Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students

Last update: 23 August 2021

Semester: 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022
Lecture period: 11 October 2021 to 29 January 2022
Winter break: 19 December 2021 to 2 January 2022

Last update: 19 January 2022

The 50th Hamburg containment provisions (Hamburgische Eindämmungsverordnung, EVO) allow the University to once again offer in-person classes with certain restrictions. For in-person classes, in-person examinations, examination inspections, and courses with practical or laboratory components, the protective and hygiene measures set forth in the Hygiene Plan for Universität Hamburg (excluding UKE) apply.

On the basis of the regulations issued by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the University has formulated 4 principles for offering in-person classes:

1. You must comply with the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered, or tested)—you can attend classes in person only if you present proof that you have been vaccinated against, have recovered from, or have tested negatively for the coronavirus.
2. The mandatory 1.5-meter distancing rule is no longer required in classrooms.
3. Everyone is required to wear a medical mask covering their mouth and nose in all buildings and classrooms. You must wear an FFP2 mask without a breathing valve for in-person classes and examinations, in libraries, and when using student workspaces.
4. The general hygiene regulations (regularly washing hands, observing sneezing and coughing etiquette, etc.) still apply.

Teaching staff are not required to provide additional digital courses for students who are not in Hamburg.

Of course, this information is subject to developments in the pandemic. Therefore, if stricter protections measures are required in the winter semester (e.g., in compliance with distancing regulations), it will be necessary to return primarily to a digital semester.

Last update: 11 January 2022

The current containment regulations require universities to choose between the so-called “3G model” (vaccinated, recovered, or tested) and the so-called “2G+ model” (vaccinated or recovered plus tested).

As we cannot assume that most students have already received their booster shots, the University Leadership has chosen the 3G model for the time being. This means that participation in courses or other events activities that occur indoors is permitted only upon presentation of proof of a negative coronavirus test or proof of vaccination or recovery.

The Campus Pass documents students’ 3G status. See the detailed coronavirus FAQ for all information about 3G registration and the Campus Pass.

Last update: 16 December 2021

If you return a positive PCR test for the coronavirus, notify your academic office or the Occupational Safety and Environmental Protection Unit (arbeitssicherheit"AT"uni-hamburg.de or 040 42838-1584).

You must provide the following information: first and last name, student ID number, faculty/department, and degree program. In addition, you must inform us about which in-person courses you attended during the 3-day period before the PCR test or before you developed symptoms, whichever came first. If you do not provide this information, we will have to assume that all in-person courses recorded via Intake and all courses booked via STiNE may have been affected.

What happens once I notify my academic office or the Occupational Safety and Environmental Protection Unit? The participants of the affected courses will be informed by email that a person from the course has tested positive for the coronavirus. This information will be treated confidentially.

Due to the protective and hygiene measures in place, we assume that there is no risk of infection for the other participants and that courses can continue with in-person attendance. The participants will be informed as a precautionary measure and advised to regularly carry out self-tests in the days that follow and to look out for possible symptoms.

Last update: 10 January 2022

Courses with practical components such as laboratory internships and excursions may be conducted in person in accordance with the current risk assessment. This also applies to practical sports courses in human movement science.

The 3G rule and the protective and hygiene measures set forth in the hygiene plan apply to courses with practical components, laboratory internships, and in-person examinations. Accordingly, the Campus Pass must be presented.

Teaching placements and core internships for teacher training students are to be carried out in accordance with the conditions set by the municipal authority responsible. Universität Hamburg does not prohibit participation.

Last update: 19 January 2022

In-person courses may only be conducted in compliance with the 3G rule and the protective and hygiene measures. Because the specific protective measures required for each course with practical components sometimes differ and must be agreed upon with the Occupational Safety and Environmental Protection Unit, students will be notified by the teaching staff about the required measures.

Hygiene measures

The University has already implemented comprehensive hygiene measures. Disinfectant dispensers have been placed in all highly-frequented receptions areas at all University locations. In addition, shared-use rooms, such as toilets, will be cleaned more frequently.

