Questions about studying and working at the university
FAQs Topic: Studies
How will classes be held?
Classes will take place in person.
Will podcasts or online opportunities continue to be offered?
The learning content of all courses should be made available digitally or in an equivalent form.
How will people from at-risk groups be protected?
There are no longer any general protective measures and attendance is now compulsory - however, if a medical certificate is available, special arrangements can be considered.
How does one handle being sick? At what point should you stay at home?
In general, you should not come to the University with a cold or other contagious illness. If you have a mild cold, wearing a mask is recommended.
Will testing continue to be offered?
Since there is no longer a requirement to show COVID certificates, the University will also discontinue testing services as well as checks.
Are there any special regulations for continuing education?
No, the general regulations apply.
Topic: Working at UniBE
Are there official rules for working from home?
The regulations of the Canton and the University (in german) apply: In principle, employees can work from home for up to 50 percent of one’s workload. There is no entitlement to time working from home. Working from home and its terms must be agreed on in writing with your superior.
Is there compensation for work done from home if this has been officially defined as a place of work with superiors (space, equipment, internet, etc.)?
The place of work is, in general, at the University. There is no compensation for the use or maintenance of private infrastructure in the context of working from home. There is also no entitlement to have the same equipment as is at the workplace at the University.
Is being physically present in the office and/or attendance at meetings mandatory?
Basically yes, exceptions are decided upon by supervisors. The guiding principle is the operational needs or the completion of tasks.
Is there a transition period - for example, a staggered return?
No, the regulation is valid as of February 17th, 2022.
Are offices allowed to be fully occupied again?
Yes.
How do we deal with people who are afraid to come back?
Supervisors will use any flexibility possible for providing space to separate people or assign alternative tasks. If this is not possible, refer the persons to the in-house physician. If the assessment and information provided by the in-house physician is not sufficient, supervisors can also go to the Human Resources department for advice.
Are there recommendations for dealing with hybrid meetings, using a variety of channels, etc.?
No, supervisors must decide this themselves. There is no entitlement to hybrid meetings.
Are you still allowed to keep equipment (UniBE - e.g. keyboard, hub, screen, etc.) or furniture (e.g. office chair); when do you have to return it?
This is to be decided by supervisors - the guiding principle is the operational needs, or the completion of tasks. There is also no entitlement to have the same equipment for working from home as is at the workplace at the university.
What about UniBE data on the computer at home?
Data which is required must be available on the University's systems.