I realise that the situation faced by students in residences will be complicated in the next few days, I believe that calm, conscious behaviour shall help us to manage the situation together.

In the event that quarantine measures are adopted in rooms or parts of residences, those who are in quarantine must strictly comply with all measures introduced and all conditions of quarantine.

Refectories

With effect from 17 March 2020 only the Kajetánka Refectory shall be in operation (offer cooked food).

Food shall be delivered to the following dispensing points:

·         Albertov

·         Sport

·         HTF

·         Jinonice

·         Hvězda

·         U Rotlevů

The Snídárna at the Komenského Student Residence shall remain in operation.

Discussions on continuing the operation of refectories and dispensing points in Pilsen and Hradec Králové are ongoing.

Operation in all buffets shall cease.

The number of meals dispensed shall be assessed on Wednesday and further reduction may be adopted.

UK Point, Centrum Carolina advisory centre, Hostivař sport complex and training centres

UK Point, the Centrum Carolina advisory centre, the Hostivař sport centre and training centres are closed.

Card dispensing points

Card dispensing points shall be closed with effect from 14.00 (2 p.m.) on 16 March 2020.

Online support shall remain in operation.

Should you have any issues concerning your password, please follow the instructions on the following website:

https://ldapuser.cuni.cz/

To contact our on-line support office, click on the link “Resolve problem with Central Authentication Service” in the “Information and instructions” section.

You can also invalidate or renew your pass after logging in at Whois.cuni.cz:

https://cuni.cz/UK-5361.html

CU Rectorate

With effect from 14.00 (2 p.m.) on 16 March 2020, employees of the CU Rectorate shall transfer to H/O. Continued operation of the CU Rectorate shall be ensured through available means of remote communication (online, telephone). Selected land lines shall be redirected to the mobile telephones of contact employees of the CU Rectorate.

A list of redirected land lines for individual departments will be sent out separately tomorrow and will be displayed on the CU website.

In the event of doubt over the interpretation of the measures adopted, please contact the CU crisis team by e-mail at krizovytym@cuni.cz.

We shall take any further measures required according to the current development of the situation. We shall immediately inform you of such measures.

I would like to ask that you cooperate with the measures adopted, and maintain a calm, rational attitude.

Kind regards,

March 16th, 13:00 - Resolution of the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University of 16.3.2020

At its meeting on 16.3.2010, the Task Force of the Faculty of Science at Charles University adopted the following resolution:

1. The Task Force recommends that all employees of the faculty, in particular those aged 60 or over, work from home subject to agreement with the heads of the respective workplaces and in compliance with recommendation by the Government of the Czech Republic.

2.Heads of institutes and departments in the faculty shall ensure emergency operation at their workplaces, this also including working from home according to requirement.

3. The Dean’s Office departments shall ensure processing of any documents received via the post room (8 a.m. until 11 a.m.) or electronically. Office working hours at the individual departments are cancelled until further notice on preventative grounds (personal contact is undesirable at present).

4. Up-to-date information in English is available for foreign students and employees on the website of the Rectorate of Charles University including links to continuously updated sources (Government of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc.): https://cuni.cz/UKEN-379.html?news=9601&locale=en.
https://www.vlada.cz/en/

5. Faculty buildings shall be closed until further notice to ensure control of entry by third parties. Entry to buildings will from now on only be possible via the smart chip system. Entry to faculty buildings by third parties without the presence of/without being accompanied by a faculty employee is prohibited.

6. Faculty management recommends using individual means of transport to travel to the faculty and would also like to inform employees that free parking in blue zones is now possible on a temporary basis. Faculty parking spaces will be operating without any restriction.

7. Whilst meeting their study obligations, students shall follow the instructions of the tutors which the teaching staff publishes or sends regarding individual subjects via SIS. Direct tuition has been cancelled, but tuition will be taking place in other ways (most often over the internet, etc.).

