Covid-19 and the academic year 2020/2021

New Vice-Chancellor's decision from 22 December

Updated 2021-12-22

On 21 December, the government decided on new restrictions due to the increased spread of infection in society. The new restrictions entail at the current time no major changes for the University regarding education and assessment.

For education, the decision states:

• Teaching and assessment of study performance continue to be conducted as planned on University premises. For teaching, physical gatherings are to be managed to ensure social distancing and avoid crowding. In cases where sufficient infection control measures cannot be applied, teaching may be conducted digitally with no physical attendance on University premises. As clarification, third cycle studies are covered by the same conditions as education.
• Libraries, study spaces and computer rooms are to remain open and accessible to the greatest extent possible while ensuring social distancing and avoiding crowding.

Information on https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/universitys-handling-coronavirus is updated continuosly.

Pay attention to the information in the schedule and/or in Canvas – the information is continuously adjusted based on current decisions and recommendations.

New infection control measures

From 8 December.

The Swedish government has decided on new infection control measures as of 8 December. The general message from the government to universities, however, is to continue with education on campus as usual until further notice.

Infection control measures from 1 December

Updated 2021-11-26

The Swedish government has decided on new infection control measures as of 1 December. The measures concern, among other things, regulations about how indoor public gatherings and events with more than 100 participants can be conducted with or without vaccination certificates.

Teaching, assessment, including the public defence of doctoral theses, and research do not fall within the scope of public gatherings and events.

Concerts, public lectures and other public events may be affected.

The University will provide further information as soon as possible.

Also see the Swedish Public Health Agency's information:

More information about the new infection control measures on the Swedish Public Health Agency's website

Requirements for testing from 22 November

From 22 November, you should get tested if you have symptoms, irrespective of whether you are fully vaccinated or not. This does not apply if you have had a confirmed Covid-19 infection in the past six months.

See information about current requirements for testing on the Swedish Public Health Agency's website

We are back on campus as of 1 November

Updated 2021-10-29

As of 1 November, in accordance with the vice-chancellor’s decision on 17 June 2021, the University returns to being an organisation without limitations imposed by COVID-19 restrictions. This means that, as a starting point, activities are to be conducted on campus. Regarding education for which special reasons apply, the return may be completed by 16 January 2022 at the latest.

Covid-19 is still classed as a generally and socially hazardous disease according to the Communicable Diseases Act. As an employer and education provider, the University needs to address this. This means that we are to continue to avoid crowding and stay at home if we have symptoms.

The government’s plan for the removal of restrictions is currently at stage 4. When the government decides to move to stage 5, the remaining restrictions will be lifted.

• Read about the current advice and restrictions at Krisinformation.se

Autumn semester 2021

Updated 2021-08-27

Lund University has decided that a gradual and orderly adaptation to campus-based education will take place during the autumn. We do our best to ensure that you as a student receive teaching of the highest possible quality, while we also follow Lund University's decisions to limit the risk of infection.

Teaching and assessment at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology will be carried out both digitally and on campus during the autumn semester. How quickly we can return to mainly campus-based teaching and what the gradual transition will look like, depends on the current infection situation and the restrictions that apply in society.

Information will be sent out continuously during the semester and as a student you need to be prepared for the fact that the conditions may change and therefore teaching forms may be affected.

New decision by the vice-chancellor – 17 June 2021

Updated 2021-06-18

The updated vice-chancellor's decision from 17 June states that the University will, from the start of the autumn semester, begin gradual and orderly adaptation to educational activities which are not restricted. Adaptation will take place based on the conditions at each of the organisational units as well as the Government’s and Public Health Agency’s recommendations.

More information can be found at: www.lunduniversity.lu.se/coronavirus-covid-19-information-students

From 1 November, it will probably be possible to place more teaching components on campus. These changes will be published 1 October in the schedule and/or in Canvas.

The HT faculties will continuously update decisions and recommendations if infection rates change.

Thank you for studying from home when you can!

