Coronavirus (COVID-19) – important information

New coronavirus-related developments:

• Examinations // General rules
• Examinations // Admission rules
• Examinations // A note on vaccinated and recovered status

Other news from the University:

• DiTech has a new general manager
• Student assistants: minimum wage to go up on 1 October
• Postgraduate Open Days on 3 and 4 February 2022

Examinations // General rules

The University has adapted its current rules specifically for examinations. Please note in particular the general regulations that apply equally to all university in-person examinations until the start of lectures in the summer semester (22 April 2022):

• Admission to in-person examinations requires 3G proof (see "Admission rules").
• At least a medical/surgical-grade face mask must be worn while you seated at your desk for the entire duration of the exam. The University recommends wearing an FFP2 mask. You may change your masks during the exam if it becomes damp, which might happen particularly in longer exams.
• The safety of all participants remains our main concern when conducting in-person examinations. The University therefore maintains the previous practice of keeping desks at least 1.5 metres apart.

For the detailed rules, examination process and the requirements for practical examinations (art, music and physical education/sport) visit the Examination Office website. [NB: Please note that the new rules are not yet listed in the English version of the website; however, these will be put online in the coming two days.]

Examinations // Admission rules

As previously announced on 26 January, the 3G admission rule has been reintroduced for exams effective 27 January. Candidates without fully-vaccinated or recovered status will only be allowed to enter the exam venue if they can show a negative rapid antigen test result (a rapid antigen test result is sufficient; previously, this had to be a PCR test).

This has changed since our last update: The 3G rule now also applies at the first state examinations for teacher education (spring session) and law. The Bavarian State Ministry of Education and the Bavarian Ministry of Justice have adapted their guidelines accordingly.

This is also new: You can now show your 3G proof on your smartphone. In fact, exam candidates are expressly requested to have their certificate ready in digital form, if possible, as this speeds up the verification process and potentially involves even less contact. However, after the check you have to turn off your smartphone and put it away in a closed bag, which you can place next to or underneath your desk. It is important that you do not try to pick up or open your bag during the exam, as that will be considered attempted cheating.

For more on this, visit the Examinations Office website.

Examinations // A note on vaccinated and recovered status

Currently, the convalescence certificate is only valid for 90 days. Unfortunately, for some of you this means that your “G” certificate has suddenly become invalid just before the examination phase.

You are considered to be fully vaccinated if you have received two vaccine doses and the second dose was administered within the past nine months. If you have only received one vaccination so far, your vaccination is not complete and you do not therefore count as fully vaccinated [NB: vaccinated always means fully vaccinated in this context in Germany].

If you received your vaccinations abroad, your vaccination is only valid if they are EU-approved vaccines. You can find out which ones these are on the list of the Paul Ehrlich Institute.

For those of you who have not been fully vaccinated or whose convalescence certificate has expired, you will be treated as unvaccinated and therefore have to show a negative test certificate to be admitted to the exam. Booster vaccinations are not addressed here, and – so far – no expiry date has been set for them.

DiTech has a new general manager

Dr Monica Ciolacu [German content] took over the helm of the Transfer Forum for Didactical Technology (DiTech) in October 2021. She succeeds Dr Tamara Rachbauer (of the Chair of Education/Primary and Pre-Primary Education) and Fritz Pflugbeil (ZIM). Dr Ciolacu’s work is concerned with innovative teaching and learning formats, Education 4.0, digitalisation of teaching and learning in (post-)covid times, collaborative teaching–learning scenarios and artificial intelligence. She is a research assistant at Vice President Christina Hansen's Chair of Education/Primary and Pre-Primary Education and works at the University's Centre for Information Technology and Media Services (ZIM).

DiTech advises professors, academic staff and eScouts at the University of Passau. The DiTech office develops strategies for successful higher-education didactics in the digital age. Its aim is to consolidate sustainable and traditional teaching methods with the advantages of digital education, artificial intelligence and agile methods.

Student assistants: minimum wage to go up on 1 October

The increase in the general minimum wage on 1 October 2022 will also affect the remuneration of student assistants, which will then rise to approximately 15.40 euros per hour.

Postgraduate Open Days on 3 and 4 February 2022

Join us at the University's virtual Postgraduate Open Days #pod2022 on 3rd and 4th February! On Thursday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (German time) we will provide you with information about higher education opportunities in Passau and help you to get a real feel for our university. What can you expect?

• videos and virtual information stands introducing our Master's programmes
• information on topics like applying/enrolment, studying abroad, doctoral study, start-up support and sustainability at the University of Passau
• live-chats with experts of our different departments to answer your questions
• students and alumni of our University sharing their experiences first-hand

You can already visit the virtual education fair site and take a note of the live chats you would like to attend! To register and access the Postgraduate Open Days, go to www.uni-passau.de/pod.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 9 February.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• Imminent changes to PCR testing obligation
• University Library // More reading-room study desks during the examination period
• University Library // Borrowing and returning borrowed media if you do not have 2G proof
• Examinations // Mask-wearing obligation during the Teacher Education state examination
• Examinations // Additional information on the free attempt rule for exams
• More security staff on campus

From the University:

• Bavarian Environmental Award // Submit your proposals now!
• Postgraduate Open Days on 3 and 4 February 2022

