FAQ – Questions and answers on the coronavirus

Are the university buildings open? How do I reach the service points? [20 July 2020]

Many university buildings are closed and only accessible to staff members. The University Library is partially open. There is a pick-up service in the refectory, and with a previous reservation you can also eat on the premises again.

The central service points of the University of Passau can be reached by telephone and/or e-mail during normal opening hours and will deal with your concerns as quickly as possible. Please be aware that many staff members may not be reachable at their office telephone number, as many of them are telecommuting during the coronavirus pandemic. We recommend sending an e-mail instead. Many service points can also be contacted via Skype or offer Zoom consultation hours.

An exception in terms of accessibility applies to the Examinations Office during the examination period: from 27 July to 11 September, the Examinations Office staff will not be in their offices at the usual times because they are busy accompanying the centrally organised exams. Please send requests by e-mail only. We ask for your understanding that it may take a little longer than usual to answer your enquiries during this time.

If necessary, you may now visit the service sections at the University in person, as long as you adhere to the distancing and hygiene rules. However, before you do you should contact us by digital means. If your enquiry cannot be answered in this way, you will be offered an appointment for a personal consultation. Spontaneous visits without a prior appointment are not permitted.

Would you like to submit written documents in hard copy? Please send them by post or drop them in one of the mailboxes provided in the Administration Building. Alternatively, you may use the night mailbox at the Administration Building's main entrance, opposite the Sports Centre, which is accessible even when the building is closed.

What exactly do the contact restrictions mean? Where can I find information? [20 July 2020]

Bavaria was in lockdown from 21 March to 5 May 2020. The Bavarian state government lifted the lockdown measures effective 6 May. However, contact restrictions and the distancing rule still apply. Wherever possible, you have to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from other people. For more information, visit the FAQ of the Bavarian interior ministry. Information in English (PDF poster on what to do if you are tested positive and PDF poster with general information on the virus and the preventative measures) is available at the linked pages. This information is also available in other languages. Finally, BR24, the Bavarian state broadcaster, offers a page in English with regular updates relating to the coronavirus situation.

Where can I get reliable information about the novel coronavirus?

The Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Ministry of Health provide reliable, up-to-date information on the situation in Germany and answers to the most important questions. However, please note that this information is, for the most part, in German. The Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority has set up a telephone hotline, which can be reached at +49 9131 6808 5101.

We have compiled important information and updates for university members on the webpage www.uni-passau.de/en/coronavirus.

What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19 symptoms?

Please do not go straight to the doctor's practice.

The Germany-wide non-emergency medical helpline, 116 117, provides useful information to help distinguish between the common cold, influenza or the novel coronavirus (available in German only). You will also find information on whether you can be tested.

CovApp, the Charité's online resource, gives you detailed recommendations for action based on a few questions about current symptoms, your last trips and possible contacts.

If you are suffering from symptoms or have reasonable grounds to suspect that you are infected, first call your doctor or the medical helpline at 116 117 (without area code, nationwide). There you will be informed of the next steps. It is important that you state whether you have been in (potential) risk areas or whether you have been in personal contact with a person diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

Important: If you find yourself in an acute medical emergency, please call 112 right away!

Please act responsibly and protect yourself and others. If you have symptoms or a reasonable suspicion that you may be infected, stay home; do not go out among people.

If you have been to a risk area, you are prohibited from visiting the premises of Bavarian higher education institutions for the time being. The entry quarantine regulation issued as a result of the pandemic, which has been in force since 10 April, has been extended until 3 May together with the extension of the lockdown. According to this law, anyone entering Bavaria from a state outside the Federal Republic of Germany by any route or mode of transport is required to go directly to their own home or other suitable accommodation immediately after arrival and to remain there permanently for a period of 14 days after entry. This also applies to persons who entered the country via another German federal state. Those affected are also obliged to contact their local health authority Gesundheitsamt immediately after entry, regardless of whether they are showing any symptoms of the illness. The Robert Koch Institute has published tips on how to behave correctly when quarantined at home.

I have gone into voluntary self-isolation or have been placed under domestic quarantine while in Passau. Where can I get help (as I cannot go out to get groceries etc.)?

The City of Passau has compiled a list of helpful information and support groups at http://www.passau.de/Aktuelles/Pressearchiv.aspx?rssid=d601938a-e459-46ce-8469-2f5c6fa466cc

For international students, the International Office has also prepared information in English, which is being made available to all affected students. You are affected and have not yet received this information? Please send an e-mail to Stefanie Dallmeier stefanie.dallmeier@uni-passau.de to request your information package.

What happens if a coronavirus case occurs at the University of Passau?

The University of Passau has an emergency plan: a crisis committee has been set up, which meets at least weekly, but also at any time if necessary. We are monitoring the situation very closely and are in contact with the competent authorities, the city council, the hospital and our company physician; we are confident that we are able to react swiftly and appropriately if any new situation arises.

We are under obligation to report suspected cases COVID-19 to the public health department. In such cases the public health department will coordinate further measures with us, such as informing those who may have been in contact with the affected person. If a suspected case is confirmed, the public health department decides on further measures.

When am I considered to have been in close contact with a someone who has fallen ill?

The University follows the Robert Koch Institute's recommendations concerning contact persons (information in German).

Generally, 15 minutes of face-to-face contact with an infected person, e.g. while having a conversation, would make you a 'close contact'. This will certainly include anyone living in the same household with an infected person.

Where can I disinfect my hands at the University? Are the roller towel dispensers used on campus hygienic?

The most important preventive measure is to wash your hands with soap regularly and thoroughly. In addition, the University is setting up partially automatic hand sanitiser dispensers near the university buildings' main entrances. The roller towel dispensers on campus are hygienic: the towel rolls are hygienically cleaned, and the dispenser also provides a fresh section each time the towel is used.

