19/12/2021
UM in lockdown:
While some of you are hopefully already enjoying your leave, it is with pain in our hearts that we must inform you that our university is in lockdown until at least 10 January, following the new government measures. Because we don’t yet know exactly what this means for the coming period, we will inform you about the most important things today, and (we or your faculty or unit will) get back to you early next week with more details.
➡️ Education and exams
No education is allowed on campus until 10 January. A number of activities are exempted:
- Exams
- Practicals (including medical internships)
- Counselling of students who experience difficulty studying
This means that exams and practicals scheduled on campus from 3 January onwards can take place as planned. You will receive faculty or programme specific information next week. On 3 January the government has announced a decision about the measures as of 10 January.
➡️ University libraries and learning spaces
For the coming week (21-24 December), we are still looking into which location(s) remain open. We’ll need to figure out a few things first. You will be able to read more about the opening hours and locations via our social media channels. Tomorrow, 20 December, all UB locations will be closed.
Do you have any questions about this? Please use our virtual desk Ask your Librarian, available until 24 December.
➡️ Research
Location-based research is permitted. The labs will remain open for experiments that can only take place there.
➡️ PhD defences and orations
For the time being, PhD defences and orations are online and always without an audience when on location. In the coming week, those concerned will be informed directly by the Academic Ceremonies Office.
➡️ Working from home
Employees who are working in the weeks leading up to 10 January will do so from home. If your presence on campus is absolutely vital, for example because you fall within one of the abovementioned exceptions, please consult with your manager.
➡️ Buildings
The UM buildings are closed as of today. The receptions will remain open for a few more days to give you the opportunity to remove any items from your workplace and from the fridge. You can do this on 20, 21, and 22 December.
A number of buildings will remain open for work that has to be carried out on location. Exactly which buildings will be announced as soon as possible.
➡️ 1.5 metres and facemasks
Should you need to be on campus for any of the above reasons, please keep a distance of 1.5 metres wherever possible and wear your facemask. Do a self-test before you come and stay at home if you have any symptoms.
➡️ Childcare
According to the new measures, childcare will remain open for people with essential functions. Teachers and educational support staff belong to this category. To demonstrate that you are performing such a function, an employer's declaration is available from the director of your unit.
➡️ Ask Me Anything 20 December postponed
The Ask Me Anything session scheduled for tomorrow 20 December has been cancelled. We will of course inform you about a new date in the new year.
➡️ And on all other matters.....that we haven't mentioned here, you'll hear from us as soon as possible.
Please check https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/work-safely-during-corona-crisis for all Covid-19 related updates on our website.
