Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students

Last update: 6 January 2021

Semester start: 1 October 2020
Lecture period: 2 November 2020–20 February 2021 (Exception: Subject semesters at the Faculty of Medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and individual master’s degree programs at the Faculty of Law began in October as originally scheduled.)
Semester end: 31 March 2021

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the associated effects on this year’s Abitur examinations, the application deadline for undergraduate degree programs has been moved back. In turn, this postponement meant that the lecture period for the Universität Hamburg winter semester did not start until 2 November 2020— with the exception of higher subject semesters for medicine, which began on 12 October.

Last update: 12 January 2021

Instructions No. 11 (PDF) was adopted on 8 January 2021. It stipulates that studies and teaching at Universität Hamburg will take place exclusively in digital form until further notice.

Laboratory internships ceased on 16 December 2020 and will remain suspended until 31 January 2021 at the earliest.

See the respective page on the elearning portal for all information on studying digitally.

Last update: 18 December 2020

Due to the closure of the libraries and the laboratories during the current lockdown, it is not possible to ensure that all academic work can be carried out. Therefore, the Executive University Board has urgently requested that all due dates for final theses and term papers be extended for the entire duration of the lockdown. Of course, library and laboratory closures are not the only valid reasons for granting extensions. Other circumstances, such as the postponement of empirical research surveys, should equally be taken into account. However, a comprehensive list of acceptable reasons for granting an extension cannot be given due to the constantly changing situation.

Last update: 5 November 2020

Hygiene measures

The University has already implemented comprehensive hygiene measures. Disinfectant dispensers have been placed in all highly frequented reception 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. 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

Minimum distances must be maintained in University buildings, and a face mask must be worn at all times.

Wearing a face visor is no longer considered sufficient protection. With immediate effect, intentional or negligent failure to wear a face mask constitutes a misdemeanor as per Section 39 subsection 1 no. 64 of Hamburg’s ordinance on the containment of SARS-CoV2 (HmbSARS-CoV-2-EindämmungsVO) and is punishable by a fine.

Those who cannot wear a mask covering their mouth and nose for reasons of disability or ill health are exempt. They are required to wear a face visor inside University buildings instead.

Face masks do not need to be worn in areas where a risk assessment has established other rules, e.g., office workspaces.

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.

Last update: 11 November 2020

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 October 2020 (PDF) 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: 12 January 2021

Laboratory internships and other courses with practical components will no longer take place in person and will remain suspended until 31 January 2021 at the earliest. They may be offered in the form of block courses later.

Last update: 12 January 2021

No workstations can be made available to students until 31 January 2021 at the earliest. All University buildings will be closed from 16 December 2020.

Last update: 5 November 2020

Field trips and field training cannot take place for the time being.

Last update: 5 November 2020

All advising services, including scheduled office hours, must be provided via telephone, video conference, or email. 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: 8 June 2020

Teachers and students may contact the Office for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses and the Family Office if they have any questions. Find more advice and information in this comprehensive handout (PDF).

Last update: 12 January 2021

Library operations will cease until 31 January 2021. Library services are only available through the campus delivery service. See the COVID-19 FAQ for information about the limited services offered by the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky.

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.

Last update: 11 December 2020

Unfortunately, as the start of the winter semester was delayed, the Whitsun holidays for 2021 have to be canceled. This is due to the tight time frame available between Easter and the Hamburg school holidays to work in the required 14 weeks of the lecture period.

The Executive University Board is aware that teaching staff and students want and need to be able to spend the school holidays with their children. As the summer holidays in Hamburg begin very early in 2021 also, the Executive University Board decided—when weighing up the Whitsun holidays and summer holidays—to allow for more time in the summer holidays shared by the University and Hamburg’s schools. If the Whitsun holidays had been scheduled, the lecture period would have needed to run until 17 July, which would have taken up all but 2 weeks of the summer holidays.

Last update: 1 April 2020

Pursuant to Section 110 subsection 1 of the Hamburg higher education act (Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz, HmbHG), a semester always consists of a lecture period and a reading period. As the start of the lecture period for Summer Semester 2020 has been postponed to 20 April (for now), we must designate the period between the official start of the semester and the start of the lecture period as the reading period. This is relevant, for example, with regard to permanent student jobs (Werkstudierende).