Imminent changes to PCR testing obligation

The Bavarian state cabinet passed new resolutions with regard to testing obligations yesterday, which will take effect as early as Thursday, 27 January. The following decisions affect the University:

• For exams, 3G becomes the access rule from 27 January. Candidates without fully-vaccinated or recovered status will now be allowed to enter the exam venue upon showing a negative rapid antigen test result (previously, this had to be a PCR test). Please note: For the Teacher Education state examination in spring 2022, the 3G-Plus rule continues to apply until further notice. As usual, we will keep you informed of any new developments in this matter.
• Furthermore, in all situations in which the 15th Bavarian disease control ordinance specifically requires PCR tests, a negative antigen test will now suffice. Those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, for instance, have thus far been admitted to areas where the 2G rule is imposed upon showing a negative PCR test result; now, they will be admitted based on a rapid antigen test. As of tomorrow, students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons can, therefore, take part in face-to-face classes if they have a valid negative rapid antigen test result.

We will inform you here as soon as we have more details.

University Library // More reading-room study desks during the examination period

From Thursday, 27 January until initially Friday, 4 March 2022, the number of study desks in the University Library's five reading rooms will be increased from the current 406 to 657 due to high demand. Two areas are offered in each reading room:

• In one area, the 1.5-metre distancing rule is kept and the wearing of an FFP2 mask recommended;
• In the other area, the distancing rule has been scrapped in order to make all desks available for use. According to the 15th BayIfSMV (§2), FFP2 masks must be worn in this area.

University Library // Borrowing and returning borrowed media if you do not have 2G proof

From Thursday, 27 January 2022, library users who do not meet the 2G rule will be allowed to enter University Library premises for short periods of time to collect and return ordered items from the circulation desks. However, access to the reading room areas (and thus also to the open shelves) is still restricted to those with 2G proof. This rule follows a requirement issued by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts. Details on the University Library website.

Examinations // Mask-wearing obligation during the Teacher Education state examination

The following applies to the spring 2022 state exam date for teacher education:

• A medical/surgical face mask or FFP2 mask must be worn at the assigned desk during the exam.
• You must have 3G-Plus proof to enter the examination hall.

For details visit the website of the Bavarian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs [German content].

Examinations // Additional information on the free attempt rule for exams

In our last update, we informed you about the Senate's resolution on free examination attempts. According to this decision, failed examinations sat in winter semester 2021–22 are not counted. Since many of you have written to us with questions, we are giving you a run-down of the salient points here:

• Examinations are counted as "not attempted" if candidates do not appear for the examination or leave without having completed the exam. Exams that have been given a fail grade or have "not attempted" status fall under the free attempt rule and are not counted towards your degree – which puts candidates in the same situation as though they had never registered for the exam in the first place.
• However: The free-attempt rule does not apply if the candidate received the fail grade due to cheating or plagiarism, in which case the failed exam does count.
• Moreover, you cannot invoke the free attempt rule for an exam that you have passed and the rule only applies to examinations, not dissertations or theses.
• Attention – THIS IS NEW: The free attempt rule does not apply to the Law state examination.

Please bear in mind that this rule is still pending approval by the Bavarian education and science ministries and is, until then, provisional.

More security staff on campus

Effective this week, the University increased the number of security staff monitoring access to campus buildings. You can recognise the security teams by their black service clothing with "Dreiflüsse-Sicherheitsdienst" emblazoned on it. Patrols are carried out in two shifts from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Bavarian Environmental Award // Submit your proposals now!

On behalf of Sustainability Commissioner, Professor Werner Gamerith, we would like invite you to submit proposals for the Bavarian Environmental Award (Bayerischer Umweltpreis), which comes with a prize money of 30,000 euros. Proposals are accepted from individuals as well as groups of people. Please see the letter [German content] for details.

Postgraduate Open Days on 3 and 4 February 2022

Join us at the University's virtual Postgraduate Open Days #pod2022 on 3rd and 4th February! On Thursday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (German time) we will provide you with information about higher education opportunities in Passau and help you to get a real feel for our university.

What can you expect?

• videos and virtual information stands introducing our Master's programmes
• information on topics like applying/enrolment, studying abroad, doctoral study, start-up support and sustainability at the University of Passau
• live-chats with experts of our different departments to answer your questions
• students and alumni of our University sharing their experiences first-hand

Get an advance preview of our virtual trade fair from 31 January 2022 and make a note of the live chats you would like to attend!

To register or find further information, visit the Postgraduate Open Days website.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 2 February.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• In-person exams: current rules
• Senate adopts free exam attempt rule for the winter semester 2021–22

From the University:

• End of the exam withdrawal period on 21 January
• Virtual science slam at 7 p.m. on 27 January 2022
• Student Services Association // An online peek at Passau's next student hall of residence

In-person exams: current rules

In the run-up to the exam period, here is a recap of the currently applicable rules for in-person examinations. These have not changed since the last announcement in the circular letter dated 1 December 2021.

The 3G-plus rule is in effect for in-person examinations: Everyone attending an exam in person must be vaccinated or recovered or be able to show a negative PCR test result. PoC-PCR tests and other tests using the nucleic acid amplification technique are also accepted. The test certificate must not be older than 48 hours. Exam candidates have to show their relevant certificate before entering the examination venue.

