Important information for all UG students

The coronavirus has created an uncertain situation for all of us. In this news item we will share important information for all students, so please read it carefully.

1. Online education and examinations from 23 March until the end of the academic year

From Monday 23 March, all UG faculties and programmes will switch to online education and examinations as soon as they are able. This remote teaching and assessment is valid for the end of block 3 and the whole of block 4, i.e. until the end of academic year 2019-2020. Physical education will therefore no longer be provided and a customised solution is being sought for the practicals.

If government policy changes during block 4 in such a way as to require adjustments to teaching, we will be sure to inform you in good time. More information about when and how online education and examinations will take place can be found on the Student Portal and My University from Monday 23 March.

This is a new situation for all of us and together as an academic community, we are trying to help minimise the spread of the coronavirus - all whilst trying to maintain education and research at the UG as much as possible. This is important but also can also be difficult as it requires working in a way that is different from what we are used to. We hope that this decision regarding online education will give us all some peace of mind. Should the government relax the current measures, we do not rule out that certain physical forms of education or examination can be reintroduced. For now, online education will remain the guideline for all programmes and forms of study for the rest of this academic year.

2. Continuation of exams

We understand that for many of you this is a difficult time and the UG aims to minimize the impact of the temporary closure on its students and staff. We are striving to continue with the educational processes, including exams, where we can.  Despite all on-site meetings having been cancelled until the end of this academic year, there are alternative (digital) ways to continue with education and exams as much as possible. You will be informed by the student administration of your study programme whether scheduled exams will take place, when, and in what form. Please check the information of your study programme on a regular basis. Where we are able, we will try to avoid any study delays as a result of the current situation. Despite this exceptional situation, we wish you good luck and success with your studies.. Should you have any questions, please contact your study adviser.

3. Students currently overseas

Due to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ advice against global travel, all UG students are urgently advised to return to the Netherlands (or their home country) if this can be done safely.

In order to ensure that both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UG have a complete picture of everyone who is currently overseas, all students who are abroad are requested to report to both institutions.

• Information and reporting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be found at: http://informatieservice.nederlandwereldwijd.nl. The (emergency) telephone number (24/7) of the contact centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is: +31 247 247.  

• Reporting your stay abroad and/or your return to the Netherlands to the UG can be done at the Mobility and Scholarship Desk via msd rug.nl and at the international office of your own faculty.

For any assistance abroad, you can also contact the helpline of the travel insurance company AIG Emergency Assistance +31 104 535 656.

4. Tuition fees

Despite the fact that there are no physical lectures, the UG is continuing to work hard to be able to deliver online education. Tuition fees will therefore be collected as usual around the 26 March and we advise you to ensure that there are sufficient funds in your account at that time. If you are not able to make the payment due to circumstances related to the coronavirus, please contact study@rug.nl.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronacrisis, we would like to point out the additional loan options at the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO). You can find more information about the new measures taken by DUO:

• www.duo.nl/particulier/home/actueel/maatregelen-coronavirus.jsp

5. Binding Study Advice

Students who are unable to meet the BSA requirements as a result of the situation around the coronavirus will have it postponed. They will have the opportunity to meet the standard in the academic year 2020-2021. This was requested by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science on 19 March, after consultation with the VSNU. For UG students who fall under the BSA regime, this means the following:

• First-year UG students who have obtained sufficient points will receive a positive binding study advice (BSA) as usual.

• First-year UG students who have failed to obtain sufficient points as a result of the corona crisis (and are still enrolled on 1 March 2020) will receive a so-called postponed recommendation. This means that students will still receive positive study advice if they have passed the BSA standard at the end of the second year of enrolment.

• For second year UG students (in 2019/2020) with a postponed recommendation, customization will be necessary and further notice will follow.

According to the UG, postponed advice is possible in exceptional circumstances, and these are indeed exceptional circumstances. We hope that this decision will provide the necessary clarity and take away any concerns from our students. We also hope that everyone will be able to continue with their studies as much as possible, despite the corona crisis.

The Board of the University
University of Groningen