Updated 2021-04-20

Students are encouraged to continue studying primarily from home. Study places and computer rooms are available to a limited extent and for students who need them, e.g. for information searches, use of reference material, access to equipment for distance learning and assessments. Students who must attend the campus are to spread out so as to maintain a distance of at least 2 metres. If the premises are full, please find another place. If premises become too crowded, we will be obliged to close them down again.

Find studyplaces at LUX and SOL
Find study places at other faculties: Faculty information on Covid-19

New decision by the vice-chancellor – 18 March 2021

Updated 2021-03-19

The updated Vice-chancellor's decision from 18 March (2021-03-18) means that all activities are to be conducted digitally as far as possible, with no physical attendance on University premises, until further notice. However, as it has negatively affected our students' work environment and the opportunity to pursue studies, the university has decided to increase access to study places so that students who need to be on campus can spread more easily at the same time as the spread of COVID-19 is avoided as far as possible. Study spaces and computer rooms must be kept available to an extent that - with the avoidance of spreading COVID-19 - provides opportunities for information retrieval, use of reference materials and access to equipment for digital teaching and examination.

The following applies to students at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology:

• All activities that are not necessary to carry out with a physical presence on the University's premises are to be carried out digitally. Updated information will be available via your learning platform Canvas or on the course website.
• All students are encouraged to study from home by default. Study spaces and computer rooms are to be left accessible only to a limited extent for students who need such a space, e.g. for information retrieval, use of reference materials or for access to distance learning and examination equipment.
  More information on available study environments at LUX and SOL
• Our houses will be closed to the public but HT students have access with their LU cards. Current opening hours can be found on www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/ or www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/sol-building/
• Our libraries are open with limited hours for the University's employees and students to the extent necessary to allow deposits or lending of books and access to reference literature.
  Help and contact with the library should primarily take place via digital channels, see www.htbibl.lu.se/en/contact/meet-us-digitally/
  See current opening hours at: www.htbibl.lu.se/en/contact/opening-hours/
• Our receptions at LUX and SOL have limited opening hours. See current opening hours at:
  www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/reception/
  www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/sol-building/reception/
   

We understand that you as a student may feel uneasy or anxious due to the current situation. We encourage anyone who feels this way or who wants to talk about their situation to contact the Student Health Counselling or your Department. You can reach the Student Health Counselling via: www.lunduniversity.lu.se/current-students/health-care/student-health-counselling

If you experience problems with your education, you can always contact the Student Union, either by emailing exphts.luse or sending an anonymous form via htslund.se/en/complain. The problems can range from everything from Zoom lectures to digital examinations to study environments. The Student Union also holds some social events, e.g. digital game nights and workouts over Zoom. Keep an eye on facebook.se/htslund for updates on the events. You can also visit htslund.se/en for more information about the Student Union.

Updated Vice-Chancellor's decision – stricter restrictions apply until further notice

Updated 2021-01-20

As the spread of infection remains serious, the government announced additional restrictions for the whole of Sweden on 18 December 2020. As a result, Lund University has decided on 21 December that all activities are to be conducted digitally as far as possible, with no physical attendance on University premises. The decision has been extended and applies until further notice, with the exception that the restriction on accessibility for study spaces and computer rooms is limited to 31 March, 2021.

The following applies to students at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology:

• All activities that are not necessary to carry out with a physical presence on the University's premises are to be carried out digitally. Updated information will be available via your learning platform Canvas or on the course website.
• All students are encouraged to study from home by default. During the period up to and including March 31, 2021, study spaces and computer rooms are to be left accessible only to a limited extent for students who need such a space, e.g. for information retrieval, use of reference materials or for access to distance learning and examination equipment. Other spaces intended for students, such as group rooms and lunch rooms etc. must remain closed.
• Our houses will be closed to the public but HT students have access with their LU cards. Current opening hours can be found on www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/ or www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/sol-building/
• Our libraries are open with limited hours for the University's employees and students to the extent necessary to allow deposits or lending of books and access to reference literature.
  Help and contact with the library should primarily take place via digital channels, see www.htbibl.lu.se/en/contact/meet-us-digitally/
  See current opening hours at: www.htbibl.lu.se/en/contact/opening-hours/
• Our receptions at LUX and SOL have limited opening hours. See current opening hours at:
  www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/reception/
  www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/sol-building/reception/

Extended restrictions up to and including March 23

Updated 2021-01-13

As the spread of infection remains serious, the government announced additional restrictions for the whole of Sweden on 18 December 2020. As a result, Lund University has decided on 21 December that all activities are to be conducted digitally as far as possible, with no physical attendance on University premises.

