Coronavirus: FAQ for Students
Dear students,
here you find important questions and answers regarding the current situation and the HNEE's handling of the Corona virus. We make every effort to keep all information up to date. In addition, please inform yourself on the pages of the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture (MWFK) and on our general Corona info page, which contains all important updates.
In the interest of its students, the HNEE is making efforts to implement online formats as a substitute for classroom teaching. If this is the case for one of your courses, you will be informed in time. In general: As soon as the universities make an online course offer available, BAföG recipients in particular are obliged to participate in this online course offer in order to continue to receive the respective BAföG benefits. Valuable information on the first steps towards implementing online teaching is compiled here.
Please note: If you have any questions regarding these FAQs or need further clarification regarding your studies, please do not hesitate to contact the departmental secretariats. If you have any questions regarding your application and admission and student status, please contact the Student Support Service Department & International Office as usual.
(translated with Deepl.com)
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Is the university currently open?
The university buildings will be closed to the public again from 2 November 2020. Access will only be granted to university members and all employees.
(Status: 30.10.2020)
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The university buildings are open again from 21.09.2020 between 8 am and 6 pm.
It is mandatory to observe the following rules while entering the premises of the university: Please adhere to the AHA+A+L rules (distance-hygiene-everyday-masks+ (Corona) app + ventilation):
- Please keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres.
- Please still adhere to the hygiene rules (regular and thorough hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette, etc.).
- Please always wear an everyday mask if the minimum distance cannot be maintained. A mask obligation also applies outdoors if the minimum distance is not maintained and when entering and walking around in lecture halls or seminar rooms. The everyday mask may only be removed once you have taken your seat. Non-compliance may lead to exclusion from events or disciplinary consequences. In particular, our lecturers or the managers are authorised to enforce.
+ Installation of the Corona warning app is strongly recommended.
+ Please ensure that rooms are aired regularly and sufficiently - at least every 45 minutes for at least 5 minutes (shock ventilation).
(Status: 14.10.2020)
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
What does the hygiene concept of the HNEE look like?
When do the lecture and examination periods begin and end?
All dates can be found in full and with corresponding comments at www.hnee.de/semestertermine.
(Status: 26.01.2021)
Where and when do the introductory events for first-year students take place?
(Status: 26.01.2021)
In what form will teaching take place during the winter semester 2020/21 and what can be expected for the summer semester 2021?
The summer semester 2021 will most likely take place under similar conditions, because no serious easing of the pandemic situation is expected by then. Therefore, please plan for a renewed high proportion of online and, if possible, hybrid events.
(Status: 20.01.2021)
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All courses should be held online. Possible exceptions are courses for first-year students, practical exercises, laboratory practicals and courses whose didactic concepts require presence, oral examinations and outdoor courses.
(Status: 30.10.2020)
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The winter semester 2020/2021 will take place as a so-called hybrid semester with a combination of digital teaching and face-to-face courses.
Due to the distance and hygiene regulations that continue to apply, only very limited seating can be used at the HNEE.
Planning and implementation will take place in the departments and study programmes. During planning, care is taken to ensure that face-to-face events and digital offerings are coordinated.
Mouth-to-nose coverings must be worn on circulation areas in HNEE buildings. Traffic areas in buildings are areas that allow access to rooms or buildings, such as corridors, entrance areas, stairs and lifts. The obligation to wear a face mask also applies to traffic routes during teaching events (for students and teaching staff) as long as the lecturer's seat or standing position is not occupied, i.e. when entering and leaving the classroom as well as when moving between seats. The same applies to areas and rooms that are intended to be used by students for study purposes outside of lectures, as well as to catering and supply facilities. Furthermore, the obligation to carry applies whenever the distance requirement of 1.5 metres cannot be observed. This applies to all areas and activities at the HNEE, in buildings, outdoors and in vehicles.
(Status: 29.09.2020)
Are the canteens (Mensas) on the city and forest campuses open?
It is requested that you bring your own dishes. The VYTAL returnable system can also be used. If you download the free Vytal app onto your smartphone, you can then have your food filled into a Vytal reusable container at no extra charge, which can then be returned to any Vytal cooperating establishment during the following 10 days (in the Mensa, please simply place it in the dish return).
Mr. Gaber from the Studentenwerk Frankfurt/Oder will be happy to answer your questions directly at Andreas.Gaber@swffo.de or 0178 9078252.
(Status 27.01.2021)
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Both Mensas are closed until further notice.
