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Coronavirus: information for students

Last Update: September 13th 2021:

On this page you will find all important information about studies, teaching and university life in the current situation. Please check this website regularly.

Content:

Winter semester 2021/2022

Planning for the winter semester 2021/22 has already begun. The aim is to offer students in all degree programmes and in as many semesters as possible face-to-face teaching on campus again and to offer further face-to-face courses. At the same time, digital courses will continue to be offered. The planning is so flexible that it is possible to switch to digital teaching formats if the course of the pandemic requires it. If you have specific questions about the courses offered in your degree programme in the winter semester, please contact the relevant degree programme coordinator or the subject advisory service.

Prospective students can contact the central student advisory service with general questions about starting their studies in the winter semester.

Questions about specific degree programmes are best directed to the respective contact persons, who can be found on the following websites: Faculty of Cultural Studies, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Faculty of Law (in German), European New School of Digital Studies.

Prospective international students can also find information and contact persons on the pages of the International Office.

Vaccinations for students

Vaccinations are the best way to contain the pandemic and achieve as much attendance as possible in the winter semester. Viadrina arranges vaccination offers for employees and students. Current information is published on this website.

At the Vaccination Centre Frankfurt (Oder) you can receive a vaccination until 18 september 2021, monday to saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, even without booking an appointment in advance. Vaccination is carried out with the vaccine of the manufacturer BioNTech. Prior booking of vaccination appointments is possible via the hotline 116 117.

Requirements for the vaccinations are as follows:

  • First vaccinations for everyone twelve years and older. It is important that the second vaccination must be organised independently, this must be administered by the family doctor or specialist, for example, within 3-6 weeks. It must be the same vaccine as for the first vaccination.
  • Second vaccinations are possible for everyone who has been vaccinated with the vaccine from the manufacturer BioNtech. The first vaccination must have been given at least three weeks ago.
  • Those who have recovered can be vaccinated four weeks after the onset of the disease (if necessary, bring a certificate of the positive PCR test or proof of recovery).
  • Booster vaccinations are possible at the earliest six months after the last second vaccination (BioNtech, Moderna, AstraZeneca). All additional criteria will be checked by the vaccinator.

In Frankfurt (Oder), the medical practice Dr. Huth offers vaccinations with various vaccines for people who are not already patients of the practice.

At the beginning of the winter semester, there are once again several opportunities at Viadrina to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. If you would like to attend one of the following vaccination dates, please register via the corresponding registration form up to two weeks before the date.
Once you have registered for a vaccination appointment, you will receive all further information (e.g. location, exact time of your personal vaccination appointment, required documents) at the latest one week before the appointment.

For more information on available vaccination services from vaccination centres and doctors' surgeries, click here:

You can also find up-to-date information on the availability of vaccination appointments in your area on the following website: www.impfradar.de.

Information on the vaccines licensed in the EU and the risk assessment of vaccination with vector and mRNA vaccines can be found on the following websites:

Test obligations and test offers

Tests are an important instrument for breaking chains of infection and preventing future infections.

For classroom teaching and examinations, the 3G rule applies in accordance with the house rules (in German) for participants as well as teaching and supervisory staff.

Accordingly, students must provide one of the following three proofs for participation in face-to-face courses:

  • Proof of complete Corona vaccination according to the COVID-19 protective measures exemption regulation, i.e. the vaccination must have been carried out with a vaccine approved in the EU and at least 14 days must have passed since the last vaccination date. Proof can be provided in paper or digital form.
  • Proof of recovery in accordance with the COVID-19 protective measures exemption regulation. Proof can be provided in paper or digital form.
  • Proof of a negative Corona test, which may be max. 24h old at the beginning of boarding for attendance examinations, and max. 72h old at the beginning of courses. The following test certificates are accepted:
    • certified quick tests (citizenship tests)
    • certificates issued by the Viadrina Test Centre confirming the completion of a self-test under supervision. The test centre is only open on days (from 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.) on which presence examinations take place.
    • Self-certificates for the performance of a self-test without supervision. For self-tests without supervision, it is mandatory to use the form provided by the Viadrina.

In the case of attendance examinations, the proof must be provided at boarding, in the case of attendance courses during the lecture-free period at the beginning of the course.

Test centre at the Viadrina
The test centre is located in room GD 102. During the lecture-free period, it is only open on days when attendance examinations take place, from 8.30 to 9.30 am:
  • Wednesday, 15.9. and Thursday, 16.9.
  • Tuesday, 21.9., Wednesday, 22.9. and Friday, 24.9.
  • Monday, 27.9., Tuesday, 28.9., Wednesday, 29.9. and Thursday, 30.9.
  • Monday, 4.10., Wednesday, 6.10. and Friday, 8.10.