The HT faculties are now extending the parts of the restrictions that apply to teaching. This is done primarily to be able to plan for teaching and other activities during periods 1 and 2 of the spring semester. The extension applies up to and including March 23, 2021.

Up to and including March 23 the following applies to students at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology:

• All activities that are not necessary to carry out with a physical presence on the University's premises are to be carried out digitally. Updated information will be available via your learning platform Canvas or on the course website.
• All students are encouraged to study from home by default until March 23, 2021.

Until and including January 24 we have limited opening hours and availability for activities in our houses, (in accordance with the principal's decision from December 21, 2020). Information on extension/changes will be announced no later than January 24, 2021.

• Study spaces and computer rooms are to be left accessible during this period only to a limited extent. These are for students who need such a space, e.g. for information retrieval, use of reference materials or for those who cannot conduct studies from home. Other spaces intended for students, such as group rooms and lunch rooms etc. must remain closed during this period.
• Our houses will be closed to the public until January 24, 2021. But HT students have access with their LU cards. Current opening hours can be found on www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/ or www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/sol-building/
• Our libraries are open with limited hours for the University's employees and students to the extent necessary to allow deposits or lending of books and access to reference literature.
  Help and contact with the library should primarily take place via digital channels, see www.htbibl.lu.se/en/contact/meet-us-digitally/
  See current opening hours at: www.htbibl.lu.se/en/contact/opening-hours/
• Our receptions at LUX and SOL have limited opening hours. See current opening hours at:
  www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/reception/
  www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/sol-building/reception/
   

We understand that you as a student may feel uneasy or anxious due to the current situation. We encourage anyone who feels this way or who wants to talk about their situation to contact the Student Health Counselling or your Department.

You can reach the Student Health Counselling via: www.lunduniversity.lu.se/current-students/health-care/student-health-counselling

If you experience problems with your education, you can always contact the Student Union, either by emailing exphts.luse or sending an anonymous form via htslund.se/en/complain. The problems can range from everything from Zoom lectures to digital examinations to study environments. The Student Union also holds some social events, e.g. digital game nights and workouts over Zoom. Keep an eye on facebook.se/htslund for updates on the events. You can also visit htslund.se/en for more information about the Student Union.

New restriction due to the decision by the Vice-Chancellor – December 21

Updated 2020-12-23

As the spread of the Covid-19 infection remains serious, the government announced additional restrictions for the whole of Sweden on December 18, 2020. Lund University has therefore updated the Vice-Chancellor decision and all students have a responsibility to follow the new restrictions, initially up to and including January 24, 2021. The conditions that may apply for the period from January 25, 2021, will be announced later.

The following applies to students at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology:

• All activities that are not necessary to carry out with a physical presence on the University's premises are to be carried out digitally. This may involve changes in teaching and examinations during January – more information will be available via your learning platform Canvas or on the course website and will be updated as soon as possible.
• All students are encouraged to study from home by default until January 24, 2021. Study spaces and computer rooms are to be left accessible during this period only to a limited extent and for students who need such a space, e.g. for information retrieval, use of reference materials, access to distance learning and examination equipment. Other spaces intended for students, such as group rooms and lunch rooms etc. must remain closed during this period.
• Our houses will be closed to the public from December 23 initially until January 24, 2021. But HT students have access with their LU cards. Current opening hours can be found on www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/ orwww.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/sol-building/
• Our libraries are to be kept open with limited hours for the University's employees and students to the extent necessary to allow deposits or lending of books and access to reference literature.
  Help and contact with the library should primarily take place via digital channels, see www.htbibl.lu.se/en/contact/meet-us-digitally/
  See current opening hours at: www.htbibl.lu.se/en/contact/opening-hours/
• Our receptions at LUX and SOL limit their opening hours.
  See current opening hours at:
  www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/lux/reception/
  www.ht.lu.se/en/the-faculties/our-buildings/sol-building/reception/

We understand that you as a student may feel uneasy or anxious due to the current situation. We encourage anyone who feels this way or who wants to talk about their situation to contact the Student Health Counselling, the Student Union or your Department after the Christmas holidays.

