COVID-19

Adapted Guidelines and New Teaching Principles for the Autumn Semester 2021

Dear students
Dear members of the university community

The epidemiological situation continues to improve and the overall conditions for universities are largely returning to normal. Therefore, we can look forward to an (almost) normal autumn semester and the resumption of actual campus life – which is central not only to university education but also to the university community.

In the wake of the Federal Council's decisions, the Rectorate has therefore also once again adjusted the Corona guidelines. The following aspects in particular are new:

• Anyone who tests positive no longer has to report
• There is no longer an upper limit on the number of participants for courses. The only restrictions are the obligation to wear a mask and the limitation of capacity to two-thirds of the room.
• Teleworking is no longer compulsory, but only recommended insofar as the nature of the activity allows it. However, and in this respect with a view to the precautionary principle somewhat "stricter" than the generally applicable regulations for the cantonal administration, a general obligation to wear a mask in the buildings still applies, namely also at the workplace.
• Coffee breaks and aperitifs in the outdoor area are again possible without restriction, and in the buildings up to 30 people (with compulsory seating).

In agreement with the faculties, the Rectorate has also drawn up principles for teaching from the autumn semester of 2021 (FR/DE). Among other things, it reaffirms its position that:

• the University of Fribourg has and will keep its character as a campus university and that courses must be held on site as a matter of principle (although the possibilities of digitalisation should certainly be incorporated);
• materials should be made available or designated for all courses; and
• the faculties will concretise the examinations and the organisation of teaching and the Rectorate will only regulate the principles.

With these pleasant prospects, I would like to wish you pleasant summer months and look forward to tackling the coming tasks – of whatever nature they may be – together with you and thank you very much for your attachment and commitment to the University of Fribourg.

Yours sincerely,
Astrid Epiney, Rector