Candidates can remove their face masks once they are at their assigned desks, provided that a minimum distance of 1.5 m from other persons is reliably maintained.

The University's safety and hygiene concept will be adapted to reflect the new rules. We will inform you here once the concept is published or if there are further changes.

At present, you should expect longer waiting times for PCR tests in some cases. If, exceptionally, a candidate is unable to obtain a PCR test in time for their exam despite timely planning on their part, they can be admitted based on a negative rapid antigen test valid for that day. However, in addition to the test result, the candidate must be able to demonstrate that he or she has made a timely effort to obtain a PCR test by showing proof of registration for a test appointment.

We are aware that these rules involve a lot of extra planning for everyone and, unfortunately, high costs for some exam candidates. Examiners still have the option of forgoing in-person exams in favour of using legally admissible alternative examination formats.

Senate adopts free exam attempt rule for the winter semester 2021–22

Following a motion by the student senator, the Senate resolved in a special meeting held on 12 January that examinations taken in the current winter semester 2021–22 are not to be counted if a fail mark is attained ("free examination attempt").

Please note: The free exam attempt does not apply to dissertations or theses, nor does it apply if the fail mark ("nicht bestanden" or "ungenügend") results from cheating or plagiarism. Moreover, if an exam candidate does not appear for the exam without furnishing valid reasons or aborts the exam without good cause, that exam is treated as not attempted. However, please bear in mind that this new rule is provisional until it is approved by the Bavarian education and science ministries.

End of the exam withdrawal period on 21 January

Friday, 21 January 2022 is the deadline for withdrawal from examinations this winter semester 2021–22. Please note that you cannot withdraw from exams after that date.

Virtual science slam at 7 p.m. on 27 January 2022

Lively, scientifically to the point and tongue-in-cheek: this is how our young academics present their research topics at the Science Slam. As a member of the audience, you are treated to exciting insights into the world of research as you find out about its practical relevance to your day-to-day life – and get to participate by voting for the winners at the end.
We look forward to your participation via Zoom. Please register on the Graduate Centre website by 21 January 2022. Registered participants will be sent the Zoom link in good time before the event.

Student Services Association // An online peek at Passau's next student hall of residence

The Student Services Association is planning a new residential complex for students in Leonhard-Paminger-Strasse in Passau. The new building will be erected on what is currently the car park in front of the existing hall of residence. A jury chose the best entries in the architectural competition in November 2021. Since the a physical exhibition of the concepts is not possible due to the pandemic, the Student Services Association is now showing them in an online exhibition. Visit the Student Services Association website [German content] and take a look at the designs.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 26 January.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• End of the online teaching phase on 17 January
• Appeal from the science minister

From the University:

• Scholarships for female students in STEM subjects
• City tour: "Jewish Life in Passau"
• Announcement from the room allocation service

Welcome back to the University – we hope you have had a restful, peaceful Christmas season and a pleasant end to the year. For this still rather new year, we wish you all the best and above all, good health!

End of the online teaching phase on 17 January

With the start of the year comes the continuation of the winter semester, which is still under the impact of the pandemic. The current omicron wave in particular shows that we were right to create a "safety buffer" around the holidays by setting a phase of online teaching. At the same time, we are pleased that the current overall situation allows us to return to "normal" teaching as planned on 17 January – this, of course, while adhering to the known safety measures.

In concrete terms, this means that we will resume face-to-face teaching as planned for the winter semester 2021–22. Please heed any additional information from your lecturers concerning the precise course format. In order to create a maximum of safety for all participants, the testing station on campus will remain open and available to you. Even if you have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from covid-19, you are welcome to make use of this free testing service.
We still have to expect that the legal situation will change at short notice, perhaps repeatedly, and that these changes will have an effect on our university life. As before, we will keep you abreast of the latest developments on this web page. Thank you for your help!

Which rules apply where?

The rules adopted at the end of last year continue to apply for now:

• The 2G rule currently applies to students and external visitors: only people who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from covid-19 and have the relevant certificates with them are allowed to enter and remain in indoor areas (rooms and enclosed spaces).
• The 2G rule also applies in the library, university catering facilities and in practical art, music and lab courses as well as practical sports courses.
• As of now, 2G-plus proof is required for recreational sports activities: you have to show a negative test certificate or a booster vaccination certificate in addition to the vaccination or convalescence certificate at the Sports Centre turnstile.
• The 3G-plus rule applies to examinations, which means that exam candidates must be fully vaccinated or recovered or have a negative PCR test. Only in exceptional cases where exam candidates are unable to obtain a PCR test, they may be admitted on the basis of a negative rapid antigen test valid for that specific day. However, in addition to the test result, the candidate must be able to demonstrate that he or she has made a timely effort to obtain a PCR test by showing proof of registration for a test appointment.
• There is an exception for candidates for the autumn 2021 state examination date for the teacher education programmes: there are no admission restrictions in place for the teacher education state exam.
• For staff members, the 3G rule applies when they are on campus. Wherever and whenever possible, staff should work from home.

What about the mask-wearing obligation?