Is there specific guidance for universities concerning the coronavirus?

The magazine Forschung und Lehre has summarised universities' rights and obligations if there the risk of an infectious illness at higher education institutions (German text).

Duty of care: What to do if there is a suspected coronavirus infection at the university?

The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts has published guidance for Bavarian universities on its website:

Information for universities and cultural institutions in Bavaria (German text)

I am healthy and would like to help. Where can I offer my help?

I am healthy and would like to help. Where can I offer my help?

Helping hands are currently needed in many areas of public and private life. Below are some initiatives and platforms that might benefit from your help and active support.

The important thing to remember is that each and every one of us should first ensure our own safety, even when helping others. In the current situation this means making sure that you maintain the required minimum safety distance and observe the known hygiene measures.

'Care pool' (Pflegepool) for Bavaria

The Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care and the association of nursing professionals in Bavaria ('Vereinigung der Pflegenden in Bayern'), is asking everyone who has trained or previously worked as a nurse, medical assistant or medical technologist for their support. Please register online if you are able to provide your expertise and help. Your contact details will be held on file and passed on to the local authorities and emergency services when and as needed. They may then contact you and discuss the detailed operational planning with you directly. For further information and the registration form, visit theCare Pool website (German only).

Job portal of the Centre for Careers and Competencies (ZKK)

Some are looking for meaningful employment that will help others get through this crisis. Others are seeking short-term support because of a lack of seasonal workers or the establishment of labour-intensive new services that will help to supply the populace with necessities during the crisis. In our careersUP careers portal we mark current job offers for helpers and systemically relevant services that reach us with the hashtag #Coronahilfe.

'Das Land hilft'

Restrictions on the freedom of movement across Europe mean that farmers are facing a shortage of up to 300,000 seasonal workers. At the same time, many other people are currently unable to pursue their work or studies. The platform 'Das Land hilft' ('the country helps') aims to bring together employers and those willing to offer their labour. Although this platform will only serve the agricultural sector at first, a multi-industry version is already being worked on.

Networks in Passau

The City of Passau offers a free care service to elderly citizens who cannot or do not want to leave their homes due to the coronavirus situation, as well as for those in quarantine and self-isolation. The following networks accept volunteers:

'Nachbarschaftshilfe'
Vinzenz Luckas, Luzia Schustereder and Veronika Kolitz,
nachbarschaftshilfe.passau@gmail.com, phone 0152 2418 4057

Facebook group 'Passau hilft':
Alexander Knauff, alex287k@gmail.com, mobile 0176 5532 8787, phone 0851 9668 2970, https://www.facebook.com/Hilfeleistung.Passau.Risikogruppen/

Supporting local shops and restaurants

The coronavirus crisis is having a devastating effect on retailers, restaurateurs and cultural businesses. If you wish to support local businesses, there are different ways for you to do so online:

The editorial staff of blank, the student magazine, offers vouchers from small cultural and food businesses in Passau for sale. These can be purchased right now from the website http://passau-help.de/ and redeemed after the crisis has ended.
The initiative 'Aktion Supportyourlocals' of student society Enactus supports local shops and catering businesses by putting up short portraits of the businesses on Facebook and Instagram for greater visibility and providing information on how to order online from these businesses.
Which businesses and restaurants in Passau are still open or do deliveries/offer online shopping? City Marketing Passau publishes a continuously updated list of local businesses (German) where you can order online.
Which restaurants and catering businesses in Passau still deliver or offer take-aways? The volunteer site www.pastell.jetzt offers an overview.

Germany-wide network

Initiative Corona-Helfer, based in Munich, is a Germany-wide platform for volunteers and those requiring assistance.

Federal Government Hackathon #WirvsVirus

Anyone can vote, so that the best projects can be selected and funded more quickly. Click here to see the results of the Federal Government Hackathon #WirvsVirus (in German).

Unser Soziales Bayern: Wir helfen zusammen!

The Ministry of Social Affairs, together with the Bavarian welfare associations and the Bavarian municipal umbrella organisations, has launched the initiative 'Unser Soziales Bayern: Wir helfen zusammen!' In addition to opportunities for volunteer work, you will find relevant information and handouts for the elderly, families, education professionals and people with disabilities.

Further overviews

The following pages give you an overview of existing volunteering opportunities, but you will also find ideas for online teaching or online offers for those seeking help:

https://coronawiki.net/

https://coronavz.com

When will the lecture period begin and end? [20 July 2020]

The University's intention is to have all study programmes start on 2 November 2020. Teaching will end on 12 February 2021, provided that the departments and faculties can condense the curriculum sufficiently with the help of online courses. That date also marks the start of the examination period. Science Minister Bernd Sibler publicly affirmed on 10 July that his ministry will agree to this lecture timetable. At the University level, the Senate has to decide on the proposed lecture timetable to ensure a sound legal basis. Please understand that it takes time for these processes to go through.

Will teaching be predominantly online or classroom-based this winter semester? [22 July 2020]

The University Executive would like to offer as many face-to-face courses as possible in the winter semester. We miss campus life and hope very much that we will be able to welcome you all again on campus in November. However, it is not yet possible to make predictions as to which formats individual courses will be allowed to take in the winter semester. We have to assume that pandemic-related restrictions on campus-based activities will still be in place, or if not be prepared in case such restrictions are re-imposed at short notice.

The situation today is that full face-to-face teaching is only permitted for smaller courses due to the state's hygiene regulations currently in force for universities. We are working with the faculties to set up an elaborate planning concept that will ensure that classes can proceed in as normal a fashion as possible.

