Following the Government's plan for gradually phasing out restrictions, the Chalmers President has revised the decision regarding teaching and working on campus for the autumn. The general recommendation on working from home will not be extended after 15 August, and the goal for study period 2 is that all teaching will be conducted without restrictions.
Updated 16 June 2021
The spread of infection is moving in a positive direction in society and the rate of vaccination is increasing. Together with the positive signals Chalmers has received from the relevant authorities, there is therefore sufficient reason not to extend the general recommendations after 15 August.
This means that planning should take place for an adjusted return to campus, in such a way that crowding can still be avoided. It is still the case that every employee and student must exercise personal responsibility when it comes to staying home when feeling sick, getting tested when feeling unwell, keeping a distance and maintaining good hand hygiene.
“Just like everyone else, we cannot be absolutely certain about how the pandemic will end, or if it will develop in another way,” says President Stefan Bengtsson. “We must be bold enough to plan for a more normal future, whilst remaining conscious of the need to adapt, to have open dialogue, and together reach a conclusion of how we can best follow the recommendations.”
This applies during summer
- Until 15 August, operations will continue under the same rules as during the spring:
- Work from home unless you have to be on campus
- Digital meetings should be the first choice
- Only operations-critical business travel is permitted
This applies from 16 August 2021
Adjusted return for employees
- The head of department or equivalent is responsible for planning operations in consultation with line managers in such a way that crowding is avoided. This applies until the Swedish Public Health Agency and/or the government announce that Sweden has reached level 5 in the national plan for return.
- If crowding cannot be avoided, the priority groups for campus based activities are doctoral students, post-docs, laboratory staff, teaching staff on campus, staff who during the pandemic had tasks that required location on campus, and staff conducting the reception of new employees and recruits.
- Departments must plan for new employees, or employees who have been working remotely from abroad due to the pandemic, to come to Chalmers as soon as possible.
Employees will find more information on Chalmers intranet.
Conferences, meetings and thesis defence
- Conferences may be held but must be risk assessed beforehand. Pay special attention to how to avoid crowding when entering and exiting for breaks and lunches. Conference refers to a major event with external guests and speakers. Meeting refers to smaller gatherings, often internal, with up to about 20-30 participants.
- Thesis defences, open lecture, seminars, or similar events which the public may attend must always follow the guidance on public gatherings.
- Until the government announces that Sweden has reached level 5 in national plan, each major meeting (e.g. departmental meetings, kick-offs, farewells) must be risk assessed, with relevant measures taken.
Adjusted return to campus for students
T
he return for students will also be adjusted. Teaching will be conducted in a hybrid format during study period 1 (30 August–31 October 2021). The goal is for students to have at least half of their scheduled time on campus during study period 1. During study period 2 (1 November 2021–16 January 2022) the goal is that all teaching will be conducted without restrictions.
More information on how education will be carried out at Chalmers autumn 2021:
Student portal