While resolving problems with failure to meet study obligations, consideration will probably be made as to whether the problem related to the impact of a force majeure (obstacles arising from any emergency measures imposed), or whether the reason for this was negligence on the part of the student (conduct at variance with the instructions of the teaching staff).

Deadlines for checks on meeting of study obligations (credits and examinations) as well as other deadlines shall be modified according to the situation after the emergency measures have been lifted and requests by students will be then judged in line with these changes.

8. Selected lecture rooms in each section will be modified for holding of lectures by YouTube to ensure the option of holding lectures with a large number of students and to ensure high-quality transmission. At this moment in time, the Levá rýsovna and Z1 lecture rooms in the Albertov 6 building have been modified to suit these requirements. Notification about provision of access to lecture rooms in the biology and chemistry sections will subsequently also be provided to teaching staff. It is recommended that lectures be given online via the Meet application or via Skype according to the valid timetable. Instructions for use of remote tools are available on the faculty website. (If records are made of lectures, the faculty shall support further use of materials for accreditation of distance learning courses once the emergency measures have been lifted.)

9. Scholarships shall be paid on the determined dates and students shall sign the necessary declarations once the emergency measures have been lifted. In the event of late submission of appeal against a decision on awarding of a scholarship, the issue of waiving missing of the deadline for submission of appeal shall be resolved in favour of the student.

10. Faculty management shall initiate deferral of the deadline for submission of proposals for Czech Science Foundation (GAČR) projects via a representative of Charles University in Research, Development and Innovation Council.

 

Prague, 16.3.2020                                                                    prof. RNDr. Jiří Zima, CSc.,                                                                                                                        dean

 

March 13th, 7:36 pm - Charles University Rector’s Proclamation (revised version March 14th, 1 pm)

Dear deans, directors, and colleagues,

This a follow-up announcement by Charles University in response to the Czech government’s state of emergency declaration on Thursday, March 12, 2020, to counter the growing coronavirus threat. Please read carefully.

Studies

Currently there are no plans to alter the schedule of the 2019/2020 academic year. However, if extraordinary measures remain in place longer, changes will be taken to extend classes and the exam period to extend into June and July 2020. We are gauging what constitutes a standard study period (with regards to mandatory fees) and are preparing changes to internal regulations – should they prove necessary.

The Rector’s Sports Day (scheduled for 6 May 2020) has been cancelled to allow more time for teaching (if classes resume).

Foreign trips

All Charles University students and staff are currently forbidden from travelling abroad, effective immediately and until further notice.

Erasmus

Students returning from – or having travelled through – high-risk areas abroad are required to self-isolate for 14 days and to not come into contact with teachers, other university staff or fellow students. University faculties can modify this requirement in the case of medical students who want to volunteer to help during the crisis, providing they are not returning from a high-risk country where mandatory self-isolation/quarantine is required by the government under the state of emergency resolution.

Faculty deans will ensure that students returning from abroad will have the opportunity to complete the spring semester in the academic year of 2019/2020 so as to continue in their studies next year unhindered. In such cases, block study, or e-courses at partner universities abroad where students are already enrolled can count towards students’ successful completion of the semester.

The Foreign Relations office at the Charles University rectorate has contacted all foreign students studying at Charles University and informed them about developments. For now, foreign students on Erasmus exchange programmes are not required to return to their native countries.

Foreign students at Charles University wishing to end their stay early, may apply the “Act of God” clause, which will allow them to draw their stipend from the day of arrival to the day of early departure. There is also the possibility, being discussed with the national bureau for the Erasmus programme in the Czech Republic, the Centre for International Cooperation in Education (DZS), for foreign students to be exempt from returning funds already spent, for example, on accommodation.

Foreign students already studying at Charles University or setting out, are required to respect the same requirements as all other students (described in the rector’s announcement of 10 March 2020).

Other forms of mobility

It will be negotiated that any students who qualified for mobility programmes on offer (Fond mobility, POINT, inter-university contracts, other) who have missed the opportunity to go abroad, will be able to do so at a later date, after the state of emergency is lifted and conditions are suitable again.

