Corona does not prevent young people from studying in Bavaria: Science Minister Bernd Sibler (CSU) announced a record on Monday. For the first time in the winter semester, 403,000 students will study at art colleges, universities and colleges for applied sciences (HaW). Of these, 67,750 are experiencing university operations for the first time – in Corona mode, of all things. At universities and colleges, many things will run differently than usual. Due to the coronavirus, the university semester begins two weeks later, most of the lectures and seminars will be offered digitally from November 2nd, many students will continue to study from home. But unlike in summer, there should be face-to-face seminars. As at the beginning of the HaW semester four weeks ago, Sibler emphasized that first-year semesters such as those who are graduating and students with a practical focus in face-to-face operations are preferred.
Sibler is sticking to the concept of the hybrid semester despite the sharp rise in the number of infections. There is a minimum distance of 1.5 meters in lecture halls, with a maximum of 200 students allowed in. Because there is not enough space even at large universities, most large lectures are likely to be digital. In addition, the corona traffic light takes effect: Because almost all regions of Bavaria have a seven-day incidence of 35, a mask is required in the building and on the square at almost every university. It is clear to him that the university family wants togetherness, encounters and discourse again, said Sibler, and he regrets that there will be “no return to normality” in the winter semester either. In view of the number of infections, he appealed to lecturers and students to be “very careful” so that hybrid operation can run until the end of January. If the infection worsens, everyone should be prepared. Then pure online operation applies again.
The student spokespersons for the state branch conference are also hoping for a hybrid semester by the end of January. “But many students have a queasy feeling and wonder whether it can go on like this for a long time,” said Maximilian Frank. The Greens in the Landtag go further: Verena Osgyan is already calling for an extension of the disadvantage compensation through longer examination periods and the extension of the standard period of study into the winter semester.
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