Again, the previous rule, that an FFP2 mask must be worn in all indoor and enclosed spaces, remains in effect. For your own protection and the protection of all others, we ask that you continue with social distancing and keep social meetings to a minimum. Gatherings in public spaces are not permitted. We strongly recommend wearing the mask even if the minimum distance is observed.
Lecturers have the right to enforce compliance with the mask-wearing requirement in their courses. This means that lecturers can order students who refuse to wear a face mask to leave.

Appeal from the science minister

The Bavarian science minister, Bernd Sibler, has called on students at Bavarian universities to get the booster jab against covid-19 in an announcement from the ministry: "We don't know exactly how dangerous the new omicron variant is yet, but it looks like it is extremely contagious. What is a fact is that getting the booster vaccination is a key to keeping this variant in check as well. I would therefore urge all students to get the booster jab. Help us stay healthy this winter and protect yourself and those around you!" The full announcement [German content] can be read on the website of the Bavarian Ministry of Science.

Scholarships for female students in STEM subjects

The University is awarding scholarships to female students in STEM subjects for the third time this summer semester 2022. Female students enrolled in STEM-related bachelor's, master's or teacher education programmes with a female proportion of less than 40 percent can apply for this scholarship by 31 January 2022. Each semester, two female students are supported with 861 euros per month for one year. Details can be found on the Diversity and Gender Equality Section's website. We are looking forward to your application!

City tour: "Jewish Life in Passau"

On 27 January 2022, the day of remembrance of the victims of Nazism, the University Archives and the Diversity and Gender Equality Section cordially invite you to join us on a city tour showcasing Jewish Life in Passau. Please note that this tour will be offered in German. During the tour, you will learn more about the history and way of life of Jews in Passau from our own University Archivist and historian, Mario Puhane, who will show you the main Jewish places and sites related to Jewish citizens in Passau. The tour starts at 2 p.m. in the Ilzstadt at the bus stop next to the St. Salvator church at the mouth of Ferdinand-Wagner-Strasse (near the Ilz bridge/Bschütt car park) and ends around 5 p.m. on the University campus. You can register using Stud.IP course code 69004. This tour is offered free of charge.

Announcement from the room allocation service

The booking schedules for regular courses in summer semester 2022 (times and rooms) will become available in Stud.IP on 3 February 2022. The subsequent follow-up work and planning for special courses/events are postponed accordingly. The schedule can be accessed from the room allocation service web page [German content].

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 19 January.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• New Corona resolutions
• Compulsory testing for examinations: current rules
• Campus test centre to close for the holidays

New Corona resolutions

The Bavarian state cabinet has taken the decision to extend the 15th Bavarian disease control ordinance (15. BayIfSMV) [German content] until 12 January 2022 inclusive. At the same time it has adopted individual measures that also affect the University:

• From now on, the 3G rule applies again to university staff: staff must be fully vaccinated, recovered or tested negative when they come to the University and are required to show the appropriate proof. Rapid antigen tests and self-tests conducted under supervision are now again accepted as proof of 3G. This regulation applies uniformly to all staff members who come in to the University to work.
  The University is further obliged to monitor and document compliance with the rules and fulfils this obligation through frequent, regular random checks by security staff. The security service has carried out more than 11,000 individual checks on the campus premises and in excess of 155,000 checks in the University Library's reading rooms since the introduction of the 3G rule in September 2021. More than 99 percent of those checked have been found to be in compliance with regulations. Thank you all for doing your part!
   
• The 2G-plus rule still applies for recreational sports activities at the Sports Centre: this means you must be vaccinated or recovered and additionally provide a negative test certificate. New: no negative test certificate is required under the 2G-plus rule for those who had a booster vaccination at least 15 days ago. You will be asked to show your 2G-plus proof at the turnstile in the entrance area of the Sports Centre.

Compulsory testing for examinations: current rules

The latest cabinet decisions have not yet resulted in any changes to the regulations for examinations. As things stand, the 3G-plus rule (vaccinated, recovered or negative PCR test) continues to apply to exam candidates. Only in exceptional cases where exam candidates are unable to obtain a PCR test, they may be admitted on the basis of a negative rapid antigen test valid for that specific day. However, in addition to the test result, the candidate must be able to demonstrate that he or she has made a timely effort to obtain a PCR test by showing proof of registration for a test appointment.

Campus test centre to close for the holidays

The test centre in the Centre for Media and Communication Building will be closed from 23 December to 2 January inclusive. It will reopen on 3 January 2022 at the usual hours.

Merry Christmas!

The Corona Update Team of the Communication Division and the ZIM are also taking a break over the Christmas and New Year's period. The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 12 January. In the meantime we will inform you via a special update if there are any urgent developments.

We will be reading and answering your Corona-related e-mails sent to communication@uni-passau.de until 20 December and then again starting 10 January 2022.