Students already abroad under such mobility programmes are recommended to get in touch and remain in contact with the closest local representative office of the Czech Republic and to carefully consider the situation. We leave it up to these students to rationally weight the risks of staying versus returning home (including the mandatory quarantine period) as well as potential risk represented for family members, partners, etc.)

Students who qualified for funding in internal university competitions but were unable to move ahead with their project because of current circumstances will be given priority and top the list next semester or next year once conditions are suitable. Students who began projects but were unable to complete them and already spent some funds, will not be required to return those to the university.

Charles University is ready to try and help any students and staff currently in the United Stated or other countries that have enacted travel bans with Europe, should they request it.

Foreign full-degree students 

In the case of foreign full-degree students, the situation is different as some of them can be expected to wish to return to their home countries. Charles University undertakes to provide all help and assistance required to enable foreign students to leave for their home countries. At the same time, however, those students who decide to travel to their home countries have to consider whether and when they will be able or allowed to return to the Czech Republic, especially in the event that the lectures are resumed.

Refectories

The following refectories remain open:

  • Menza Albertov
  • Menza Kajetánka
  • Menza Sport
  • Menza Na Kotli (Hradec Králové)
  • Menza Šafránkův pavilon (Plzeň)
  • Výdejna HTF
  • Výdejna kavárna “U Rotlevů“
  • Výdejna Jinonice including “bufet”– shortened opening hours - from 8:00 – 14:00
  • Výdejna Hvězda
  • Bufet UHK (Hradec Králové)
  • Výdejna Lidická (Plzeň)
  • Bufet a výdejna LF (Plzeň)
  • Provoz Cateringu na menze Právnická
  • Bufet RUK – shortened hours 8:00 – 14:00
  • Snídárna na koleji Komenského
  • Kavárna „U Rotlevů“ – standard opening hours 8:00 – 20:00

From March 16, 2020, the following sites will be closed until further notice

  • Menza Právnická
  • Menza Arnošta z Pardubic
  • Menza Budeč
  • Bufet Právnická
  • Studentský klub Celetná - SKC

Charles University ID cards

ID pick-up sites at the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics were shut down on March 12.

Pick-up centres in Celetná Street and in Hradec Králové remain open but with modified opening hours: from 10h00 to 14h00. The site in Pilsen is operating without changes.

CU Point chill out zone

The chill out zone at CU Point (Celetná 13, Prague 1) will be closed from March 16 until further notice. Services offered by CU Point for students, applicants, staff, and graduates remain unaffected.

 

Information service:

emergency@cuni.cz

info@cuni.cz

tel.: +420 224 491 850

Carolinum Advisory Services

Carolinum Advisory Services are continuing unimpeded.

Hostivař Sports Centre

Hostivař Sports Centre is closed from March 13, 2020 until further notice. All planned events at the centre are hereby cancelled. Compensation for cancelled events will be discussed with the relevant parties next week.

Training Centres

The following training centres will be closed until further notice beginning on March 16, 2020.

  • VS Patejdlova bouda
  • VS Pec pod Sněžkou (chata VAK)
  • VS Albeř
  • VS Horní Poříčí
  • VS Dobronice

All events planned at the sites named are hereby cancelled, whether training, pedagogical, recreational or otherwise. Booked and paid reservations, including pre-paid meals, will be refunded in full.

Allow me to express my sincere thanks for your cooperation and rational and calm approach.

Best regards,

Rector Tomáš Zima

March 12th, 18:48 - Charles University Rector’s Proclamation

Dear deans, directors, and colleagues,

I am sending this announcement following the Czech government’s decision to declare a state of emergency on Thursday, March 12, 2020, beginning at 14h00 and to last 30 days, a response to the health crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus (usnesení vlády České republiky č. 69/2020 Sb., ze dne 12. 3. 2020, kterým byl v souladu s čl. 5 a 6 ústavního zákona č. 110/1998 Sb., o bezpečnosti České republiky).