We have asked all lecturers to consider the following points when planning their courses for winter semester 2020–21:

It is likely that the larger-scale courses (i.e. lectures and seminars with a moderate or large number of students) will have to be held either purely online or using a 'hybrid' classroom setting, by which classes are split into several smaller groups. It is also very likely that we will see synchronous or asynchronous digital teaching units/formats accompanying the larger courses.
Smaller courses (e.g. seminars with fewer participants, exercise courses, tutorials and practical courses) will probably be allowed to take place face to face.
However, as there is a chance the Covid-19 situation will deteriorate in the autumn, lecturers should plan their courses with enough flexibility to allow them to switch between digital and face-to-face formats swiftly, without needing to interrupt their course schedule.
Even if individual courses can be held fully or partly in a face-to-face format or in alternation between online and face-to-face teaching formats, there will still be students whose circumstances prevent them from attending classroom-based courses. We also want to enable these students to participate in lectures and seminars without any detriment (e.g. through parallel online offerings or other computer-based support) and are working intensively to overcome this challenge as we plan the seminars.

Are there special offerings for new students? [22 July 2020]

Our experiences with this 'online semester' have shown that the limitations of digital distance learning are particularly noticeable among the group of first-semester students, as it is more difficult than usual for them to create a bond with the university and the study programme, mainly due to missing real-life contact with the university. We therefore recommend that all lecturers set up target-group-specific attendance phases or face-to-face courses or special support programmes for first-, second- and third-semester students.

In order to make it easier for first-semester students to find their bearings, our tried-and-tested induction days for first-year students (Orientation Week or 'O-Woche') will be offered in winter semester 2020–21. In addition, the student committees are working on a special 'onboarding' scheme to help new students surmount the initial challenges of starting out at university.

What will the examination period be like in the winter semester? [22 July 2020]

The examination period will start immediately after the end of teaching for the semester and will take about four to six weeks. As in summer semester 2020, we expect that many examinations will be held on campus, especially for the larger courses. We also hope to see an enhanced legal framework for online exams.

Why aren't all questions answered yet? What is the university waiting for? [22 July 2020]

Unfortunately, we are not yet in a position to give you answers to all your questions because we can neither fully anticipate the further course of the pandemic nor the measures that the state government will impose in the future.

The University Executive's planning is always based on the guidelines set by the competent ministries for the Bavarian higher education institutions. This applies in particular to the – as yet unclear – (legal) framework for studies and exams, which must be completely reworked in some points. So far, the ministry has not yet announced a decision on the winter semester. We will inform you through the usual channels as soon as we know more. Please keep checking the announcements on the websites, in the regular e-mail updates and in Stud.IP over the coming weeks.

The University Executive is aware that the general uncertainty about the coming semester creates great difficulties for all members of the university community. Please be assured that we will do our utmost to provide answers to the outstanding questions as soon as possible.

I am prevented from taking the exam / a technical problem prevented me from completing my online exam / I failed the exam. What should I do now? [24 July 2020]

The Corona regulation has been amended to ensure the impact of the coronavirus on your studies is kept at a minimum. As soon as the amended regulations are in force, the following will apply to all examinations held in the summer semester 2020 (including those already completed when the amendment comes into force): If you miss an exam (e.g. because of illness or any other reason preventing your attendance), your registration for the examination does not count. Similarly, if you fail your exam, this fail does not count towards your degree. If you do not show up or fail an exam, HISQIS is set to automatically disregard the exam. Please contact your examiner if your registration has not been confirmed by the start of the exam registration period for the next semester (in HISQIS this is marked 'KNA').

Important: This regulation does not apply to any state examinations and dissertations/theses for which you may be registered.

What do I do if I am ill or had contact with someone who is ill? [24 July 2020]

The Corona regulation has been amended to ensure the impact of the coronavirus on your studies is kept at a minimum. As soon as the amendment statutes are in force, the following will apply to all examinations held in the summer semester 2020 (including those already completed when the amendment comes into force): If you do not attend the exam (e.g. because of illness or any other reason preventing you from attending), your registration for the examination does not count. You do not need to submit a medical certificate. Important: This regulation does not apply to any state examinations and dissertations/theses for which you may be registered.

If you are ill on the day of the examination and, in particular, show symptoms of a respiratory illness, no matter how light these may be, or unspecific symptoms of illness, you are not allowed to enter the university buildings. In this case, the invigilators at the exam will enforce the ban on entering the building. If you know that you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient in the 14 days before the exam, you are not allowed to take the exam, even if you do not have any symptoms yourself.

If you have allergies causing the above symptoms, we recommend that you bring along a medical certificate. This medical certificate should also state that there is no evidence of infectious disease.

I have exceeded/will exceed the maximum period of study or other deadline at the end of the summer semester 2020. What should I do now? [17 August 2020]

For the purposes of the regular dates and deadlines laid down in the examination regulations for the study programmes, the summer semester 2020 is not considered as a subject semester (Art. 99(1) BayHSchG). The Bavarian Science Ministry has updated its FAQ (German) on BAföG and examinations, clarifying whether the summer semester counts as a subject semester and what effects this has on the standard period of study.

What does that mean for you?

Have you already reached the maximum period of study according to your examination regulations and received an official notice of initial fail ('erstmaliges Nichtbestehen')? You will soon receive an additional notice indicating the new deadlines/dates from the Examinations Office.
Are you going to reach the maximum period of study at the end of summer semester 2020? At the end of summer semester 2020, no maximum-period-of-study check will be carried out. These checks will only resume after the end of winter semester 2020–21, and summer semester 2020 will not be counted towards the overall period of study in future checks. Nevertheless, any examinations in which you achieved a pass mark in summer semester 2020 will count towards your degree.
Are you falling short of the prescribed number of ECTS credits you should have accumulated by the end of summer semester 2020 (e.g. in the degree programmes B.Sc. Business Administration and Economics, B.Sc. Information Systems and FIM degree programmes)? Here, too, the summer semester 2020 does not count as a subject semester.
Are you regularly enrolled in a degree programme in summer semester 2020, but are a (long) way away from reaching the maximum period of study or another deadline? The summer semester 2020 will not count for you either and will not be included in the maximum-period-of-study checks.
Are you on a sabbatical (leave of absence) in the summer semester and have not yet reached the maximum period of study? In that case, summer semester 2020 will not affect the course of your programme. The deadlines set out in the examination regulations will continue to apply to you.
Are you studying a teacher education programme? The Bavarian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs has announced on its website that, with regard to the regulation on the registration period according to § 31(2) ff LPO I, the summer semester 2020 will not be counted as a semester.
Are you studying the undergraduate law programme at the University of Passau? The automatic extension for assessment deadlines or the maximum period of study also apply to the preliminary examination in law and the university-set portion of the First Examination in Law.