You can reach the Student Health Counselling via: www.lunduniversity.lu.se/current-students/health-care/student-health-counselling

If you want to get in touch with the Student Union, you can visit their website htslund.se or send an email to: exphts.luse

Stricter restrictions at the national level from 14 December

Updated 2020-12-15

As of 14 December, stricter national regulations and general advice come into force about everyone's responsibility to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Everyone in society, both individuals and business operators, has an obligation to take measures to prevent the spread of infection. This also applies to celebrating festive occasions.

• Learn more about the stricter national regulations on krisinformation.se

Information concerning education and examination – autumn semester 2020 and the first half of spring semester 2021

Updated 2020-12-03

In order to ensure a safe work and study environment for employees and students, and to help to reduce the spread of the virus throughout society, the HT-faculties have made the following decision (2020-12-02) for education:

Autumn semester 2020

• As far as possible, teaching and examination at the HT-faculties must be carried out digitally. This applies to all courses and programs with a few exceptions, such as practical elements that cannot be completed digitally. This may involve further changes in the schedule for the remaining part of the autumn semester 2020. Information on what applies to your particular education can be found via your learning platform Canvas or on the course website.

Spring semester 2021

• The decision also applies to the first half of the spring semester 2021 up to and including the 23rd of March, 2021. New information on the form of teaching for the period March the 24th to June the 6th , 2021, will come in mid-February.

Information on course websites

The information on all course websites, for both autumn and spring semesters, is updated regularly. Schedules for the spring semester will be published on December 21st.

Information for studies abroad

Students who have been nominated for studies abroad must follow the Foreign Ministry's restrictions and the partner universities' decisions – contact the International office if you have any questions, internationalht.luse.

Extended recommendations for Skåne

Updated 2020-11-18

Due to the Public Health Agency's and Region Skåne's decision to extend the guidelines for reducing the spread of Covid-19 in Skåne, the HT faculties have decided on extending our added recommendations and measures over the remaining part of the semester.

For students at the Faculties of Humanities and Theology, this means that changes in teaching may be made during the remaining part of the semester. This is to reduce crowding and anything other than necessary travel.

• teaching may be converted to digital/online when possible. You will find more information about your course/programme in Canvas or in the schedule on the course web page.
• Our buildings (SOL and LUX), will close at 17:00 during the remaining part of the semester. However, HT students and all students at the Department of Communication and Media will be able to enter as usual even outside opening hours (weekdays 6:30–22:00 and Saturday 10:00–16:00) using LU Card + code.
• the HT libraries will be open Monday–Friday until 16:00 during the remaining part of the semester. The Asia Library is open until 13.00. As before, the libraries are closed on weekends and public holidays.

It is important that staff and students

• avoid travelling on public transport
• work or study from home when possible
• avoid socialising with people other than those from the same household or who they meet every week.

Please note that the decision is extended until the end of semester, but can be changed if other recommendations from authorities and the government are issued.

Teaching in the spring semester of 2021

Programmes at Lund University will continue to be conducted both online and on campus until the spread of infection has diminished. This means that many lessons, seminars and examinations will be conducted via the video conference tool, Zoom. Accordingly, as a student you must have access to the equipment you need to participate digitally, i.e. a stable internet connection, microphone (preferably a headset) and camera.

However, certain teaching sessions will be held on campus. This applies to components that require a physical presence or where we deem that campus-based teaching is necessary for the quality of the education. You will find more information on what applies to your course in the timetable on the course home page.

In cases where teaching is conducted on campus, all teaching facilities will indicate routes in and out in relation to stairwells, corridors and foyers (entrances and exits). Show consideration and follow the instructions carefully. Hand sanitiser is to be available at all lecture halls.

The form of teaching may change during the semester. If you are a student, it is therefore important that you can be prepared to be present at the University at short notice.