Open letter In the interests of the students
The written examination period is approaching – in the middle of the pandemic. How is RUB handling this? Vice Rector Kornelia Freitag explains the decision-making process for changes to examination dates and formats.
Dear students,
Between the new, dangerous virus mutations and the long-awaited start of Covid vaccinations, it remains difficult to determine the situation in the pandemic. It is exceptionally challenging, above all mentally. The upcoming examinations, particularly the written examinations, now fall within this period.
The feedback submitted by students to the Rectorate covers a wide range of opinions. It extends from well-founded calls to keep the in-person examinations on the announced date to a firm position against any in-person examinations until further notice.
Complex problem
The problem is exceptionally complex and the Rectorate is well aware of this. As a result, we have asked the faculties to clarify which written examinations absolutely must be held in person, which can be postponed, which can possibly be switched over to another format, and where it is possible to complete the module in another way. This clarification is taking place within the scope of the applicable legal regulations and in view of the now tested and proven hygiene concepts for students’ attendance on campus.
As it is in your interests that faculties coordinate this within the individual degree programmes, it will take some time before a final decision can be made. I expect that your faculties will inform you about what is happening with your written examinations this week from 25 January 2021. As a general rule, you will be informed precisely how and when your examinations will now be held at least two weeks before the examination date.
Ensure study progress adequately
It is clear that, due to the increased risk of infection resulting from mutated viruses, we must bring as few people as possible onto campus – no matter whether this is for classes or examinations. However, we must also ensure academic progress – and examinations form part of this, as they ascertain whether your knowledge and your skills enable you to successfully continue studying. Not every examination format is suitable to be transferred online. In this respect, all of the ongoing considerations aim to adequately ensure academic progress in the current Covid-19 situation.
Your lecturers strive to enable all students to complete the modules in a suitable manner and by the time they were planned to be completed. If examinations need to be held in person, participation is voluntary and you are free to decide until the examination takes place whether you want to accept the offer or wait for a second examination date. However, we are unfortunately unable to say for certain at the moment when the examination can be held for a second time.
Rest assured that all of the decisions now being made will be made in everyone’s best interests and will be considered as carefully as possible.
Warm regards and all the best for the end of the semester – stay healthy.
Yours,
Professor Kornelia Freitag
Vice Rector for Academic and International Affairs