As these are automatic you do not need to apply (or provide supporting documents) for an extension.
The above automatic extensions do not apply to writing periods for written assignments, seminar papers, project work and dissertations or theses.

How will the suspension of teaching until 19 April affect university and state examinations?

In principle, all university examinations were cancelled or postponed until 19 April. Some of the postponed examinations are now being conducted until July. Please check Stud.IP or ask your examiner for details.

Did you register for a second examination date (winter semester 2019–20)? Currently, it is planned that the examinations should be moved to summer semester 2020. Please note the current FIM notices on the exam situation or the information provided by the examiners.

The following applies for the First State Examination for Teacher Education in Spring 2020: The State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs announced on 29.04.2020 that the suspended state examinations for teacher education programmes will resume on 18 May 2020. For details, visit www.km.bayern.de/ministerium/termine/1-staatspruefung-anmeldung-pruefungen.html (German) and the the Examinations Office webpages. The safety of invigilators, examiners, exam candidates and the university staff is important to us. The exams will therefore be conducted under strict disease control measures.

In addition, the following special regulations apply for the spring 2020 examination:

Situations in which candidates cannot reasonably be expected to continue with their examination
30-ECTS-credit rule
Inability to attend an examination
Resit for the First State Examination
Free attempt for all exam candidates
Exam resit opportunity in autumn 2020

For a detailed explanation of the special regulations visit www.km.bayern.de/ministerium/termine/1-staatspruefung-anmeldung-pruefungen.html (German)

What effect will the postponement of the First State Examination for the Teacher Education Programmes have on the next exam dates in autumn 2020 later?

Are you unable to complete assessments within the required timeframe due to the postponement of examinations (e.g. physical education; second examination dates)?

The Bavarian Ministry of State has published special regulations at https://www.km.bayern.de/ministerium/termine/1-staatspruefung-anmeldung-pruefungen.html for

Module assessments and 30 ECTS credit requirement
Practice teaching
Practical sport examinations for P.E.
Zulassungsarbeit (dissertation for teacher education programmes)
Other requirements for admission to the first state exam.
Change of the autumn 2020 examination periods

announced. The respective units (e.g. examinations office, sports centre, teacher placement office) will draw up the relevant certificates and procedures so that you can take advantage of the special regulations for the admissions procedure.

Special rules have also been announced:

for exam resits
for the free attempt and
on the registration deadline

I am faced with a registration deadline for the 'Vorbereitungsdienst' for the primary or Mittelschule teacher education programme and am unable to get an appointment at the health department. What should I do?

Currently, many health authorities have stopped giving out appointments for physical examinations or are cancelling previously made appointments. The certificate from the local health authority can also be submitted after commencement of employment. For further information, please visit https://www.km.bayern.de/lehrer/lehrerausbildung/grundschule/referendariat.html

Last revised on 27 April 2020

I am studying to become a teacher and had to cancel or am unable to begin my practice teaching because of the school closures. What should I do?

Please contact the teacher education coordinators or the teacher placement office, who will be able to help.

My exam date was postponed to the summer semester, causing me to exceed the maximum duration of study at the end of winter semester 2019–20. What should I do?

Students who are unable to meet statutory examination deadlines or requirements (e.g. maximum period of study, accumulation of minimum ECTS credits) due to the current circumstances will be granted an appropriate extension by the Board of Examiners upon request.
You can also send your applications (e.g. extension of deadlines, acceptance for credit) by e-mail to the Examinations Offices (with scanned supporting documents attached, if needed).
Please note: If your examination dates rescheduled for the summer semester, you must be re-registered for the summer semester 2020. Please re-register immediately if you have not already done so. In order to submit your work you must be re-registered, even if you are not planning to attend any courses during the summer semester. This also applies to dissertations and theses.

The University Library has extended its services. Does this mean that the deadlines for dissertations and theses are in force again? [23 July 2020]

The deadlines for submission of bachelor’s dissertations and master’s theses, for which you have registered via the Examinations Office, are automatically extended for the duration of the University Library closure. The scanning service, contactless lending and partial opening of the reading rooms does not change this. We are aware that not all students have equal access to these services.

Therefore, until the literature supply is restored to the usual extent, you may continue to add the number of days the library is closed to your original submission date. You can find an example calculation for this further down in our FAQs. However, there is no requirement to wait with the submission. If you have finished your dissertation or thesis, you can hand your work before the library reopens.

For written seminar papers and other written assignments, the decision on deadline extensions is taken individually by the relevant supervisor, as it may be possible to complete assignments on time using available resources even during the library closure (e.g. using online literature). This also applies to the seminar papers for the specialisation areas of the Faculty of Law – please see visit the page of the Dean of Studies of the Faculty of Law for details.

Currently, the submission deadlines for bachelor's dissertations and master's theses are suspended. How can I calculate the date on which I actually have to hand in my work [unchanged since 15 May 2020, last editorial change on 24 July 2020]?

This calculation cannot be made right now because it contains an unknown: the date on which the library will reopen. Since no-one knows when the library will reopen, or at least when the lending service will have been fully restored to normal, there is simply no way to determine the new submission deadline yet. However, we can show you two examples of how to correctly calculate the new submission date once the library does reopen.