To protect against infection, observe the general coughing and sneezing etiquette and maintain personal hygiene—especially with regard to regular (and correct) handwashing. Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from other people outside classes and examinations. This also applies to queues and groups of people (e.g., in front of elevators). People with current respiratory infections may not enter University premises.

The relevant hygiene rules are displayed in the entrance areas of all Universität Hamburg buildings.

Wherever possible, avoid physical contact with other employees, students, and patrons. Refrain from standard greetings such as handshaking and hugging. Signs to this effect are displayed throughout the University.

Face masks / respirator masks

In University buildings, you must as a rule wear a surgical mask or a mask with a higher level of protection, in particular FFP2 masks without an exhalation valve. This also applies in workspaces. We strongly recommend an FFP2 mask due to its greater level of protection. The risk assessment may also make wearing an FFP2 mask mandatory. This is currently the case for in-person classes and examinations, in libraries, and for students using workspaces.

We strongly advise wearing masks without a breathing valve, also during lectures and presentations. Where space permits (sufficient distance between people), lecturers and students can remove their mask when giving a lecture or presentation or speaking aloud to the room.

Intentional or negligent violations of this mask requirement constitute an offense pursuant to Hamburg’s ordinance on the containment of SARS-CoV2 (HmbSARS-CoV-2-EindämmungsVO) and may result in a fine.

If you cannot wear a medical mask covering your mouth and nose due to medical reasons, you are exempt from the face mask requirement. So that individual measures can be taken, employees must provide relevant evidence (including the appropriate medical certificates) to the HR department for verification, and students must submit relevant evidence to the respective academic office.

Where a specific risk assessment has determined that face masks, respirator masks, or disposable gloves are required, these will be provided by the place of work.

Protective and hygiene measures must also be strictly observed during required breaks.

Last update: 6 October 2021

Regular ventilation is important for reducing the risk of infection. The duration, nature, and frequency of such ventilation depends on the methods available, the duration of the event in question, and the use of the space. If a room is scheduled for use in multiple events on a single day, the following scenarios must be distinguished:

• Rooms with windows must be aired for 3 to 10 minutes several times per hour by ventilating crosswise and/or by opening windows fully. Furthermore, after windows have been opened completely, they can be kept open at a slight angle to ensure the steady flow of air; this can reduce sudden and temporary increases in the concentration of virus-containing aerosols. Those using the rooms must ensure that rooms with windows are properly ventilated. Tips for this are included in the corresponding risk assessment.
• Rooms without a mechanical ventilation system and with windows that cannot be opened by design or for other reasons may not be used.

Last update: 2 August 2021

Many of you will be familiar with the tools used for digital teaching: they are well established at Universität Hamburg already—for example, various learning management system platforms such as CommSy and OpenOLAT. The exact tools used depend on the specific course. You will find out everything you need to know from your teachers.

Technical requirements

The basic requirement for using Universität Hamburg’s Internet-dependent applications (e.g., email) is a functioning Internet connection (e.g., via a private DSL connection or public Wi-Fi).

The following instructions apply to both Windows and macOS operating systems as well as to both computers and mobile devices (e.g., smartphones).

• Universität Hamburg web portals—for example, STiNE, Sharepoint, Staff Service Portal—can be accessed from any computer with any Internet browser (with your login data). You can also access your student mail address. Just use your surfmail.
• Access to Universität Hamburg offers that are only available via the University’s network (e.g., the library’s electronic journals) is possible outside of the University’s network via a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel with the program Cisco AnyConnect, which you install on your computer and must start along with an existing Internet connection. If in doubt, set up this software as a precaution.

Files

• UHHDisk is a platform that enables you to upload files to access them from home. NB: use your uni username ([BA1] B-Kennung) to sign in. If you still have a user login in the format “uvnv288” (UHH-Kennung), use that login and the corresponding password to sign in.
• With UHHShare, files can be shared for editing by others. NB: use your uni username (B-Kennung) to sign in. If you still have a user login in the format “uvnv288” (UHH-Kennung), use that login and the corresponding password to sign in.