We wish you merry Christmas, a happy New Year and above all good health!
Your Corona Update Team (Katrina Jordan, Tamara Christof, Tatjana Hecht, Andrew Rink and Birgit Schwenger)

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 12 January.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

President's video message on the start of the online phase

As of today, the University will enter an "online phase" until 17 January. During this phase, the all courses and other events at the university should be held in virtual form wherever possible. All staff and student employees are requested to work from home whenever possible during this phase. University President Professor Ulrich Bartosch lays out the reasoning behind this in his video message and offers an outlook on the University’s plans for the start of the new year.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 15 December.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• Corona law on BAföG, standard period of study and deadlines is extended again
• Another vaccination drive on 17 December 2021
• Spring 2022 state examination for teacher education

Other news from the University and the City of Passau:

• End of exam registration period on 12 December 2021
• Student Services Association // closure over the New-Year period

Corona law on BAföG, standard period of study and deadlines is extended again

In view of the covid-19 pandemic, the regulations on the individual standard period of study and examinations in the Bavarian Higher Education Act, first introduced for the summer semester 2020, will be extended again. Just as in the three previous semesters, they will also apply in the winter semester 2021–22. This was announced tonight by Minister of Science, Bernd Sibler, following the Bavarian State Parliament's decision to amend the Bavarian Higher Education Act through the so-called Corona emergency act ("Corona-Eilgesetz").
He said: "Students should be kept free from disadvantage as much as possible, whether this relates to their finances or examination law. To me, that is a matter of course. That's why we have consistently maintained that the provisions for dealing with the covid-19 pandemic, originally introduced for the summer semester of 2020, will be extended again. Our students simply shouldn't have to worry about getting their BAföG payments or whether they can meet subject-semester-specific deadlines [in these circumstances]."
The full announcement [German content] can be read on the website of the Ministry of Science. We will keep you informed of the further developments.

Another vaccination drive on 17 December 2021

The University and the City of Passau are offering another joint vaccination drive for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students on 17 December. All University of Passau staff and students are entitled to get vaccinated in this vaccination drive, irrespective of their home address or citizenship. First doses, second doses and booster vaccinations will be administered. The vaccines given are Biontech/Pfizer and Moderna.

The vaccination drive will take place on campus, in the IT-Centre Building (ITZ, Innstrasse 43) in room 002 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you wish to get vaccinated, please register in Stud.IP under course code 999999-1712 by 8:00 a.m. on 14 December.

Please take the following documents with you on the vaccination day:

• National identity card (only EU citizens) or passport
• The completed information sheet, which includes a medical history questionnaire and consent form
• Optional: your WHO vaccination booklet, if you have one

Once you are registered via Stud.IP, we will inform you in good time if there is anything else to be taken into account. We hope that many of you will make use of this offer!

Were you vaccinated abroad? Please note that not all vaccines are approved for use in Germany. The Paul Ehrlich Institute has published a list of approved vaccines on its website. If you have received a vaccine that is not on this list and want to be vaccinated again in Germany, do not go to this vaccination drive; instead, you should make an appointment with your GP to determine which vaccine you should be given.

Spring 2022 state examination for teacher education

Due to the exceptional circumstances in which the first state examination will take place in spring 2022, all exam candidates for this examination date will receive a free attempt or additional resit opportunity for this examination. For details and other special provisions for this exam date visit the website of the Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs [German content] (as updated on 6 December 2021).

End of exam registration period on 12 December 2021

Please be aware that 12 December is the registration deadline for examinations in this 2021–22 winter semester. Late registrations after that date will not be accepted. You have until 21 January 2022 to withdraw from exams you previously registered for. For information about this semester's exam dates visit the semester-related information page of the Examinations Office.

Student Services Association // closure over the New-Year period

The Student Services Association (Studentenwerk) facilities will close over the Christmas/New-Year period at the same time as the University. The catering facilities, offices for study grants, cultural rooms and the advisory/counselling facilities will be closed from 24 December 2021 to 6 January 2022. The refectory will reopen on Friday, 7 January 2022.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 15 December.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• Sports Centre // 2G-plus rule for recreational sports
• 3G-plus rule for in-person exams // exception: state examination for teacher education programmes
• 2G rule in the University Library
• Library // extended reading-room lending in December and January
• Testing station on campus to continue operation

Other news from the University and the City of Passau:

• Women's mentoring programme mentUP+ // apply now!
• Underground student car park // construction work

Sports Centre // 2G-plus rule for recreational sports

Since last week's update, the University has been handed new government rules on entering buildings and enclosed spaces at the University:

• The 2G rule currently applies to students and external visitors: only people who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from covid-19 and have the relevant certificates with them are allowed to enter and remain in indoor areas (rooms and enclosed spaces). The University is obliged to check for proof of vaccination or convalescence and fulfils this obligation through regular, random checks carried out by the security service. The 2G rule also applies in the library, university catering facilities and in practical art, music and lab courses as well as practical sports courses.
• As of now, 2G-plus proof is required for recreational sports activities: you have to show a negative test certificate in addition to the vaccination or convalescence certificate at the Sports Centre turnstile.
• Also as of now, the 3G-plus rule applies to examinations, which means that exam candidates must be fully vaccinated or recovered or have a negative PCR test. Please read on – the next item has additional details on this.

3G-plus rule for in-person exams // exception: state examination for teacher education programmes

Anyone attending an in-person exam must be vaccinated or recovered or have a negative PCR test result. PoC-PCR tests and other tests using the nucleic acid amplification technique are also accepted. The test certificate must not be older than 48 hours. For the practical implementation of in-person exams, this means:

• All candidates' certificates must be checked before they are allowed to enter the exam venue. This must be done thoroughly; random spot-checks are not sufficient. No additional documentation regarding the certificates is required.
• Based on experience, it takes about one hour to check 150 people.
• Candidates can remove their face masks once they are at their assigned desks, provided that a minimum distance of 1.5 m from other persons is reliably maintained.

