It’s wonderful that Aarhus University can open its doors to many employees again. But we aren’t returning to business as usual, stressed Rector Brian Bech Nielsen.

2020.05.29 | Sys Christina Vestergaard

As researchers and administrative staff return to their offices, labs and classrooms, they will be reunited with familiar faces and places. But a lot of things will still be different than before the coronavirus crisis.

Doors are locked, there’s still no student life on campus to speak of, and there are none of the lively academic and social events we’re used to: the Main Hall and the lecture theatres are empty and silent. And there are a lot of precautions in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. For example, limits on face-to-face meetings, both internally and with external guests. And limits on how many people are allowed to use lunchrooms, meeting rooms and labs at one time.

As Rector Bech Nielsen put it, we have to figure out a new way to be together.

“Naturally enough, there’s doubt and uncertainty connected with coming back to work. COVID-19 is part of our reality – so what can and can’t we do now that we’re returning to the workplace? Some of the answers are to be found in the university’s guidelines for the reopening. But it’s very important that there’s good dialogue between employees and their immediate supervisors, to clear up uncertainties and concerns. And each one of us has a responsibility, especially in relation to protecting ourselves and each other – and using our common sense.” 

The university has implemented guidelines for research labs, teaching and exam activities and offices, all based on the national guidelines and the recommendations of the healthcare authorities.

Students will still have to wait

While many employees are now returning to their offices at the university, most students will unfortunately have to wait until after the summer holiday to return to campus.

While a few students can attend teaching and exam activities on campus, the vast majority of these activities are continuing online.

“It’s really unfortunate for the students that they have to deal with such a long interruption in their normal vibrant academic lives, and we really miss them as the crucial element that gives our campuses their positive energy. No doubt about it: all of us here at Aarhus University are very much looking forward to being reunited with our students,” concluded Rector Bech Nielsen.

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FACTS ABOUT THE POLITICAL AGREEMENT AND THE REOPENING OF AU

As a result of the political agreement of 20 May regarding the further reopening of Denmark, many of the university’s researchers and technical/administrative staff were authorised to return to work on 27 May.  

Employees who work at the university’s locations in Jutland and Funen have access to their workplace at the university. For the Capital Region of Denmark and Region Zealand, the parties to the agreement have limited this additional reopening to public sector research that requires physical attendance. As a rule, this applies to all researchers and the technical personnel who are needed for research to be carried out. 

Local management decides to what extent it will be appropriate to return to the offices.

Some of the students will also be returning in connection with teaching and/or exam activities. Information about exams and teaching is being updated regularly on the study portals, but students still aren’t allowed on campus.

FACTS ABOUT THE GUIDELINES FOR AU’s REOPENING

The additional reopening of the university is taking place in full compliance with the healthcare guidance from the authorities. On this basis, Aarhus University has established a number of guidelines will remain in force from 27 May until further notice.

See the guidelines for

• How to use research laboratories
• Exam and teaching activities
• Office workplaces etc.