Video conferences

Universität Hamburg also operates 3 video conferencing platforms that are licensed for use by all employees and students:

DFNconf

The German National Research and Education Network (DFN) offers its members (German universities and research institutions) its video conferencing service DFNconf for audiovisual conferencing, streaming, and recording through a private cloud, fully secure and in line with data protection regulations. All employees of Universität Hamburg can log into DFNconf using their uni usernames and invite any Internet users to video or telephone conferences. DFNconf requires only a conventional webcam with an integrated microphone and an audio output device (e.g., headphones or a speaker). It can also use the combined camera, microphone, and speaker systems that are integrated into laptops and smartphones. You can access DFNconf from any web browser or download the free app. Users on telephones or in high-quality conference systems can join calls, too.

DFNconf is currently experiencing an unusually high level of demand, which has had an impact on its performance. The DFN is working on expanding its capacities. It is further planning to incorporate functions akin to those of Zoom into its portfolio and make them available to its member institutions. Universität Hamburg is already pursuing such additions and has acquired licenses.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams (the successor program of Skype for Business Online) is a collaborative platform that combines text chat with telephone and video conferences and additional functions. All Universität Hamburg staff and students can use it as part of their Office 365 license. Microsoft Teams can be used to organize synchronous, location-independent collaborations. Before you can use the program, register your university email address (forename.surname@uni-hamburg.de) with Microsoft.

Zoom

Zoom is an alternative to DFNconf and Microsoft Teams, both of which are struggling to cope with current levels of demand. It is permissible to use Zoom only by using Universität Hamburg’s Zoom services, which you can access via the University’s Zoom home page. This is the only way to ensure that communication takes place via the server operated by the RRZ and that data remains confidential.

Please adhere to the Instructions for Using the Zoom Video Conference System of 30 July 2021 when using Zoom (regulations on, among other things, limiting the number of participants, deleting minutes, prohibiting recordings, and data protection in general).

NB: data security

• Always think twice before entering your user login (UHH-Kennung) or uni username (B-Kennung) and password into a website. Only do so if you are certain that the website is on the official Universität Hamburg domain. If you suspect that your login information may have been compromised, immediately change your password in the user administration tool or contact the service hotline of the Regional Computing Center (RZZ). Do not forget to enter your mobile phone number into the system to ensure that you can use the password reset process if necessary.
• To prevent attacks on your computer and your data, be especially careful when using email. Think carefully before opening attachments or links in emails or links in attached documents. Sender addresses and email text can be faked. See the information and recommendations provided by the RZZ (PDF). Take note, in particular, of the information about the Emotet malware.

Last update: 18 June 2021

All advising services, including scheduled office hours, will continue to be provided via telephone, videoconference, or email for the time being.

The Campus Center at Alsterterrasse 1 will remain closed to the public until further notice. Please contact staff in writing or by telephone.

Last update: 6 October 2021

Measures must be individually determined for students classified by the RKI as being at high-risk from a severe COVID-19 infection or for whom the wearing of a medical mask is not possible. If individual measures cannot be identified to enable students to attend, for example, in-person teaching, examinations, or laboratory exercises, affected students may apply for compensation for disadvantages. More information is available from the Office for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses (website in German only).

Last update: 6 October 2021

Students with questions on how to accommodate their family commitments can contact the Family Office.

Last update: 7 December 2021

Students can book and work at individual workspaces in the University’s departmental and institute libraries using a digital booking tool (in German). 

Furthermore, the faculties provide workspaces in various buildings on the University’s campus. Workspaces can be used Monday–Friday, 8 am–8 pm. You can use these only by reserving them via the booking portal (in German.

The 3G rule applies to student workspaces (outside of libraries)—for example, PC pools. The respective protective and hygiene measures apply. Have your Campus Pass and your ID card or passport ready for inspection.