Example 1: You registered your dissertation/thesis before 14 March: (closing date of the library):

Simply add the entire closure period = the calendar days between the library closure (14 March 2020) and re-opening (?? Month 2020) to the original deadline. If the library were to reopen on 30 May 2020 – this is a fictitious date simply for the sake of the example – the calculation would look like this:

Original submission deadline: 31 March 2020

+ 77 days of closure (14 March to 30 May 2020)

= New submission deadline: 16 June 2020

Example 2: You registered your dissertation or thesis after 14 March:

Even then the deadline for your dissertation or thesis is suspended for the number of days between registration and reopening.

If the calculated submission date falls on a weekend or a public holiday in Bavaria, you should submit your work on the following working day.

Again: You can only make this calculation once the library is fully open; the reopening date used in the calculation above is entirely fictitious. We will inform you of this in good timein our regular updates. The Examinations Office will also inform you separately of the new submission deadlines.

Does the suspension of classroom teaching affect individual meetings between students writing their dissertation/thesis and their supervisors?

We recommend that you hold these meetings not in person but using telephones or video chat; the meetings do not then have to be cancelled.

How will the ongoing situation affect the examination schedule of the Faculty of Law in the summer semester?

For up-to-date information on changes in the study and examination schedule of the Faculty of Law for summer semester 2020, visit the webpage of the Dean of Studies.

At present, it is not possible for students to come in to view their exam scripts. What about later?

In order to ensure a sound legal basis, the Examinations Office has sent scans to the students who registered for exam script viewing. If at all possible, it would be helpful if you could register to view your exam scripts in winter semester 2020–21 or even summer semester 2021. The exams will then be reserved for you.

What about examinations scheduled on or after 20 April 2020?

However, the state government announced on 16 April that in principle it is possible to conduct examinations in an examination hall or room. We will inform you on the coronavirus page and in these FAQs as soon as we have information on when examinations will become possible again.

The ministry is preparing a 'Plan B' with the universities in case exams cannot be carried out in their 'normal' format by the end of the semester: this includes deliberations on making it easier to hold online exams, even for those courses that do not have online exams listed in the module catalogue.

Important: All results of examinations taken in the summer semester will count as usual.

Will there be any examinations at all in the summer semester and will they count? [9 September 2020]

Yes, examinations are held in the summer semester and any exams on which you achieve a pass mark will count towards your degree. Your examiner will provide information on the exact examination format and date. Follow the links below for further information on exams of the:

The Corona regulation has been modified to further mitigate any disadvantages for students caused as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. According to this amendment, failed or missed university (module) exams will not be counted in summer semester 2020.
This regulation does not apply to state examinations (teacher education programmes and the undergraduate law programme) or any dissertations/theses for which you may be registered.

More specifically, this means that the exam registration or the exam attempt will not be counted if a student

misses an exam (due to illness or for any other reason),
has to abort an exam or
fails the exam.

Assessments completed in summer semester 2020 that have a 'fail' or 'not attempted' status in HISQIS – with the exception of fail status due to cheating – will have their status flag cleared prior to the next exam registration period.

What does online teaching mean for students?

However, with the switch-over from face-to-face to online teaching, there are also major changes in self-directed learning for which you should prepare in advance:

Online courses require a very high degree of self-organisation. Therefore, you should block fixed time slots every week in your calendar on which you are working on each course.
You will spend a lot of time alone in front of the computer during the courses. Set up self-directed study groups and exchange information about the course with other students if the course offers do not already provide such opportunities.

At www.uni-passau.de/online-lehre, University staff and students now have access to a central information service on online teaching. With this offer, the DiTech Transfer Forum intends to help the lecturers of the University to offer their teaching online. However, in a next step, the pages will be complemented by information and advice for students, including important advice services.

What does 'synchronous' and 'asynchronous' online teaching mean?

In synchronous online teaching, teaching and learning take place jointly and simultaneously, for example in a live stream or live chat. In asynchronous online teaching, the teaching and learning processes are separated in time, for example in an instructional video or in a discussion forum. Synchronous online teaching requires a very good internet connection and well-scaled software systems. We are currently working on increasing the existing capacities, but we cannot guarantee that all systems will run stably at peak server request times.

We therefore recommend that lecturers give preference to asynchronous teaching, supplemented by a small number of synchronous elements.

Who can lecturers turn to? What are the immediate measures?

The Study and Teaching Task Force has set up the Transfer Team for Didactics Technology (DiTech), an interdisciplinary team of experts on online teaching. The team is working on support measures that will be available to you in the coming weeks and during the summer semester. It consists of representatives of university didactics unit as well as the ZIM and ZLF (didactic innovation department).

Immediate measures:

At www.uni-passau.de/online-lehre, University staff and students now have access to a central information service on online teaching. With this offer, the DiTech Transfer Forum intends to help the lecturers of the University to offer their teaching online in the coming semester.
In regular meetings with the deans of studies, the support requirements of the faculties are determined and taken into account in the development of the offers (see 'Planned measures').
If you have any questions regarding the design of online courses, send your questions to online-lehre@uni-passau.de

Please note that comprehensive didactic advice cannot be provided, as the team is engaged in preparing on course readers and training offers, which should be made available as soon as possible. As soon as this step has been completed, initial didactic consultations can commence.

What measures are planned for lecturers? What is DiTech working on at the moment?

Informational resources for lecturers

Learning in online courses is very different from classroom teaching and usually online courses are prepared and planned over a longer period of time. However, in order to best manage the transition from face-to-face to online teaching, didactic handouts are being prepared and will be made available to you shortly. These will explain possible scenarios for university teaching and present detailed information on how they can be implemented at the University of Passau.