These rules are already in effect and must be observed. The University's safety and hygiene concept will be adapted to reflect the new rules. We will inform you here if there are any further changes with regard to examinations.

Exception: oral/practical exams for the teacher education state examination

The exams forming part of the autumn 2021 exam period for the first state examination for teacher education programmes will go ahead as scheduled. The 3G-plus rule in effect for other exams does not apply to the teacher education state examinations: candidates who have yet to complete individual oral (or practical) exams in the current autumn 2021 exam period do not have to show any vaccination, convalescence or test certificates. Please note that the provisions of the safety and hygiene concepts of the University of Passau also apply in these examinations. Candidates can remove their face masks once they are at their assigned desks, provided that a minimum distance of 1.5 m from other persons is reliably maintained. You can find more information on the website of the Ministry of Education [German content].

2G rule in the University Library

The 2G rule now also applies on all University Library premises. This includes the check-out desk area in front of the reading rooms. Please show either your vaccination or your convalescence certificate to the counter staff when entering the library.

For University staff, the 3G rule still applies (please show your staff ID). Student assistants on an official errand can identify themselves as staff by showing a copy of their employment contract or a borrowing authorisation from their Chair.

Users who are unable to visit the University Library due to the current regulations are advised to ask someone else to pick up or return their reserved/borrowed media. Please provide them with a letter authorising them to pick up or return your items on your behalf and give them your library card. Postal returns are also possible. We would also like to point out that the University Library is still offering the scanning service for library holdings: Users who are not in Passau due to the pandemic can use this service to articles or shorter book excerpts scanned and sent to them in PDF format by e-mail. Moreover, the University Library offers an extensive range of e-media (e-books, e-journals and databases), Which can be accessed via external access when you are away from the campus.

If you have any questions, please contact the library team by e-mail at ubinfo@uni-passau.de by phone (+49 851 509 1630) or using the contact form.

Library // extended reading-room lending in December and January

Currently, students and non-University members can borrow books from the reading rooms for a two-week loan period. At the turn of the year, the University Library extends the loan periods for these groups. Since the University will be entering an online teaching phase, this will apply from as early as 6 December 2021 and last until 17 January 2022. In the new year, you can borrow and return media starting 3 January (when the library reopens after the Christmas closure). Please remember to return or renew media borrowed from the closed stacks or interlibrary loans on time.

As part of the University's closure over the Christmas period, the University Library will also be closed from 23 December 2021 to 2 January 2022. The reading rooms will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 22 December. From 3 to 7 January, the reading rooms will operate at reduced hours. For the detailed opening hours see the University Library website.

Testing station on campus to continue operation

The rapid testing station at Innstrasse 33a (in the Centre for Media and Communication, ZMK Building), which is operated by Malteser International and was initially set up as a testing station only for students, will continue operating as a public testing centre from 1 December 2021, which means non-University members can also go there to get tested. The covid-19 antigen rapid testing station is open Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note that you now have to make an appointment to get tested there.

Outside the opening hours of the campus testing station, you can take advantage of one of the various testing stations in the city area. You will find an overview on the website of the City of Passau [German content].

Women's mentoring programme mentUP+ // apply now!

MentUP+, the University's women's mentoring programme, is intended for female early career scholars and executives from all faculties. This includes female master's students, state examinations candidates, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, including those working towards their habilitation qualification. The programme supports strategic career planning, imparts career-relevant knowledge and prepares students for future leadership and management roles. The next programme starts in May 2022. If you are interested, you have until 14 January 2022 to apply. Further information on the programme and the online application can be found on the mentUP+ website.

Underground student car park // construction work

During construction work ordered by the City of Passau from 6 to 8 December, the pedestrian pavement and a section of the Innstrasse that includes the turning lane for the underground student car park (Innstrasse 27/29) will be closed temporarily. While it will still be possible to drive in, the car park entrance will be slightly narrower than usual. The City of Passau will set up a deviation for pedestrians using the pavement. The work site should be restored to normal at around 4 p.m. on 8 December.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 8 December.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• Latest changes to covid-19 rules
• A note on our coronavirus FAQs
• Border crossings by students registered as resident in Austria (for real this time!)
• Events // room bookings

Latest changes to covid-19 rules

Due to the worsening pandemic situation, the Bavarian State Parliament yesterday passed new or more stringent measures that also affect universities. The 15th Bavarian disease control ordinance [German content] was announced on 23 November 2021. Based on this, the framework concept for universities will be revised shortly.

What is new:

• From now on, the 2G rule applies in all areas of the campus. University staff (for whom the 3G rule applies) are exempt. Under 2G, you can only legally attend in-person university courses (lectures, exercise courses, seminars etc.) and Sports Centre courses and activities or go to the library or refectory if you have been vaccinated or have recovered from covid-19. Lecturers are required and authorised to monitor and enforce compliance in their areas of responsibility and in their courses. Your lecturers will inform you of any available alternatives to face-to-face teaching.
• Attendees of sports practical courses are now required to provide 3G proof, although additional testing is strongly recommended. For recreational sports, 2G applies for the time being, and you will have to show proof at the turnstile. As usual, we will keep you informed of any new developments in this matter.
• For student employees going about their work on campus, the 3G rule applies. Your supervisors are authorised to request and check your 3G proof and will inform you how this is verified in each case.

