student

2020-11-19

Information from the President

A message from Agneta Marell, President of Jönköping University to students and staff.

Dear Students and Colleagues,

On 16 November, the Prime Minister announced further restrictions on public gatherings and events, which will take effect from 24 November and last for at least four weeks. This decision means that the current maximum limit of 50 people at public gatherings will now be reduced to a maximum limit of eight people. The restrictions do not apply to on-campus education at for example universities.

Following the previous decision from the Swedish Public Health Authority, Jönköping County introduced local general recommendations from 3 November, which were to remain in place until the 24 November (with potential extension). These recommendations include reduced contact with other people during leisure time, and as far as possible also during work and studies.

The current situation is causing concern and many questions have arisen and will continue to do so. Among other things, there are questions regarding how JU handles the situation given that certain teaching elements and examinations are still being carried out on campus.

Jönköping University follows the recommendations from the Swedish Public Health Authority and the Swedish government in all aspects. A student who participates in seminars or examinations that the university has judged should be conducted on campus does not violate the current recommendations. Traveling by public transport to and from campus is not deemed as unnecessary travels. At the same time, the individual has a great responsibility to stay home at the slightest sign of illness, keep social distance and wash their hands often.

We see that it is of the utmost importance to make all parts of our operations secure against transmission of the virus by reducing crowding at JU and corona-adapt our operations. For examinations, we have, amongst other things, set up rules regarding entering and exiting the examination hall, implemented routines for cleaning benches and keyboards, and provided hand disinfectant stations. Lectures are conducted digitally. Meetings, conferences, events, visits and similar are held digitally, postponed, or cancelled. JU has judged that to continue to educate and examine students in time and with high quality, it is required that certain elements of teaching and examination are conducted on campus.

The conditions and challenges are different at the schools within JU, but our intention is to maintain a common line in our taken measures and in the information provided. If you have questions, please use the following line of contact:

  • If you as a student have questions about your teaching or examination, please contact the course or programme manager at your school.
  • If you as a teacher have questions or concerns or feel uncertain about how to communicate with your students, please contact the Associate Dean/Head of Education at your school.
  • If you as an employee have questions about working from home or other work-related questions, please contact your immediate manager.

I welcome the desire at JU to act correctly and take responsibility, and it is important the efforts we make are coordinated. JU follows the developments closely and the information is continuously updated at ju.se/en/corona – our information page. I want to thank you all for your patience and strength. The current situation is difficult for all of us, and it continues to demand our commitment and personal responsibility.

Best regards,
Agneta Marell
President Jönköping University