 

Studies

Importantly, the conditions set within the state of emergency will not impact measures adopted by Charles University earlier this week concerning pedagogical, scientific and research activities. All three will continue uninterrupted – the only thing that is changing is the form of education and other activities.

In response to your questions, let me emphasise that individual forms of teaching and education, such as consultations, individual laboratory work, and so on, are not affected. Likewise, individual and state exams will also continue. In terms of the state of emergency, care must be taken not to exceed a ban forbidding groups of more than 30 people meeting.

Deans of Charles University faculties may agree to exceptions for students or staff who volunteer to help in the face of the crisis. Currently, the university and the Health Ministry of the Czech Republic are negotiating the possibility of 5th and 6th year university medical students helping health care services during this period.

 

Students and staff abroad

Charles University is focussing on students and staff who are currently abroad for study or work reasons (including students and staff in the United States). The university will make an announcement about developments on Friday.

 

Dormitories and refectories

Dormitories remain unaffected but with lower demand or need, output at refectories will be lessened beginning next week. The university will release more details on Friday.  

 

If you have any questions, please address those to Charles University’s crisis team at krizovytym@cuni.cz

We are continuing to monitor developments and will inform you without delay about new steps should the situation change.

Allow me to extend my thanks to all of you for your efforts, cooperation and calm and rational approach. Together, we will get through this difficult period.

Best regards,

Rector Tomáš Zima

March 12th, 16:43, TASK FORCE INSTRUCTION No. 1/2020

At its meeting on 12 March 2020, the Task Force of Charles University, Faculty of Science issued an instruction with the following wording:

I. 

In order to prevent the spread of the viral disease Covid-19, the Task Force of Charles University, Faculty of Science emphatically recommends that employees (academic and non-academic workers) and students of the Faculty of Science do not make any foreign business or private trips,

whereas it also

emphatically recommends that all employees (academic and non-academic workers) and students of the Faculty of Science end any foreign trips they may currently be on as soon as possible.

After returning to the Czech Republic, all employees and students must comply with the current compulsory instructions issued by the state administration authorities and work from home for a period of 14 days from the moment of their return.

The above-mentioned instruction relates to all employees and students of the Faculty of Science and applies to all foreign destinations.

 

II.

At the same time, in accordance with Resolution of the Government of the Czech Republic No. 194 of 12 March 2020, effective as of 13 March 2020 from 6:00 a.m. until further notice, operation of the Rybička Nursery School is interrupted.

RNDr. Radim Perlín, PhD, member of the Task Force and Chair of the Academic Senate of the Faculty of Science at Charles University is commissioned with publication of this standpoint on the faculty website.

 

March 11th, 6:25 pm

The university’s stance on the directive issued by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic on March 10, 2020

Charles University is interpreting the Ministry of Health’s resolution (č. MZDR 10676/2020–1/MIN/KAN) from March 10, 2020 as a ban aimed at countering the spread of Covid-19 among students and staff in classrooms. It is by no means a sign to give up on or discontinue pedagogical activity or learning.

 A complete ban on university activities would mean that students in their final year of studies would be left at a marked disadvantage and would be unable to complete their education. Such a decision would negatively impact, for example, students of medicine soon to be entering the workplace. It is therefore essential that pedagogical, scientific and research activities at Charles University continue as before. The form of delivery has changed for the time being - from presentational to distance learning – but that is all.

The university workplace

It is paramount that all Charles University sites and workplaces remain open. Individual workplaces are not shutting down; simply, researchers and other staff are shifting the bulk of their pedagogical activities but will offer the same through distance learning. Individual forms of teaching, consultations, individual laboratory work can continue as before to meet goals set by individual faculties.

Currently, we are discussing the issue of student training at university hospitals with the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic.