(Status 20.01.2021)
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Due to low demand, the Mensa on the city campus will be closed from 30.11.2020 until further notice.
(Status: 24.11.2020)
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Despite the nationwide restrictions, the Mensa on the city campus will open as planned on 2.11.2020 and the operation of the Mensa on the Waldcampus will continue with the restricted opening hours.
(Status 30.10.2020)
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The Waldcampus Mensa currently opens Monday to Friday from 11am to 1pm. From 2.11.2020 the opening hours will be extended to 8 am to 2 pm. The Mensa at the city campus is expected to open again from 2.11.2020 - then always Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Changes are possible at any time depending on the development of the pandemic. You can find the relevant information on the website of the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder).
(Status: 29.09.2020)
Can internships and excursions be carried out?
Events such as laboratory practicals, excursions, etc., where attendance is a mandatory prerequisite for achieving the learning objectives, e.g. due to the use of on-site equipment, may be held taking into account the hygiene concepts. A maximum of 5 persons may gather indoors and the wearing of a medical or FFP2 mask is required.
(Status: 20.01.2021)
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Events such as laboratory practicals, excursions, etc., where attendance is a mandatory prerequisite for achieving the learning objectives, e.g. due to the use of equipment on site, can be carried out taking the hygiene concepts into account. However, excursions to risk areas (e.g. Berlin) are generally prohibited. However, special permits are possible and can be issued by the deans.
(Status: 14.10.2020)
Are there any exams?
Students who do not plan to take an exam should cancel their participation in EMMA up to 7 days before the exam in order to facilitate the planning of the exam.
Students who cannot/should not come due to a corona contact or symptoms of a cold can "simply" stay away from the exam without having to submit a sick note.
However, this only applies as long as the examination has not yet started. If the student comes to the examination, is given the tasks and only then decides that he/she does not feel able to complete the examination, this regulation does not apply, but a sick note is due.
With this regulation, points 1 and 2 mentioned below have been adjusted.
(Status 4.2.21)
Examinations, whether oral or written, in presence are permitted by law under strict conditions. In principle, however, teachers should offer alternative examination formats such as open-book examinations, presentations or assignments wherever possible. The HNEE has changed the framework study and examination regulations (RSPO) at short notice. In the medium term (approx. mid-2022), the MWFK will decide whether and under what conditions online examinations can be offered permanently as a form of examination by the Brdg. Universities can offer online examinations on a permanent basis. Face-to-face examinations can be conducted in closed rooms with up to 50 people present at the same time (incl. invigilators). Participation is on a voluntary basis. Students who cannot take part in a presence examination for pandemic reasons will not be disadvantaged. A recent decision by the Presidential Board stipulates that all students who were unable to take part in a presence examination due to the corona will be given the opportunity to take a second examination in the summer semester (individual regulations of the departments). Different regulations apply to oral and written examinations - see "Handreichung Präsenzprüfungen vom 20. Januar 2021" at https://www.hnee.de/K6887. The office of the examination boards (GS-Pruefungsausschuesse@hnee.de) will assist in finding alternative solutions in individual cases. The respective departments provide separate information on the specific procedures for the examinations.
Furthermore, the following applies:
If you are ill or do not feel well on the day of the examination, please have a sick note issued immediately. The doctors can currently do this for sick leaves of up to 7 days, even after remote diagnosis by telephone, and will then send you the sick note. Please submit the original sick note together with the form "Einreichung einer Krankmeldung" (submission of sick note) to the examination office no later than 3 days after the examination. This can also be done in advance as a scan at noten@hnee.de. Please submit the original as soon as possible so that the sick note can be booked in EMMA.
For students who have to go into quarantine at short notice: Submit a certificate from the Health Office to the Examinations Office within 3 days.
Masks are compulsory during the entire examination: HNEE provides all students to be examined with medical protective masks as well as FFP2 masks, the use of which is, however, voluntary; alternatively, a medical protective mask must be worn in any case.
Refusal or improper wearing of the masks will lead to immediate exclusion from the examination.
Airing out after 45 minutes at the latest - pay attention to clothing!
Mixing of different examination cohorts must be avoided; control by means of access restrictions or routing.
(Status: 20.01.2021)
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University examinations for which there are no permissible digital formats may be offered on site, provided compliance with the required hygiene rules is ensured. The wearing of a mouth-nose protection it is mandatory for written examinations.
