Corona, UCR & You

UCR is offering our students, in-person and on-campus teaching.

Community is the heart and soul of UCR. Our small, tight-knit student community lives on campus, socializes, and learns here. Our faculty and staff enjoy the frequent in-person interactions they have with students and with each other. We want our community to have in-person touchpoints. However, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is of course our top priority. 

For these reasons, and because new nationals measures allow for it, we are able to offer all teaching in-person and on campus. We are also fully equipped and ready to switch to fully online or a hybrid teaching model if the pandemic takes a turn for the worse.

Such a flexible (back-up) model provides for both online and limited (especially where necessary) face-to-face classes. In practice, this means that if we had to switch to hybrid teaching, on-campus students may attend classes both online, as well as in-person where and whenever possible. And students who are unable to come to class because of illness or personal reasons would still be able to attend classes remotely using Zoom (there are exceptions, such as lab courses).

This flexibility is particularly useful when the effects of the pandemic are forcing us to make decisions about how many students can fit into a classroom on campus. The model also enables it to function for students who may not be able to come to campus at the moment, which might be the case for some of our international students.

The relaxation of the rules at university is of course great news for our small community that relies on the close and personal interactions we can enjoy on our campus. We also understand that there will be students and colleagues who will feel uneasy with the lifting of some restrictions. At UCR, we take our responsibility seriously, which is why we have introduced a number of additional conditions and processes to ensure on-site learning can take place in a safe and responsible way. This includes:

Special routing
One-directional routing with dedicated entry and exit points has been installed in all academic buildings. This will allow students and employees to use the buildings safely.

Face masks 
As per the national guidelines, face masks must be worn by all students and colleagues in all of our buildings at all times.

Frequent and thorough hygiene protocols
Classrooms, offices, and communal areas are being cleaned more regularly.

Maximum room capacities
Maximum room capacities will apply to each classroom.

Adequate ventilation in teaching spaces
We have ensured that all rostered teaching spaces are adequately ventilated. Whilst the weather permits and if the whole class can attend, outdoor teaching is also strongly encouraged.

Free self-tests
All students and employees can order free COVID-19 self-tests. Using their Solis ID, they can quickly and easily order self-tests on www.zelftestonderwijs.nl.

As mentioned above, teaching will take place in person and on campus. All students are therefore expected to be on campus for the start of the Spring semester.

Short answer, yes. Travel for study is generally exempt from travel restrictions. However, do keep the following in mind:

• Quarantining upon arrival
• Lockdowns and shop closures
• Test requirements

Read more about what applies to your specific situation here. You can also do the travel check here.

Students who are self-quarantining and unable to attend class in person can join classes online via Zoom. They liaise directly with their instructors who will share the relevant joining links with them.

Yes, face masks must be worn by all students and colleagues in all of our buildings at all times.

Wearing a face mask is never a substitute for not observing other measures to limit the spread of the virus. Except when seated in the classroom, you must also stay 1.5 meters away from others.

The short answer is, no.

UCR is a residential college. We owe it to our students and our colleagues, many of whom long to return to campus, to facilitate as much in-person and on-campus education as possible. We also want to create a safe space for our students (current and incoming) and employees to socially integrate which is of great importance to our small university college and close-knit community. With all this in mind, UCR will continue to offer all teaching on campus.

This means that all of our students are expected back on campus. At the same time, we continue to take our responsibility for public health very seriously, to minimize the risks of outbreaks of the virus.

If international travel restrictions or serious health concerns prevent you from coming to campus in Spring 2022, you should send an email to coronavirus@ucr.nl.  You will then be advised on your options.