Last update: 19 January 2022

Students can book and work at individual workspaces in the University’s departmental libraries using a digital booking tool.

Everyone present indoors is obliged to wear an FFP2 mask without a breathing valve pursuant to Section 8 HmbSARS-CoV-2-EindämmungsVO.

Contact tracing for people physically in attendance will occur by means of an online tool or attendance sheets.

The 3G rule also applies in the libraries, and your status must be proven using your Campus Pass.

Consult the websites of the various departmental and institute libraries for their individual regulations and to book a time slot. 

In general, much library material is available online (eBooks and eJournals) and can thus be accessed by students where and when they wish. To conduct a literature search, use Katalogplus. This lists all print and electronic media.

International students at Universität Hamburg who have not entered the country can use the University’s digital library services via VPN or with an “e-only status.” You can use the library system even if you do not yet have a residence permit. See the FAQs on the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky (“Stabi”) pages or the student council (“AStA”) pages for international students (in German).

Last update: 15 June 2021

See the  Covid-19 FAQ of the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky (in German) for information about working at the library and borrowing and returning materials.

In general, much library material is available online (eBooks and eJournals) and can thus be accessed by students where and when they wish. To conduct a literature search, use Katalogplus. This lists all print and electronic media.

International students at Universität Hamburg who have not entered the country can use the University’s digital library services via VPN or with an “e-only status.” You can use the library system even if you do not yet have a residence permit. See the FAQs on the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky (“Stabi”) pages or the student council (“AStA”) pages for international students (in German).

Last update: 6 October 2021

Semester reenrollment for Winter Semester 2021/22 will proceeded as usual upon transfer of the semester contribution by 1 October 2021.

Last update: 27 March 2020

If necessary, Universität Hamburg will issue confirmation indicating the period in which exams and course attendance were not possible.

No disadvantages with regard to BAföG due to coronavirus

As soon as educational institutions offer online courses to ensure that teaching continues, you must take part in these courses in accordance with the BAföG funding guidelines.

If you still experience a delay that you cannot make up in the course of your studies, you can formally request an assessment by the BAföG authorities to see if you can be granted a BAföG extension or earn your course certificates later.

Read more on the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) pages.

The Studierendenwerk Hamburg provides information on the federal student loan scheme (BAföG) and relevant advice services in its own FAQ.

Last update: 23 August 2021

People entering Germany from abroad must inform themselves about the current requirements regarding testing, providing proof of a negative test, vaccination, or recovery, and quarantining in their federal state. Anyone returning from a high-risk region or a region of a variant of concern must report their return in advance and enter quarantine. Find the up-to-date regulations on testing; providing proof of a negative test, vaccination, or recovery; and quarantining on the Federal Foreign Office website.

See the RKI’s current list of high-risk areas. See the Federal Ministry of Health website for more information.

For students in regions of a variant of concern, travel to Germany has been possible since 1 August 2021 with a conditional or unconditional acceptance letter from Universität Hamburg. This also applies if, for example, a language course, internship, or Studienkolleg precedes the student’s studies.

Last update: 13 December 2021

People entering Germany from abroad must inform themselves about the current requirements regarding testing, providing proof of a negative test, vaccination, or recovery, and quarantining in their federal state. Anyone returning from a high-risk region or a region of a variant of concern must report their return in advance and enter quarantine. Find the up-to-date regulations on testing; providing proof of a negative test, vaccination, or recovery; and quarantining on the Federal Foreign Office website.

See the RKI’s current list of high-risk areas. See the Federal Ministry of Health website for more information.

Find all information about the 2G and 3G requirements for in-person studies at Universität Hamburg and the Campus Pass in the University’s coronavirus FAQ.

For students in regions of a variant of concern, travel to Germany has been possible since 1 August 2021 with a conditional or unconditional acceptance letter from Universität Hamburg. This also applies if, for example, a language course, internship, or Studienkolleg precedes the student’s studies.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many student jobs have disappeared. International students especially should check whether they can finance their studies in Hamburg even without a part-time job. Contact the Campus Center if you have more questions. In urgent cases, contact the advising service for international students directly(international-student-support"AT"uni-hamburg.de).