Only self-tests under supervision are provided. The certificate issued only entitles the holder to participate in courses offered by the Viadrina.

Corona test centres in Frankfurt (Oder), Słubice, Brandenburg and Berlin
Until 10 October inclusive, all citizens are still entitled to at least one free test per week ("citizens' test") at the test centres set up for this purpose. Under the following links you will find an overview of the test centres:

Examinations, term papers and theses

Written and oral examinations can be conducted face-to-face in compliance with the distance regulations and hygiene precautions as well as in compliance with the testing obligation anchored in the Viadrina house rules. In order to be able to take part in the examination, students must present a current, i.e. maximum 24 hours old, proof of a negative Corona test when boarding from 19.07.2021. A self-test carried out at home in advance is not sufficient. We strongly recommend that you have a certified test (so-called citizen test) carried out close to home.
Students and supervisors who are recovering or vaccinated as defined by the COVID-19 Protective Measures Exemption Ordinance are also eligible to take the test. For more information, see the section Compulsory Testing & Testing Options.

In the fixed place, as long as the distances are maintained, there is no obligation to wear a medical mask (surgical mask or FFP2 mask).

On the linked pages you will find the regulations on processing times and deadlines as well as information on the submission of written assignments and theses for your degree programme:

Please inform yourself about the regulations for handing in written work at your faculty or at the responsible examination office. Written papers are usually handed in by post or by dropping them in the letterbox at the main building (Große Scharrnstraße 59).

Under certain conditions - for example for students commuting across the border - oral examinations may be held at the Collegium Polonicum in individual cases.

Cross-border study 

According to the Polish entry regulations, there is quarantine obligation for students commuting across the border when entering Poland at least until 31 August 2021. Cross-border students are all students who regularly have to cross the German-Polish border for compulsory study purposes. There is an exception to the quarantine requirement for the following groups of people:

  • persons who have a certificate of a negative corona test that is not older than 48 hours at the time of entry,
  • persons who have been fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved in the EU and whose last vaccination is not older than 14 days,
  • persons who can prove their recovery, if the quarantine, isolation or hospital treatment took place in the last six months before crossing the border.

Corresponding evidence must be carried in Polish or English and presented to the police or border guards upon request.

Please always carry your student ID and another proof (e.g. your exam registration/boarding pass, confirmation of registration for university library) with you.

Especially for students living Poland who have to travel to Germany for compelling study purposes (esp. presence exam) and for whom the test costs represent a financial burden can apply for financial support from the Viadrina Emergency Fund. For this purpose, a short, informal application must be sent by e-mail to stip@europa-uni.de, stating the financial hardship, the compelling necessity of crossing the border (e.g. confirmation of registration for the presence examination) as well as the place of residence in Poland. A decision on the applications will be made in the short term.

Information for newly arriving international students

You are coming to Frankfurt (Oder) soon to start your studies or your semester abroad at Viadrina? Please note the important hints and information regarding the arrival from risk areas, quarantine regulations and support offers of the Studentenwerk and Viadrina.

If you have further questions, please contact the team of the International Office.

Events, consultation hours and committee meetings on site

Working meetings, committee meetings and consultation hours with students and invited external participants are possible by prior individual appointment, subject to the hygiene and distance regulations on site. Please contact praevention@europa-uni.de in advance for permission to hold such an event.

If external guests are received for work meetings or committee meetings, the contact details must be recorded in a form for the purpose of tracing infection chains.

Access to university buildings

The university buildings are once again generally accessible. Access is prohibited for persons who are ill with the virus or who are suspected of being infected.

The mensa in the GD as well as the coffee bar in the main building are also open for external guests. You can find the current opening hours on the pages of the Studentenwerk.

The main building is open from Monday to Friday from 6 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.

The Gräfin-Dönhoff building, the Audimax and the Viadrina-Building in August-Bebel-Straße are open Monday to Friday from 6 am to 6 pm. The Logenhaus and the building at Große Scharrnstraße 23a are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.

The University Library is open weekdays 9a.m. to 7p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 11a.m. to 6p.m. On-site registration is required to use the reading room. There is no obligation to test.

The Collegium Polonicum is accessible following special rules of residence (in German). Here you can find the opening hours of the Collegium Polonicum library.

University library

The University Library is open from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm on weekdays and from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Use of the reading room
Due to the current contact minimisation requirements, the number of users allowed in the reading room at the same time is limited. However, it has been significantly increased within the framework of the applicable distance rules. On-site registration is required to use the reading room. There is no obligation to test.

