Universities do of course have a part to play in helping to slow down the spread of coronavirus, said the Rector. “So we say quite clearly: dear students, wherever you are from, please don’t travel here yet.” Students who are in Leipzig should not travel more than necessary and should otherwise follow the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute and the health authorities.
The exact date of the start of face-to-face teaching will be agreed upon by the State Rectors’ Conference next Monday at the latest. “What is important to us, however, is the message that we are not closing the University. We will continue to research and teach. For teaching, we aim to work with digital formats wherever possible.” Information will be sent out to students in the coming weeks. This will be a matter of priority for the University’s crisis team.
“According to our constitution (Grundordnung), the University Senate is responsible for decisions of fundamental importance in matters of teaching, research or art, where these affect more than one faculty,” added Beate Schücking. “It will meet next Tuesday and will consider the issue at length. Any decisions required now will be taken by the Rectorate.”