Last update: 13 December 2021

To extend your residence permit before it expires, submit all required supporting documents via the City of Hamburg’s residence permit online service.

Your permit remains valid until the registration office makes a decision on your application (presumption of law pursuant to Section 81 subsection 4 of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory [Residence Act]). Probationary certificates in paper form are now being issued again. If you leave the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany without a valid residence permit or probationary certificate, you may not simply return.

Please check any recent changes online.

Contact the Campus Center if you have more questions. In urgent cases, email the advising service for international students(international.student.support.uhh"AT"uni-hamburg.de) directly.

Last update: 23 August 2021

In principle, it is possible to begin in-person studies at a later date. Ask your academic office about delayed entry to the country, and arrange an individual study plan. Many courses will take place digitally in Winter Semester 2021/22.

International students at Universität Hamburg who have not entered the country can use the University’s digital library services via VPN or with an “e-only status.” You can use the library system even if you do not yet have a residence permit. See the FAQs on the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky (“Stabi”) pages or the student council (“AStA”) pages for international students (in German).

Last update: 12 March 2021

Generally, students are not obliged under examination law to complete their studies within the regular period of study. The regular period of study does not place any requirements on students on the part of the University; rather, it requires the University to design degree programs and curricula in such a way that students can complete their studies within the regular period of study (cf. Section 53 subsection 2 of the Hamburg higher education act [Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz, HmbHG]). The HmbHG allows for consequences for students only if they have long exceeded the regular period of study.

Universität Hamburg has informed all students that they will not be held to account for delays to the course of their studies that result from the coronavirus pandemic. The duration of the pandemic has resulted in delays to the course of studies, particularly practical courses that cannot be conducted digitally, which may mean that it is no longer possible for students to complete their studies in the standard period of study.

Last update: 23 August 2021

The amended regular period of study at Hamburg’s higher education institutions was also extended for Summer Semester 2021. Students receiving financial support under the federal student loan scheme (BAföG) were granted an extension of their funding period if their studies were delayed by the pandemic. The reason for this is that the 2021 summer semester started largely in digital form in April due to the concerning infection rate at that time.

Last update: 26 August 2020

Activities that could not be completed due the corona crisis (for example, internships), should be continued after the crisis ends or as soon as possible where compliance with the respective guidelines issued by the health authorities can be ensured.

Under certain circumstances, students may have fulfilled their qualification objectives within the shortened period. Such instances are to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This could be the case, for example, if the student was very close to completing an internship or similar course. This would be the exception rather than the rule, however. All decisions must ensure that the binding qualification objectives set forth in the module descriptions have been achieved and all other guidelines have been observed. Otherwise, an internship or similar format cannot be deemed as successfully completed. Of course, no student will be required to restart their internship or any other course from the beginning once the crisis ends. Any completed study time and coursework must be duly recognized.

Last update: 3 December 2021

If possible, examinations should be conducted digitally. Exceptions:

• Staatsexamen (state examinations)
• written examinations that cannot be conducted digitally
• oral and practical examinations that must be taken in person
• language tests required to apply to or enroll at Universität Hamburg and for which Universität Hamburg is responsible (DSH, TestAS, TestDaF)

In the event that students provide proof that they are unable to take part in digital examinations, they should—in individual cases—be provided with a workspace on the University’s premises to take their examinations. Students can register for this through their respective academic office. The Conference Management and Lecture Hall Allocation Unit is responsible for preparing the rooms.

If these take place in person, the 3G rule and the protective and hygiene measures set forth in the hygiene plan apply.

Last update: 18 June 2021

When you register for term papers, final theses, or other written examinations, you do so in awareness of the restrictions resulting from the current situation. Registration during the period that these restrictions apply to does not constitute grounds for requesting a blanket deadline extension. The rules for compensating for disadvantages remain unaffected.