Oral examinations of HNEE students may continue to be offered on site for the time being under the following conditions: A maximum of three persons (examinee, supervisor, assessor) may be involved in the Alte Forstakademie (House 4) on the city campus in a sufficiently large room, and the hygiene precautions necessary in the current situation must be observed. A prerequisite for the implementation is the voluntary nature of all participants. The organisation, in particular ensuring access on the test date, is carried out by the HNEE Property and Environmental Management Department, Mr Mike Schwarz.
If you do not feel safe for an examination, you can withdraw from the examination within 7 calendar days. In case of illness you can withdraw from an exam. You must then immediately submit an original sick note and a doctor's certificate to the Student Services & International Office. Unexcused non-attendance at an examination will be assessed as "failed" (5,0).
(Status: 08.10.2020)
What do I have to consider for my final thesis?
(Status: 20.01.2021)
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How can I apply for my thesis?
Please use the form provided for your department. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean's Office in your department.
How and when do I hand in my thesis?
The submission of the thesis is regulated by your respective SPO. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean's Office in your department.
Do I have to re-register when I write a thesis?
Yes, otherwise you will not be able to successfully complete your degree.
(Status: 08.10.2020)
What happens to my BAfÖG funding (application via the Studentenwerk Frankfurt / Oder) and where can I get financial support?
(Status: 20.01.2021)
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On 14.10.2020, the Ordinance on the Management of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Higher Education (Higher Education Pandemic Ordinance) came into force. Based on the decree of the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg on the implementation of this ordinance, the standard period of study is extended for students who were enrolled at the state universities of the State of Brandenburg in the summer semester of 2020.
BAföG recipients whose maximum period of support (standard period of study) ended with the summer semester 2020 can now receive educational support until the end of the winter semester 2020/21. The submission of the certificate of achievement will also be postponed by one semester.
Anyone who has not yet submitted an application should do so immediately. The forms we previously issued for funding beyond the maximum funding period are therefore no longer required. You can find more information here.
For the winter semester 2020/21, there will be a further increase in the BAföG requirement rates and allowances as part of the 26th BAföG amendment. If the requirements are met, up to 861 euros BAföG can be paid out monthly. The childcare allowance increases to 150 euros per month for each child.
Please note the new forms for applying for BAföG from the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder) and submitting repeat applications at least 2 to 3 months before the end of the grant period.
The state of Brandenburg has provided additional funds for students in need due to Corona. For students whose applications for federal grants were unsuccessful, but who can prove neediness according to the criteria of the hardship fund, a one-off grant of 300 euros is awarded via the hardship fund. The hardship grant can be applied for online at the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder).
(Status: 15.10.2020)
How do I receive my diploma?
Scholarship holders, e.g. via ERASMUS+, must also inform the scholarship provider promptly in the event of a planned termination or interruption. Here, too, initial solutions have been formulated by the funding bodies to prevent (financial) disadvantages from arising and to reimburse the additional costs, e.g. for the unscheduled return flight due to the Corona pandemic.
(Status: 20.01.2021)
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All events should be held online. Committee meetings and meetings that require on-site presence, as well as project events without which a project could be jeopardised, can also be held in presence in exceptional cases. If meetings take place in presence, remember that masks must be worn throughout, even if the minimum distance can be maintained. The number of participants should be kept to a minimum.
(Status: 30.10.2020)
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In general, please check in advance whether an event must take place in presence. If this is the case, please take into account the room capacities defined for the HNEE, the generally higher organisational effort and the careful keeping of attendance records when planning the event. The number of participants should always be reduced to a necessary minimum. Please actively inform all participating persons in advance about the applicable regulations at the HNEE for the containment of the Corona pandemic. Furthermore, we ask all event organisers to prepare a specific hygiene concept in advance. The HNEE Corona Crisis Staff is still and only to be informed about the planned holding of the event under coronavirus.krisenstab@hnee.de. For more information, please visit www.hnee.de/corona - Update: 7 September 2020
Up to 5 members of our university may enter the university library for borrowing and returning media for a maximum of 15 minutes from Monday to Friday in the time from 2 to 6 pm. Access to the scanner and copier as well as to the workstations, PCs and carrels is not possible. No media will be provided from the stacks. Reminder procedures will be suspended again, borrowed media do not have to be returned.
Please prepare your visit to the university library thoroughly from home: Research the signatures in the OPAC and it is mandatory to wear a mouth-nose protection in our rooms. Search for the books independently in the open access area and have them booked at the circulation desk. Admission is controlled by a limited number of baskets (five), which are disinfected after each use. Admission is only permitted with a basket.
