Dear students,
Following discussions held between the federal and state governments, the introduction of new regulations to prevent the infection and spread of the coronavirus, as well as talks with the Lower Saxony state government, I would like to inform you of the new developments and how they affect teaching activities at LUH.
Firstly: at LUH, we resumed on-campus learning on 4 October, which appears to be unique to Lower Saxony in terms of consistency and success. In summary, since the beginning of the semester, we have been consistent in implementing the political principles at our university to inform, test and vaccinate, as well as to reduce and monitor access. Furthermore, this has yielded very good results, to the benefit of our students and staff. I would like to thank you for your contribution to our success.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed by the government, who are well aware that universities are definitely not the primary cause for the current rising number of infections. Among other things, the high percentage of vaccinated students has been a factor in this. Therefore, in agreement with the state government, we can continue to implement teaching and learning under the 3G rule for the time being. We are thus treated in a similar manner to schools, as from a political perspective, educational institutions should remain open to uphold important values such as access to education and equal opportunities.
I am certain that many students will greatly appreciate this clear decision in favour of on-campus learning. However, I am also aware that some students are extremely concerned and would welcome a return to online teaching. The Presidential Board and I fully understand your concerns and take them seriously. I would therefore like to clearly reiterate, that we are closely monitoring events and will carefully and responsibly assess whether on-campus learning can no longer be implemented. Nevertheless, we have once again asked all teaching staff to continue using possibilities such as streaming, hybrid formats and recorded lectures from previous semesters in addition to on-campus learning.
Currently, examinations scheduled for the end of the semester shall take place as planned. We do not intend to postpone them.
We are in close contact with the university’s emergency committee, senate and deans as well as the Lower Saxony state government and will keep you informed.
Once again, I urge you all to observe the 3G rule and to wear masks correctly at all times! I would also like to ask vaccinated and recovered students to nevertheless be tested regularly. Free testing (“Bürgertest”) is available in our testing centre on the lower ground floor of the main university building.
We must strive to protect teaching and learning as best we can.
Please do not hesitate to contact me or other members of the Presidential Board if you have any queries. Stay safe!
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