Via the electronic registration system, borrowable media can still be ordered from the reading room for collection at the counter (without proof of a negative test). Extended lending conditions apply, please inform yourself on the website of the University Library.

When visiting the library, please observe the rules of distance and hygiene. Wearing a medical mask (surgical mask or FFP2 mask) is compulsory outside the fixed workplace in the reading room. At the fixed workstation, the mask may be removed, provided the distances are observed.

Information:
For general requests please contact ub_ausk@europa-uni.de, for requests regarding interlibrary loan please contact ub_fernl@europa-uni.de.

The Collegium Polonicum Library is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 4pm, and on Wednesdays from 12noon to 7pm.

Extension of the standard period of study

In order to mitigate the negative consequences of the corona pandemic on the course of studies, the state of Brandenburg has decided to extend the individual standard period of study.

For students who were enrolled in the summer semester 2020, the winter semester 2020/2021 or the summer semester 2021, the individual standard period of study is extended by one semester for each of these semesters in which they were enrolled. The extension also applies to students who exceeded the standard period of study with the summer semester 2020, the winter semester 2020/21 or the summer semester 2021. 

BAföG recipients whose maximum funding period (standard period of study) ended with the summer semester 2020 or in the winter semester 2020/21 can receive support for a correspondingly longer period. Those who have not yet applied should do so immediately. 

Financial support

Depending on your personal situation, you can take advantage of the following support:

In all cases please contact the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder). Further information and your direct contact can be found at www.studentenwerkfrankfurt.de.

Information and advice centres

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the service points by telephone or e-mail:

Hygiene measures at the Viadrina

To reduce the risk of infection for employees or students in the Viadrina buildings, the following hygiene measures apply:

      • Please keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres. 

      • Wearing a medical mask (OP mask or FFP2 mask) is compulsory in all Viadrina buildings. This also applies at the fixed seat during examinations.

      • Regular hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds is one of the most important hygiene measures.

      • The ventilation systems in all Viadrina buildings are operated in accordance with current infection protection standards

      • In all offices and seminar rooms, lecture halls, sanitary areas and corridors, door handles and light switches are disinfected once a day, as are handrails in all stairways, lifts and public photocopiers.

      • Separate rules (available in German) apply to the University Library. Outside the workplace, the obligation to wear a medical mask applies in the reading room.

      • Separate cleaning of the rooms takes place before examinations. Students who write exams will receive detailed information about hygiene and behavioral measures in a confirmation e-mail before their exam.

      • We kindly ask you to use the Corona Warning App of the Federal Government. The app helps to identify chains of infection and supports the health authorities in containing the pandemic.

Information on barrier-free implementation of infection control measures (in German).

We kindly ask you to observe the current instructions of the Federal Centre for Health Education (in German).

Correct behaviour in case of disease symptoms and suspected cases

Please stay at home if symptoms of illness occur and contact your family doctor.

Primary contact:
In the case of direct contact with a person who has been proven to be infected with the corona virus (i.e. a positive test has been performed), the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Health apply: You must stay at home and report immediately to the responsible health authority (Health Office Frankfurt (Oder), Health Authorities Berlin). The Health Office will inform you about all necessary steps.

If you, as a Viadrina student, are affected, please send a short message to praevention@europa-uni.de.

Secondary contact:
In the case of indirect contact, i.e. in cases where no direct contact has taken place but where, for example, a family member is the primary contact person or a suspected case due to acute symptoms, the public health department does not normally impose quarantine.

If there are no compelling reasons that require your presence on campus, e.g. an important meeting at a seminar or an examination, we recommend that you stay at home until a test result is available. If the primary and secondary contact person is symptom-free and no test is carried out, up to five days of precautionary staying at home can serve as a guideline.

If you have any questions or are looking for support, please do not hesitate to contact us: praevention@europa-uni.de.

Useful links:

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Contact

For all questions and concerns
about the coronavirus
please contact us:
praevention@europa-uni.de

Important contacts at a glance:

Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences
matthiessen@europa-uni.de

Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
+49 335 5534 2544
rudovsky@europa-uni.de

Faculty of Law
+49 335 5534 2386
dek-rewi@europa-uni.de

Central Student Advisory Service
+49 335 5534 4444
study@europa-uni.de

Service-Point
+49 335 5534 4747
service-point@europa-uni.de

International Affairs
+49 335 5534 2485
head-office@europa-uni.de

Family Affairs Office
+49 335-5534 2568
familie@europa-uni.de

Writing Center
+49 335 5534 2540
schreibzentrum@europa-uni.de

University Library
+49 335 5534 3366
unibibl@europa-uni.de

Language Centre
bahr@europa-uni.de

Collegium Polonicum
+49 335 5534 16 6800
colpol@europa-uni.de