What hasn't changed:

• The University will still go into a phase of online teaching for the period from 13 December 2021 to 17 January 2022. During this online phase, we ask that courses be held in virtual format whenever possible, and that all other events, celebrations and meetings be held online. All staff and student employees are requested to work from home whenever possible during this phase.
• Please wear only FFP2 masks in all buildings and enclosed spaces on campus. We strongly recommend wearing the masks even if a distance of 1.5 m can be maintained.
• We continue to urge all vaccinated and recovered members of the University to test themselves or have themselves tested on a regular basis. All of us can carry and spread the virus. By adhering to the above measures, we can create more safety for ourselves and our environment.

A note on our coronavirus FAQs

Since the most recent update of our coronavirus FAQs, political decisions have been made in increasingly rapid succession. Even though we are working hard to provide timely information, it is difficult to keep the information conveyed in the FAQs up to date at such short notice. Please give us a few days to clarify the changes and write them into the FAQ. Rule of thumb: If the information in the FAQ differs from the information in the latest coronavirus update, then you should consider the information from the update to be correct and the FAQ to be outdated. Thank you for your understanding.

Border crossings by students registered as resident in Austria

Last week we did not have the information on this topic available in time, so what you got was an empty headline – sorry about that! But we can now confirm that students resident in Austria need to show their current enrolment certificate, CampusCard and an official photographic ID (e.g. passport) to cross the border for the purpose of coming to the campus.

Events // room bookings

This is a reminder that the room reservations for the weekly meetings of student committees (Fachschaften) and student clubs and societies is suspended from 13 December 2021 to 17 January 2022; existing room bookings are cancelled during this period. However, if you are planning to hold weekly in-person meetings outside the Christmas break, please inform us in good time by writing to eventmanagement@uni-passau.de.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 1 December.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

"Let us overcome this difficult time together. Looking out for each other must be the order of the day. Thank you all for your constructive participation!" (Ulrich Bartosch)

New coronavirus-related developments:

• Pandemic: latest University Executive decisions
• Border crossings by students registered as resident in Austria
• Events // (Christmas) parties and room reservations
• University Administration // expect longer processing times
• Student Services Association // 2G rule in refectory and cafeterias

Other news from the University and the City of Passau:

• University Library // limited functionality of Passau Search Portal due to system maintenance
• Census interviewers wanted

Pandemic: latest University Executive decisions

Due to the worrying turn of the pandemic and in line with the latest political guidelines, the University Executive has taken measures to protect the health of all university members for the rest of the winter semester. Here is a brief rundown of the main measures:

• The 3G rule is obligatory for all members of the University. Supervisors and lecturers are requested and authorised to demand and monitor compliance in their areas of responsibility and in their courses.
• Unvaccinated and recovering university members are required to undergo regular testing. In addition, we ask all those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered from a previous covid-19 infection go and get regular tests voluntarily, as you too can be carriers of the virus.
• With immediate effect, FFP2 masks must be worn in all buildings and enclosed spaces. We strongly recommend wearing the masks even if a distance of 1.5 m can be maintained.
• Wherever possible, all lecturers are requested to completely replace face-to-face teaching with online teaching for the period 13 December 2021 to 17 January 2022. During this online phase, we ask that other events, celebrations and meetings also be held in virtual form. All staff are requested to work from home whenever possible during this phase.

Please read the president's circular letter for details.

Events // (Christmas) parties and room reservations

Due to the aforementioned developments, the Christmas celebration of the University's administrative sections and central facilities and services will not be held as an in-person event but in a virtual format. Furthermore, please note that, this year, there will be no mulled-wine stalls on campus, nor will Christmas parties or social gatherings be permitted on the University premises. Doing so would be irreconcilable with the current disease control measures for indoor and outdoor areas and the strict rules with regard to catering services.
We should like to inform the student committees and student societies that room reservations for weekly meetings are suspended between 13 December 2021 and 17 January 2022; existing room reservations are cancelled during this period. However, if you are planning to hold weekly in-person meetings outside the Christmas break, please inform us in good time at eventmanagement@uni-passau.de. We apologise for the inconvenience.

University Administration // expect longer processing times

The high covid-19 incidence in the region and the usual common-cold season are taking their toll on the University's facilities. The administrative sections and central facilities and services are currently strongly affected by absences due to sick leave and quarantine. We therefore ask for your understanding that processing times may be longer than usual.

Student Services Association // 2G rule in refectory and cafeterias

In accordance with the latest amendment to the Bavarian disease control ordinance of 16 November 2021, the 2G rule will be applied with immediate effect in the refectory and cafeterias of the Student Services Association (Studentenwerk). Please remember to have your photographic ID and 2G proof (vaccination or recovery certificate) ready when going to the refectory or cafeterias. Without 2G proof, you are not allowed to dine-in. However, you do not need to have 2G proof if you are purchasing food to eat away from the premises (takeaway). Please also note that you must wear an FFP2 mask as soon as you enter the refectory or cafeterias and during the whole time you are in the building. You can only remove the FFP2 mask when seated at a table.