Last update: 2 October 2020

Students whose enrollment has been terminated for Summer Semester 2020 because they did not pay their semester contribution were still able to reactivate their enrollment if they transferred the contribution by 30 September 2020. There was no late fee.

Students who under normal circumstances would have completed their studies in Winter Semester 2019/20 and who now must complete their studies in Summer Semester 2020 due to the coronavirus were able to request a refund of the cost of the semester contribution. This applies only to those students who could not take examinations in the last 2 weeks of March 2020 due to the coronavirus situation

To request a refund, fill out and send a refund application (PDF) via the contact form. In addition, you must attach a certificate from your department stating that you were unable to take scheduled examinations in the last 2 weeks of March due to the exceptional circumstances and were therefore required to extend your studies until Summer Semester 2020. You also need to post the already received semester documents to the Campus Center.  Once the application, certificate, and documents have been received, the refund will be arranged.

Semester reenrollment for Winter Semester 2020/21 proceeded as usual upon transfer of the semester contribution by 30 September 2020.

Last update: 7 January 2021

Students affected by these conditions automatically receive a 6-month extension. They do not need to submit a request and, provided they reenroll for the semester as usual, will remain enrolled. The deadline to submit proof of the first degree has been extended to 30 September 2021. 

Last update: 26 November 2020

The bridge funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has been reactivated from November 2020 to the end of March 2021 to provide immediate relief to those students who can prove acute, pandemic-related financial need. The application and review process in the new round of bridge funding has been adjusted and made easier, to allow all students—including first-semester students—more easily demonstrate pandemic-related need with less red tape.

Domestic and international students enrolled at a public or state-recognized university in Germany can apply for bridge funding. Students already drawing on loans, scholarships, or similar in the month in question can nonetheless receive bridge funding. Depending upon need, anywhere from €100 to €500 can be paid out monthly as a non-refundable subsidy. Students must apply online. Studierendenwerk Hamburg also provides information in its FAQs.

The new round of non-refundable bridge funding replaces the interest-free loan from the Hamburger Hilfsfonds that was available from the end of October.

In case of hardship (e.g., loss of a job), you can also withdraw for Winter Semester 2020/21 and then reenroll (without having to reapply) in Summer Semester 2021. To enroll again, you will need to submit proof of hardship (for example, a termination notice from your employer). Bear in mind that even temporary withdrawal will result in the loss of your student status. This may have a substantial impact on other matters (for example, social security, labor law, residence status). Make sure to contact the the respective institutions for information before withdrawing

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: 24 August 2020

Students who would like to take leave during WinterSemester 2020/21 in order to provide medical support may do so. Submit a request for leave via STiNE along with proof of your activities from the institution you plan to work with.

You may also withdraw from your studies for the duration of Winter Semester 2020/21 in order to pursue those activities and re-enroll in Sommer Semester 2021 without having to re-apply. Please note that if you withdraw from your studies, your student status will lapse. In some cases, this may have legal or financial consequences. You can find more information about these matters as well as contacts for questions about potential consequences online. Withdrawal does not require any further forms of proof or requests via STiNE. Re-enrollment requires proof of your activities from the institution you served. 

Last update: 16 November 2020

People entering Germany from abroad must inform themselves about the current testing requirements and quarantine provisions in their federal state upon their return. They must comply with the respective quarantine provisions until they can provide a negative result for a coronavirus test. Everyone entering Germany who has spent time in a high-risk area in the 10 days prior must report their return in advance and spend the next 10 days in quarantine.

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

Last update: 16 November 2020

People entering Germany from abroad must inform themselves about the current testing requirements and quarantine provisions in their federal state upon their return. They must comply with the respective quarantine provisions until they can provide a negative result for a coronavirus test. Everyone entering Germany who has spent time in a high-risk area in the 10 days prior must report their return in advance and spend the next 10 days in quarantine.

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

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(international.student.support.uhh"AT"uni-hamburg.de) directly.

Last update: 30 October 2020

Apply by email to extend your permit before it lapses! Contact your local registration office for foreigners.

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: 6 January 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. In Winter Semester 2020/21, many courses are being conducted online.

Last update: 24 August 2020

Universität Hamburg has informed all students that they will not be held to account for delays to the student life-cycle that result from the coronavirus pandemic.

Generally, students are not obliged 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.