Study checks

Individual exams are continuing without change. Study checks ie. testing of large groups have been discontinued until further notice (for example, written exams) Individuals tests – such as state exams – have not been affected.

Dormitories and refectories

Dormitories and refectories are operating as normal but with heightened hygiene measures. We are asking students not to gather in larger groups and to focus on self-education. We are leaving it up to students to choose whether to return to their families’ homes but appeal to them to rationally consider the move so as not to put older relatives (grandparents or great grandparents) at risk.

Should you have any questions, please address those to Charles University’s crisis team at krizovytym@cuni.cz 

We are continuing to monitor developments and will inform you without delay about new steps should the situation change.

Thank you for your cooperation, continued dedication and a calm and rational approach.

Best regards,

Rector Tomáš Zima

 

March 10th, 6:54 pm

Coronavirus - Current announcement of the Dean of the Faculty of Science

Dear colleagues, dear students,

I turn to you in connection to today´s measure of the Minister of Health and Rector of Charles University with the following announcement which specifies an operation of the Faculty of Science, Charles University.

 

1) From 10. 3. 2020, 6 p.m. I forbid access of students to buildings of the Faculty of Science CU and other faculties of CU or other universities.

2) I am canceling all direct teaching (lectures, exercises, turnus practises, teaching practises etc.) during special measures. I am also canceling all personal consultations. ( I will contact directors of faculty schools, I will excuse the students from practises and I will discuss the next steps with directors of the faculty schools.)

3) During the special measure I also forbid activities related to preparation of theses (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and rigorosum) that require the presence of students at faculty laboratories, libraries etc. Students who are employed at the faculty shall consult the situation with their supervisors. 

4) We ask the teachers to inform the students via SIS what are the instructions for alternative methods of teaching during at least next two weeks or for the period of special measures (online lectures prepared by the Information Technology Centre, distance learning and self study, consultations via e-mail or phone, etc.). 

5) After the special measures are over, I am ready to provide a new Dean’s Measure for the academic year 2019/2020 to address the situation. Possible new terms will be specified to enable students to complete the requirements according to their study plans. 

6) To communicate with the Study Department, use e-mail instead of personal visits. Documents sent via e-mail from addresses at natur.cuni.cz temporarily replace original documents. Original documents will be provided later on according to the instructions of the Study Department. 


Dear all, 

we all know that the situation is serious. I ask you to remain calm and I assure you that we will provide all the necessary and updated information on the faculty’s website - and therefore I ask you to check the website regularly. Key information will be sent via e-mail. I believe that together we can overcome this situation and that we will be soon able to return to the faculty. 

prof. RNDr. Jiří Zima, CSc.

dean


March 10th 2020, 3:20 pm

Charles University Rector’s Order regarding the Covid-19 threat

Charles University’s rector has issued an order prohibiting all students and other participants from attending class regardless of type of study or classes (presentational, long distance or combined) as of Wednesday, March 11, 2020. The order is in accordance with a decision by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic in response to the threat of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The possibility of long-distance study is recommended.

  • As of 18h00 on Tuesday, March 10, ALL ceremonial activities at Charles University (including all degree or graduation ceremonies) are hereby cancelled.

  • As of 18h00 on Tuesday, March 10, ALL symposia, sports events and other gatherings where attendance is expected to be higher than 100 people, are cancelled.

 

Individual faculties as well as university bodies are advised to carefully consider the need for any event involving up to a maximum 100 participants.

This order was issued at 11:45 on March 10, 2020.

Additional important information for students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff

A message from Rector Tomáš Zima

Studies

While all regular classes have been discontinued following the resolution issued on March 10 by the Health Ministry of the Czech Republic in the face of the coronavirus threat, I am asking teaching staff to maintain focus and to ensure the learning process and ongoing research continue at full strength albeit long distance. Pedagogues should electronically send information and study materials to students in the interim. At the same time, students are asked to remain in contact with teachers and lecturers and to maintain open communication. Individual consultation as well as checks on studies and study programmes have not been cancelled but are continuing.

