Masaryk University moves most classes online until next year

Most classes at Masaryk University will be held remotely in the fall semester which is set to begin on October 5. In-person classes will be offered mainly to first-year students. Other exceptions from the remote teaching apply to laboratory classes and small seminars that are part of practical and clinical courses. The university will otherwise continue to operate based on its own traffic-light system.

In-person classes at MU will be primarily limited to first-year students of bachelor’s degree programmes, who need to get personally acquainted with academic life, their field of study, their teachers, and their peers. For other students, all lectures will be held online except for classes where online teaching is impractical or impossible, such as for practical or clinical courses. In such cases, strict hygienic rules will be in place to keep students and employees of the university save.

“Synchronous online classes meet the requirements for accreditation during the currently bleak epidemiological situation. Many students are in quarantine or abroad. Some have chronic health issues, and others don’t want to risk infecting their loved ones. We must ensure that such students have access to high-quality instruction, and synchronous online classes are a suitable solution. Of course, we will face many barriers, but the epidemic has led us to think and act ‘outside of the box’”, said Masaryk University rector Martin Bareš in response to the transition to remote learning.

Holding classes remotely will be beneficial to foreign students who were supposed to come to MU to study as part of mobility programmes or long-term study placements. Academic ceremonies and other social events will be held online, too.

The university will otherwise continue to operate based on its own traffic-light system. As of today, the university currently has a “yellow light” rating, which means all Masaryk University buildings are closed to the public, face masks must be worn in MU buildings and using common areas is prohibited in the dormitories. Students are advised to follow the websites of individual faculties and the color-coded signs hanging at the entrances to MU buildings to be aware of current measures.

Source: www.muni.cz/en