Last update: 24 March 2020

Due to the closure of academic offices to the public, work should be submitted by post and/or by email. At the moment, the only option available to academic offices is electronic confirmation of submissions sent via email. If you are required to submit written work with a declaration of oath, send the work via email and include the signed oath as a PDF. Submitting written work digitally may also enable evaluators to assess your work earlier. If you can no longer send your work in the post, you can submit the print version at a later date. If you submit via email, you must adhere to the deadline. Contact the academic office responsible for your degree program to find out about their preferred procedure.

Last update: 26 August 2020

If you have any questions about withdrawing from examinations, contact the respective academic office.

Last update: 6 July 2021

Students who wish to see their examination results should contact their academic office for clarification.

Last update: 19 January 2022

The 3G rule and protective and hygiene measures in the respective current hygiene plan apply in University buildings. High-traffic University buildings will also be subject to 3G checks at building entrances. These will be conducted by security staff. Side entrances will be closed.

Buildings that do not have checks at their entrances are generally closed. When necessary, to gain entry to such buildings, you will need to have your own transponder or key or ask the service staff to open the door; in which case, the service staff will check your 3G status.

Among other things, you must wear a medical mask covering your mouth and nose. You must wear an FFP2 mask without a breathing valve for in-person classes and examinations, in libraries, and when using student workspaces.

If staff present a doctor’s note exempting them from the obligation to wear a medical mask covering their mouth and nose, submit this to HR for inspection; HR will duly inform the supervisor in question.

Anyone with symptoms (e.g., coughing, fever, diarrhea) that could indicate a COVID-19 infection but has not been checked by a doctor is prohibited from entering the University.

The Campus Center at Alsterterrasse 1 will remain closed to the public until further notice. Please contact staff in writing or by telephone.

Last update: 11 January 2022

The following events are permitted:

Committee meetings

• student representative committee meetings
• AStA and student parliament meetings

Student events

• discussion events
• lectures
• information sessions
• student seminars
• reading groups/evenings
• lectures
• workshops
• film screenings

If possible, courses should be offered digitally or in hybrid form. If they take place in person, they must do so in accordance with 2G+.

To register an event:

• Extracurricular events may be conducted only during the usual building opening hours
• All in-person events are subject to the 2G+ rule and require a risk assessment.
• You must submit an application to use a room or space at least three weeks before the planned event to the Conference Management and Lecture Hall Allocation Unit (Team TH) by email to: veranstaltungsplanung"AT"uni-hamburg.de.
• The Conference Management and Lecture Hall Allocation Unit will give permission to use a room upon consideration of room availability, the ability to ensure room-specific protective and hygiene measures, and the availability of a specific risk assessment.
• The applicant must store the list of participants for a maximum of 4 weeks for contact-tracing purposes and must hand over the list to the health authorities upon request.

Last update: 8 October 2021

The student dining halls and cafés are largely open. Find the latest information on offers and rules for visitors on the Studierendenwerk Hamburg website.

The Studierendenwerk Hamburg provides information on all available services in its own FAQ.

Last update: 10 January 2022

Sports activities may occur in compliance with the containment regulations and the requirements set forth in the risk assessment. The 2G+ rule applies for indoor activities, and the 3G rule applies for outdoor activities. Outdoor sports activities may also be offered in accordance with 2G+; in this case, the same requirements as those for indoor activities apply. All protective and hygiene measures for indoors and outdoors are set forth in the hygiene plan.

Last update: 10 January 2022

University Music activities may occur in compliance with the containment regulations and the requirements set forth in the risk assessment. The 2G+ rule and the protective and hygiene measures set forth in the hygiene plan apply.

Last update: 10 January 2022

Operation of the Botanical Gardens, the museums, and collections may occur pursuant to the stipulations in the containment regulations and on the basis of a risk assessment. The 3G rule and the protective and hygiene measures set forth in the hygiene plan apply.

The 2G+ rule and the respective protective and hygiene measures apply to visits to University museum and the collections.