University Library // limited functionality of Passau Search Portal due to system maintenance

Urgent system work will be carried out on the Passau search portal from 20 to 22 November. Although you can still search the catalogue and the shelf marks are displayed, the "holdings" view will not be available. Moreover, the account functions (ordering, renewal, reservations, access to personal watch lists) will, unfortunately, be unavailable during this period and you will not be able to borrow books or media. You can return your borrowed books during at any reading room during the opening hours. The e-books, e-journals and databases will be accessible throughout the whole period.

Census interviewers wanted

A census is planned in Germany for 2022. This statistical survey determines how many people live in Germany and how they live and work. Many decisions taken at the federal, state and municipal level are based on population and housing statistics. In order to have reliable basic figures for planning, regular censuses are necessary. Since a large number of census interviewers are needed, we ask for your support.
For the 2022 census, the survey office of the district of Dingolfing-Landau is looking for census interviewers. As a census interviewer, you will interview the selected households from mid-May to July 2022. You will be given training beforehand and receive a tax-exempt expense allowance of up to 800 euros for your voluntary work. The Landesamt für Statistik (state statistical office) has the following requirements for census interviewers:

• Must be resident in Germany
• Must be reliable and discreet
• Must be 18 or older
• Must have good knowledge of German and possibly other languages
• Must have good local knowledge
• You should be reachable by landline or mobile phone

If you are interested, please apply using the application portal [German content]. For details visit www.zensus2022.de [German content].

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 24 November.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• 3G rule for student employees
• Mask-wearing requirement

Other news from the University and the City of Passau:

• Registration period for the end-of-semester exams in winter semester 2020–21

3G rule for student employees

The recent covid-19 trend unfortunately means that the hospitalisation traffic lights are now showing red in Bavaria as of this week, so that stricter measures are now being imposed. The rules are listed in § 17 of the Bavarian disease control ordinance (BayIfSMV). What is new is that, as of now, all employees who have contact with other people in their workplace (regardless of whether these are "customers", colleagues or random people who happen to be in the same place) are only permitted to enter the buildings of the University of Passau if they have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from covid-19 ("3G rule"). Your supervisor will inform you of the details shortly.

Mask-wearing requirement

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the mask-wearing rule in Bavaria has been tightened again. On campus, you have to wear an FFP2 face mask in all places where masks are required; simple surgical/medical face masks are no longer sufficient.

Registration period for the end-of-semester exams in winter semester 2020–21

The registration period for end-of-semester exams runs from 15 November to 12 December 2021. For details, visit the semester-related information page of the Central Examinations Office.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 17 November.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').

New coronavirus-related developments:

• Changes to the covid-19 rules
• Cafeterias and refectories: rules of conduct

Other news from the University and the City of Passau:

• Online Careers Day: Apply now for one-on-one interviews and workshops
• ZIM // ILIAS 6 update: downtime

Changes to the covid-19 rules

Yesterday evening, the City of Passau issued a new general decree [German content] valid until 24 November 2021. What this means for our campus life is that medical/surgical masks are no longer sufficient and you have to wear an FFP2 mask in all areas where masking was required before (i.e. all indoor areas and enclosed spaces). Please note that this change applies to the entire city area, not just the university campus! We will keep you informed if new rules affecting campus life are issued as a result of the high incidence rates in Bavaria.

Cafeterias and refectories: rules of conduct

We are pleased that we will once again be able to gather in greater numbers in our refectory and cafeterias this winter semester 2021–22. However, we should point out that the applicable covid-19 rules and safety measures must still be observed – in particular, you have to wear your face mask when moving around in the building and observe the minimum distance. You can find a compact summary of everything else you need to know on the Student Services Association website [German content].

Online Careers Day: Apply now for one-on-one interviews and workshops

On 22 November 2021 the second Online Careers Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Marking the twentieth anniversary of the Campus meets Company careers fair, the motto this year is "Perfekt vernetzt in deine Zukunft" (which translates roughly as "Perfectly networked for getting ahead"). A total of sixty companies and institutions as well as the University's service and advice centres will be there virtually, enabling you to sound out career prospects and opportunities and make contact with potential employers in their separate Zoom rooms.

You have to register in Stud.IP (course code 65301) to participate in the Online Careers Day. You have until 12 o'clock noon on 11 November to apply for scheduled one-on-one interviews with the 30 companies and institutions that hold interviews, or for the one or more of the seven workshops offered. Please note that places on the workshops and available interview times are limited.

On the day of the event, you will receive your link to the check-in interface via Stud.IP. Using this, you can navigate to the Zoom rooms from there. For further information on the fair and the supporting programme and the accompanying raffle visit the Online Careers Day website.

ZIM // ILIAS 6 update: downtime

On 18 November 2021, ILIAS will be unavailable from 8 a.m. until at least 2 p.m. due to planned maintenance work. The ZIM is updating from ILIAS 5 to ILIAS 6. We will make every effort to keep the duration of the necessary maintenance work to a minimum and apologise for the inconvenience. For further information about ILIAS please visit the help portal [this page only has a rudimentary English page]. If you have any questions about this, please contact ZIM Support during their office hours.

The next regular update will be posted at 6 p.m. on 10 November.

Do you have any further questions? Send us an e-mail! (subject: 'Coronavirus').