Support offers:

Assistance in the production of instructional videos: various options are available for recording your classroom-based teaching. The ZMK's and DiLab's TV studio and laboratory rooms can be used for this purpose. In addition to these studio recordings, you should also consider independent recording via your own computer or mobile device.
Training courses: These will be offered to help you and your team set up online courses. You can also send your student assistants to these training courses to distribute the workload in your team.
Tutorials and instructions: In order to use the various tools available to you for online teaching, we will create instructions and tutorials to help you implement your didactic ideas and follow-up training.
Getting students involved: We are working on concepts that also involve students in the implementation of online teaching. The expertise available among students can be a valuable support for lecturers. A discussion forum will be created to facilitate this.
Tutor team for online teaching: A student-led media-didactics support team for online teaching will be established to answer your questions and support you in implementing your teaching formats.

At www.uni-passau.de/online-lehre, University staff and students now have access to a central information service on online teaching.

The University provides new technical possibilities for virtual teaching. Are they data privacy compliant?

Aspects of data protection law play an important role in the selection and use of new tools for all Bavarian universities, which is why the Bavarian administrative department for IT law is involved in this topic. Information on data protection will be added to the help pages of the ZIM support for each software or online service.

We are currently receiving an increasing number of enquiries about Zoom in particular due to the current media coverage. The ZIM has therefore set up its own webpage on the subject of 'Privacy and Zoom'.

What opportunities will be available for students to network, for example in digital learning groups?

In the summer semester, our lecturers and students will have access to the video and web conferencing platform Zoom, which they can use to conduct online meetings, webinars, file sharing, instant messaging and group messaging in small, virtual groups. The ZIM has already purchased sufficient licenses for this purpose.

At the same time, Stud.IP and ILIAS have been updated. On the student side, this allows for integration of e.g. discussion forums, virtual bulletin boards (Blubber), wikis, Etherpads (which are similar to Google Docs), group blogs etc. into the respective courses. This should further facilitate collaboration and discussion in the virtual learning spaces.

Why was the decision taken to extend the lecture period at universities throughout Bavaria by two weeks?

The start of the lecture period of the summer semester is 20 April 2020, and the end of the lecture period has been set for 7 August 2020.This two-week extension gives the universities more leeway to organise the courses (e.g. as a teacher you do not come under pressure if some courses cannot start on time due to the increased preparation time).

How does the Language Centre overcome the challenges of teaching language courses online?

Indeed, online teaching is a particular challenge for the Language Centre, because our quality standards are high and our aim is to provide hands-on, communicative teaching, which cannot be transposed directly 1:1 into a digital format, despite all efforts and the support of the University.

At the same time, we strive to offer our students as much of the usual range of courses as possible – and in the usual high quality. As things stand at present, we will be offering more than 90 percent of the planned courses online. Registrations for the courses without placement test will start on Tuesday, 14 April. The placement tests will also take place online next week, as announced. The Language Centre will start teaching on 27 April, i.e. one week after the official start of lectures, in order to give students the opportunity to find their orientation in their subjects.

How will summer semester 2020 be different? Do I have to be in Passau on 20 April or come to the campus?

No, you do not have to be in Passau on April 20th. At least until the end of May, all courses are to be held online. From the beginning of June, it will be seen whether classroom teaching is once again possible.

Will the entire semester take place online?

We do not yet know when classroom teaching will become possible again, so that, at least initially, teaching be conducted online. However, lecturers are free to decide whether they want to deliver their entire course online or split it up into two teaching formats. This decision will depend on subject-specific and didactic requirements and it is up to them to weight the pros and cons of each format.

Will the full range of courses be offered in summer semester 2020?

Lecturers are requested to offer as many of their planned courses as possible in summer semester 2020. Students should take them up on their offering and study the courses as earnestly as they would any other semester. Both sides should therefore strive for a study progress of 30 ECTS credits.

What happens if I cannot reach the 30 ETCS requirement next semester because I need to complete courses that had to be cancelled or postponed?

Students who are prevented from gaining the requisite number of credits in summer semester 2020 are not to suffer any disadvantage, either of a financial nature or concerning the progression of their studies, due to the delay in their academic progress. For this purpose we have drawn up guidelines for the boards of examiners and continue to inform all members of the university of new developments here in the FAQs.

I still have books that I borrowed from the University Library but I am in my hometown. Do I have to travel to Passau to return them?

No. Currently, no late fees will be imposed as the library is closed until the end of May. If you are staying in Passau: a contactless returns service has been possible since 5 May. The library is also happy to accept books returned by post.

I have a scholarship from a 'Begabtenförderungswerk' and am now unable to complete my studies within the standard period of study due to the novel coronavirus. What to do?

Some Begabtenförderungswerke have put in place special arrangements for scholarship holders whose studies have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Please contact your scholarship provider first. If you require a confirmation letter for continued funding, you should contact the Examinations Office.

Can I cancel an already approved semester on leave because my planned internship/ semester abroad has been cancelled?

Yes, you can. Please send e-mail requesting cancellation of your leave semester to the Student Registration Office and enclose documentary evidence that the internship was cancelled due to the novel coronavirus. Your request to cancel the leave semester must be made by 30 April 2020. Cancellations after that date are only possible in justified exceptional cases. The same procedure applies analogously for study semesters abroad that have been cancelled.

Last revised on 24 April 2020

Due to the current situation, I have problems with my health insurance contributions or I am running out of money. Whom can I ask for further information?

If you are a German student, you should get in touch with the relevant social insurance organisation directly. You may be eligible for social benefits such as housing allowance. International students can apply for a grant at the social welfare office of the Student Services Association (Studentenwerk). A welfare loan will be paid to you.

The contact persons for social counselling for students of the University of Passau can be found at: https://stwno.de/en/counseling/kontakt-6-en. Consultations are currently only offered online. The staff speak English.