Erasmus

The International Relations Office at Charles University’s rectorate is contacting students preparing for studies abroad under the Erasmus programme to tell them they need to cancel under the current circumstances. Foreign students studying at Charles University are asked to respect the same conditions listed in the paragraph above.

Graduation ceremonies

All graduation ceremonies have been cancelled for the time being and will be rescheduled when appropriate. Students requiring their diploma before then will be able to pick it up from their faculty's student affairs office. Those who pick up their diplomas early will still be able to take part in the official ceremony later.

Dormitories and refectories

Dormitories and refectories are operating as normal but with heightened hygiene measures. We ask students and guests to keep an eye on their health and in the event of illness to seek medical attention without delay. Students living in dormitories are asked to meet all hygiene and security standards and to behave responsibly in their surroundings.

Employees

I ask all of our faculties and their offices to allow all employees with children in pre- or elementary schools (which are now closed) - who can do so - to work from home (home office). The same applies for employees in higher-risk groups including anyone who is pregnant staff, suffering underlying health issues or who is 60 or older. Research and creative work at Charles University, meanwhile, continues.

Charles University is monitoring developments and will inform students and staff regularly when there are changes.

I thank you for taking a calm and rational approach.

Best regards,

Rector Tomáš Zima


 

March 2nd

1.

Employees and students who, within the past 14 days, have been in high-risk areas with the demonstrable transmission of the coronavirus according to the current list of the Ministry of the Environment (MZV ČR) – which can be found here:

https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/cestujeme/aktualni_doporuceni_a_varovani/omezeni_dopravy_koronavirus.html

and who do not have any clinical signs of the illness, are recommended to remain in home quarantine for a period of two weeks.


Students placing themselves in home quarantine must immediately notify the CU FS Study Department either by telephone or e-mail, NOT in person. Contact information for the study department secretaries is available here:  https://www.natur.cuni.cz/eng/study/department-of-student-affairs   

A declaration must also be submitted to the relevant study department secretary stating the place and dates spent in the high-risk area, along with the address where the student will be staying during the home quarantine.

The fulfilment of the study obligations that are restricted due to home quarantine will be handled by the faculty on an individual basis with a maximum effort to accommodate the students.

Employees placing themselves in home quarantine must immediately notify the head of their department and faculty head of staff by telephone or e-mail. A declaration must also be submitted stating the place and dates spent in the high-risk area, along with the address where they will be staying during their home quarantine.

The employee will make arrangements with the head of his/her department regarding the fulfilment of work duties during the quarantine period.



2.
 

If any clinical symptoms appear, employees and students should contact their general practitioner and follow the latest instructions issued by the Ministry of Health (MZ ČR).


3.

Faculty employees and students are advised to not travel to high-risk areas defined in the current recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MZV ČR): https://www.mzcr.cz/dokumenty/doporuceni-ministerstva-zdravotnictvi-obcanum-cr-a-dalsim-osobam-prijizdejicim-z_18589_1.html

No students or employees are currently being sent to these areas for work or study.

4.

Considering the dynamic development of the situation, we recommend for CU FS students and employees to keep abreast of the latest recommendations issued by the CU Rector here: https://cuni.cz/UK-6311.html?news=9598&locale=cz

and especially general information from Ministry of Health (MZ ČR) here: https://www.mzcr.cz/dokumenty/informace-pro-obcany-v-souvislosti-s-aktualnim-vyskytem-cinskeho-koronaviru-2019_18415_1.html


Where to find information

Find the latest information in Czech and English about COVID-19 at the following websites:

World Health Organisation (WHO):

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

Research information (WHO):

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/global-research-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

The newest study of the coronavirus (Nature):

https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/campaigns/coronavirus

Anti-hoax page (AFP):

https://factcheck.afp.com/


 


 

Published: Mar 04, 2020 10:30 AM

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