Last update: 12 January 2021

The Ministry of Science, Research, Equalities and Districts has announced that the amended regular period of study at Hamburg’s higher education institutions will be extended again for the 2020/21 winter semester. Students receiving financial support under the federal student loan scheme (BAföG) will be granted an extension of their funding period if their studies are delayed by the pandemic. This is due to the wide-ranging shift from hybrid to digital teaching on account of the current infection rates.

Last update: 24 March 2020

With immediate effect, requests that a student attend subject advising because they have exceeded the regular period of study (as per Section 51 subsection 2 of the Hamburg higher education act (Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz, HmbHG)) and requests by the faculty to make an appointment for subject advising for the same reason are deemed without purpose. Faculties will write to students again when the situation allows. Students will not be forced to withdraw from their studies.

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: 15 January 2021

Up to 31 January 2021, examinations can generally only take place digitally. Written examinations that have already been set will either be postponed or replaced with a digital examination. Affected students will be informed by the academic office responsible for their degree program.

Due to the current infection rate, digital examination formats will continue to be required as an alternative to in-person written examinations, also during the examination period in February/March 2021. We are currently working flat out to prepare for the switch to digital examination formats.

As soon as the examination planning is finalized, you will be informed about the status of your examination via STiNE or the academic office responsible for your degree program.

A digital alternative to the written examination is the take-home exam. Further information about take-home exams is being prepared and will be made available shortly on uhh.de/digital-studieren.

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

Students should retain the right to withdraw from examinations. The individual and general pressure brought about by the coronavirus crisis should be sufficient justification. If you have any questions about withdrawing from examinations, contact the respective academic office.

Last update: 12 January 2021

University buildings will remain closed from 16 December 2020 up to and including 31 January 2021.

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

Last update: 16 December 2020

See the Studierendenwerk Hamburg website for details of which cafés, student cafeterias, and pizzerias will be open.

The counseling centers for student financing, housing, and social and international affairs, as well as the federal student loan scheme offices in Grindelallee and Nagelsweg, will be closed to visitors until further notice. Contact us by telephone or email or use BAföG-online.

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

Last update: 16 December 2020

All sports activities have been canceled until further notice. This applies to teaching at the Institute of Human Movement Science, the range of activities offered by University Sports, and the water sports activities at the University’s boathouse and the sailing pier.

The courses offered online will continue; these can be found on the University Sports web pages.

Last update: 5 November 2020

Rehearsals and concerts cannot take place in person for the time being.

Last update: 16 December 2020

The Loki Schmidt Garden and the Universität Hamburg museums and collections are closed to the public until further notice.

Last update: 8 December 2020

If you would like to help the city with contact tracing, contact zuk-bewerbung"AT"kasse.hamburg.de with the subject heading Unterstützung bei der Kontaktnachverfolgung (“contact tracing support”).  Students of medicine should also make it clear in the subject line that they are studying medicine. Support is needed at Friedrich-Ebert-Damm.

Tasks:

• contacting people by telephone who have had contact with someone who has tested positive for the corona virus
• finding and classifying these contacts into K1 and K2 categories using a structured questionnaire
• if necessary, issuing quarantine measures and specific codes of conduct as well as advising/clarifying and forwarding information
• Data maintenance: The professional use of the Hamburger Pandemie Manager software is the main management tool for all pandemic activities in Hamburg.

Most of the work is paperless and takes place at the computer.         

Required qualifications:

• basic computer skills
• ability to lead conversations in structured and empathetic manner
• service-minded
• resilience and reliability
• foreign language skills advantageous

Workplace and times        

• The workplace is Friedrich-Ebert-Damm 160, 160a, and 160b.
• You can work full-time (39 hrs/wk) or part-time, generally with a minimum of 20 hrs/wk and in shifts and on weekends, daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
• There are weekend bonuses pursuant to collective wage agreements.

Employment period:           

• The work is initially limited to a maximum of 6 months. Extensions may be possible depending on the development of efforts to contain the pandemic.

Payment:     

• pursuant to pay grade 4 TV-L level 1, amounting to roughly €2,400 gross full-time

The following documents are required to apply:          

• tabular curriculum vitae
• proof of completed schooling and, if applicable, further educational qualifications / degrees
• professional references (optional)
• supporting documents for consideration of a disability and/or equal opportunity in the selection process