How can I re-register now so that I can stay enrolled?

Possible scenarios:

Your planned examinations are not taking place – your study duration will be extended.
The submission deadline for your bachelor's dissertation or master's thesis has been extended into the next semester.
Problem: You did not re-register for the upcoming semester and have received a de-registration notice.

Solution:
Immediately transfer the semester contribution for the next semester and
write an e-mail to the Student Registration Office requesting re-registration.
If you have already received a de-registration notice (due to failure to re-register), you should request revocation of the de-registration.
Please make sure you enclose proof of payment of the semester contribution.

Please note when transferring the semester fee:
In order for us to successfully match your bank transfer, you'll need to...

enter your matriculation number, family name(s) and given name(s) in reference line 1 of the bank transfer form;
reference line 2 must show the semester for which you are re-registering.

Bank details for re-registration:

Staatsoberkasse in Landshut für Universität Passau (if this is too long, you may shorten it to 'STOK Landshut f. Uni Passau')
BayernLB Munich
Reference line 1: matriculation number, family name, given name
Reference line 2: the semester for which you are re-registering (e.g.WiSe 2020–21)
IBAN (International Bank Account Number): DE12 7005 0000 1401 1903 15
SWIFT/BIC: BYLADEMM

Can I validate my CampusCard for the summer semester? [24 July 2020]

It is now possible to validate the CampusCard but not necessary: The city buses can still be used for the entire summer semester (until 30 September 2020) with the 'old' CampusCard in combination with a current certificate of enrolment. In examinations, students can also identify themselves with a certificate of enrolment in combination with a photographic ID.

I am an international student. Currently, I am in my home country for the semester break. What can I do I am unable to return to Germany to continue my studies because of the coronavirus situation?

It should be possible for you to attend online courses from abroad. However, you also have the option of taking leave of absence.

If you have already re-registered, you can submit an application for leave of absence. For the leave of absence request form visit https://www.uni-passau.de/en/study/getting-organised/reregistration/leave-of-absence/

Please tick 'Other reasons' and briefly explain the reason in your accompanying e-mail. You have until 31 October to decide whether you wish to take leave of absence in the winter semester. In special cases, if the reason for the leave of absence was unforeseeable, leave of absence is even possible until 15 December.

Theoretically, it is also possible to de-register for the duration of the absence forced by the coronavirus and to resume your studies in the next semester. Please note our notes and the forms on our website: https://www.uni-passau.de/en/study/getting-organised/reregistration/de-registration/

Please tick 'Other reasons' and briefly explain the reason in your accompanying e-mail. Paid semester contributions are only refunded if the de-registration takes place before the start of the semester (in the winter semester before 1 October, in the summer semester before 1 April). The application form can also be found on the above-mentioned website.

Important information for visa/residence permit-holders: For non-EU citizens, it is not advisable to de-register, as this has far-reaching consequences for your right to stay in Germany. If you are on leave for a semester, you should inform the local foreigners' registration office (Ausländerbehörde) about your stay outside Germany. The e-mail address is auslaenderamt@passau.de. Please add 'Urlaubssemester' in the subject line and attach the leave of absence approval letter that was sent to you by the University.

Re-entry to Germany with a valid residence permit is possible at any time, insofar as the general travel regulations permit. If your residence permit expires during your stay abroad, you have to apply for a re-entry visa at the German embassy.

I am an international student and have a flat in Passau. Due to the corona crisis I would like to shorten my stay or I am forced to extend my stay in Passau. What can I do?

If you would like to terminate your lease/rental contract before the agreed term, e.g. because you want to leave early or cannot return to Passau, please contact your landlord and try to find a solution together. The same applies if you have to extend your stay and therefore need to lengthen the contract term. Please also contact your direct contract partners for follow-up costs from the rental (utilities, internet provider, electricity company and so on). If you are an international student and have rented your room through the International Office, please send an e-mail to accommodation@uni-passau.de. Here too, we will work with you to find a solution.

I am an international student and have to extend my visa/residence permit. How do I go about this?

The foreigners' registration office (Ausländerbehörde) of the City of Passau currently processes extensions of residence permits by e-mail: auslaenderamt@passau.de. Please send all required documents directly to this address. If you have any questions about unforeseen extensions of your stay, semesters of leave or similar, please contact the foreigners' registration office directly. If you feel unsure, you can include the iStudi coach (istudicoach@uni-passau.de) in your e-mail correspondence.

I would like to apply for a master's degree. Does the coronavirus situation change anything about the deadlines? [19 May 2020]

Master's programmes: The application portal is already open, and the application deadline has been extended until 15 July with some exceptions – notably M.A. Development Studies, which has a 14 June deadline. All current deadlines for the master's programmes can be found on the application page.

Are you planning to start a master's programme in winter semester 2020–21 but are still lacking coursework/results from your current bachelor's programme due to the coronavirus situation? §4 of the 'Corona regulation (German)' allows you to submit proof of fulfilment of the admission requirements until 30 March 2021 (the end of winter semester 2020–21) in justified cases.

I have already signed a lease for an apartment in Passau, but now I cannot or do not wish to go to Germany. What can I do?

If you will not be coming to Germany, please contact your landlord or landlady and try to find a solution together. If you are an international student and have rented your room through the International Office, please contact accommodation@uni-passau.de. Here too, we will work with you to find a solution.

What about working from home (telecommuting)? What do I have to take into account?

Due to the current special situation, the University of Passau has significantly expanded the possibilities for working from home. The following applies for all staff: Work from home if you can and if it has been agreed with your division or administrative head. However, please remember that systemically relevant processes must be ensured and service points must be reachable by e-mail and/or telephone. For detailed information on telecommuting, see the memorandum of the Head of Administration Corona-Krise // Vertrauensarbeitszeit und alternierende Wohnraumarbeit vom 18. März bis 3. April 2020.