Please remember the applicable hygiene regulations and the minimum distance of 1.5 metres from other persons, and please continue to make greater use of the library's electronic services.
(as of 30.10.2020)
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The HNEE University Library is open on a restricted basis, subject to hygiene and distance regulations.
Current Opening hours from 05.10.2020: Mon. to Fri. from 14 to 22 hrs.
Masks are compulsory in the university library. Please remember the applicable hygiene regulations and the minimum distance of 1.5 metres to other persons. When entering and leaving the library building, please observe the instructions and markings.
Fee payment will be available from 05/10/2020 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2pm to 4pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 6pm.
From Mondays to Fridays, up to 4 users can use the PC workstations in the carrels of the university library for work from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (after prior registration by e-mail to bibliothek@hnee.de). A further 6 PC workstations are available in the open access areas without prior registration.
At the same time, a maximum of 10 people (plus carrel users) can be in the rooms of the university library.
Admission is controlled via a limited number of baskets provided, which are disinfected after each use. Access is only permitted with a basket.
Please continue to make increased use of our electronic services. All university members and staff can access licensed e-books, e-journals and databases from outside the university. A VPN connection is required and must be set up for this purpose. The e-books can be found in the OPAC or via Ebook Central. Electronic journals can best be researched in the Electronic Journals Library (EZB).
Visits to the library should be kept as short as possible.
Important note: The return deadlines and the reminder routine (fees) for borrowed media in the University Library have been reactivated, these must now be returned as soon as possible. If you have problems returning your borrowed media in person or sending them to us by post, please contact us in good time by telephone (03334 657-200) or by e-mail to bibliothek@hnee.de in order to avoid unnecessary charges.
(Status: 29.09.2020)
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Yes, however, a minimum distance between singers of at least two metres when singing is currently required for rehearsals. For rehearsals with wind instruments, an even greater distance of at least 2.5 metres must be maintained. In addition, there must be regular and sufficient ventilation and the duration of the rehearsal must be limited. As soon as choir and orchestra members move indoors, they must wear mouth/nose coverings. Please contact the responsible persons if you have any specific questions:
University Choir
www.hnee.de/hochschulchor
University Orchestra
www.hnee.de/hochschulorchester
(Status: 30.09.2020)
(Status: 30.10.2020)
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The University Sports Centre, as a separate association, will gradually restart offering courses in the winter semester 2020/2021. Subject to compliance with hygiene requirements, courses can be held again to a reasonable extent both in sports rooms and outdoors. For further information, please visit www.hnee.de/hochschulsport or contact Thomas Kolling directly at hsp@hnee.de.
(Status: 30.09.2020)
Please contact us at service@swffo.de or by phone at 0335 56509 - 90 and ask for an appointment with Ms Timm.
The service telephone in Frankfurt (Oder) can be reached at the following office hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tues & Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A personal consultation with Ms Timm can take place in the Sonnenvilla, taking into account the precautionary and hygiene measures. But of course, counselling can also be provided exclusively by telephone. Please note that counselling services are limited to five counselling sessions per semester and student.
If you require English-speaking psychological-social counselling, please also contact the above telephone number by telephone. The Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder) will then promptly inform you of an appropriate contact person and an appointment for a counselling session.
(Status: 20.01.2021)
The following regulations currently apply to students at our university who, despite all their reservations, decide to go abroad and receive funding from us:
In order to receive funding, you must currently assure us in writing in advance that you are
> have decided to go abroad after weighing up the pros and cons despite the current worldwide pandemic situation,
> know that the university is not obliging any student to stay abroad in the current situation and has informed them of alternatives to successfully complete their studies without staying abroad or to postpone their stay abroad,
> have made the decision on the basis of current information on departure, arrival and entry as well as the situation in the destination country and at the specific destination,
> have sufficient insurance cover, including pandemic cover (please take out the DAAD insurance package or comparable insurance cover and provide us with proof of this),
> keep yourself informed at all times up to departure and during your stay and know that you can withdraw from or cancel your planned stay abroad at any time due to the current pandemic situation,
> register on the Foreign Office's ELEFAND crisis precaution list right at the beginning of your stay abroad.
If you have any questions, please contact the International Office at international@hnee.de or the internship coordinator in your department or the head of the respective degree programme.
(Status 26.1.2021)