Timekeeping when working from home

On 6 April 2020, the University returned to exact timekeeping for academic support staff. To enable you to book your working hours at home in BayZeit, 450 additional virtual licenses have been purchased. This new functionality has now been activated for all academic support staff. When you open BayZeit in the Citrix environment, you will see additional new buttons: 'Kommen' and 'Gehen' ('Arrive' and 'Leave', respectively). For details, read this guide with screenshots (German). Staff working in their offices should use the CampusCard terminals.

Digital Workspace (Citrix environment)

All staff members of the University can access the central Digital Workspace (Citrix environment). When using a campus computer connected to the wired LAN network, you can use the 'Citrix Receiver' software to sign in. When using the Wi-Fi network or working from home, you should visit https://citrix-ext.uni-passau.de to log in to Citrix. The sign-in process uses two-factor authentication. This means you have to have a Smartphone with the FreeOTP app (iOS or Android) installed. The initial configuration of FreeOTP can only be done while connected to the University computer network by LAN cable. If you require help setting this up, contact ZIM Support (+49 851 509 1888, room IM 120).https://www.uni-passau.de/coronavirus/#IM The ZIM has provided a detailed manual for the setup and use of Citrix (German).

What does the current coronavirus situation mean for externally funded research projects?

The various donor organisations are currently scrambling to publish new information on how to deal with the coronavirus crisis. Research Services will collect and publish this information on a separate webpage.

I have to look after my children because the schools are closed. What do I have to take into account? What about staff with relatives in need of care or school-age children?

If you cannot work from home or can only do so to a limited extent, (partial) paid leave can be granted for the entire duration of the closure of the schools and other childcare facilities (but NOT during school holidays), provided that the proper functioning of your unit is ensured and the leave is necessary because you have to look after the children. For children under 14 years of age, a declaration to this effect by the employee is sufficient. In absolute exceptional cases, the need for childcare for children aged 14 or older would have to be decided on a case-by-case basis. Staff members may not bring their children to the University. No childcare services are provided by the state institutions.

The aforementioned conditions for leave also apply analogously if there is a compelling need to care for an infirm relative and care cannot be arranged for otherwise. The precise nature of the relative's care requirement must be stated and evaluated. This is particularly true if the relatives are not being cared for at home.

As before, leave can only be granted as a last resort after all other possibilities of arranging for care have been exhausted. Aside from the health its employees, the state institutions' proper functioning has top priority. Therefore, any such leave may be granted on an hourly or daily basis.

Please contact your direct superior and the personnel office if you and your children are concerned.

My child has caught the coronavirus. What should I do?

If your children are under 12 years of age or registered disabled and are not allowed to attend school or go to their childcare facility because of a coronavirus infection, the usual rules for looking after your children in case of illness apply.

Please contact your direct superior immediately and the personnel office if you and your children are affected.

What about business travel? What needs to be considered and who pays for the cancellation fees? [10 June 2020]

In March, we informed you that business trips and travel for training purposes will not be approved until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Bavarian State Ministry of Finance and for Homeland Affairs has announced that training measures can resume under the responsibility of the respective ministries, including the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts. The regulations in force, particularly the Bavarian disease control ordinance, must be observed. For this reason, the University will generally approve applications for training-related travel.

Other business travel can only be authorised if it is indispensable and unavoidable. Where possible, such business should be conducted using video and telephone conferences. Applications for business travel must therefore explicitly state that the business trip is indispensable and that video and telephone conferencing is not an option. For questions on this, please contact Ms Sandra Atzinger (sandra.atzinger@uni-passau.de; phone extension 1342) or Ms Ursula Baniak (ursula.baniak@uni-passau.de; ext. 1343).

Cancellation costs will be reimbursed by the University due to the special circumstances. However, you must cancel the business and training trips in good time to keep the costs to a minimum. For further information, please refer to the Human Resources Department's announcement on Dienstreisen und Stornokosten im Zusammenhang mit der Corona-Krise (German text).

How to deal with smaller-scale internal meetings, e.g. in the administrative units?

All units of the University can use video conferencing applications Skype for Business or Zoom for meetings.

If required, smaller face-to-face meetings are also possible. The decision whether to convene face-to-face meetings rests with the staff members themselves. In principle, all university members should observe the known hygiene and distance rules and choose sufficiently large rooms for meetings. Under these conditions meetings are generally possible.

However, team members with existing health conditions or those who are caring for elderly or seriously ill family members may consider that the risk associated with attending meetings in person is too great, despite all precautions. It is up to the respective teams to make these decisions together. Pragmatic solutions may include using video conferencing software, e.g. using mobile phones.

The University buildings are closed. How do I get into the building to work?

Staff members who have to come in to work can enter the building via the side entrances using their office key. The site map shows you which building entrances can be opened with the office key. Please make sure that the door is actually locked again after passing through. If, contrary to expectations, your office key for the associated building does not work, please contact the Buildings and Estates Service Office, extension 1231.

I am at an increased risk of complications if I catch the coronavirus. What should I do?

Are you at increased risk due to an underlying illnesses (e.g. leukaemia, diabetes, lung diseases, immune deficiency)? Then please contact your doctor. Please discuss with the doctor whether you need to take special precautions (e.g. not using public transport, not working in offices where there is face-to-face contact with members of the public, telecommuting). If it is not possible to carry out the measures and precautions deemed necessary by your doctor, he or she will have to decide whether you are still fit for work. Ask your doctor for a written recommendation of the measures. This will help you when you coordinate matters with your superiors and, if required, Human Resources. Our representative for the severely disabled will advise and support you in such matters.

Does the University provide protective masks to staff members?

All employees received three reusable, washable face masks each. These were sent to the faculties, central units and divisions by internal mail in May.