In this second edition of our newsletter "Study", you will find a new message from the Rector, the latest resources and tools for distance learning, an update on exams and validations, information on student grants and financial support, the list of universities offering an exchange in the spring semester of 2021... And even a bit of sport!
Message of the Rector
Hello everyone, we are in the middle of week 2!
I hope that you and your loved ones are doing well and that you have gone into "corona mode", a mode that will last for some time to come.
For many of us (myself included), the challenge is to concentrate. You worry about your loved ones, in Switzerland or elsewhere, you worry about the future. And yet, it's now a matter of completing this semester successfully. And we're on the right track! Thanks to the incredible work of the teachers, the Teaching Support Centre (Centre de soutien à l’enseignement), the IT Service and other departments, the vast majority of courses have resumed in various forms, but all of them allow learning to take place under the best possible conditions in these unprecedented circumstances.
For students, the idea of studying at home is something to get used to. When you are used to going to the library, which is a good place to work because away from the distractions of home, it is not easy. And you worry, of course, about the big question of exams. In what form, when, how? The faculties and the Teaching and Student Affairs dicastery of the Rectorate are working to give concrete answers and you will of course be informed as soon as possible.
For researchers who need a laboratory, or who have to do field work, there is no other option than to wait. So, this is your chance to read all these pending articles (an effective way to generate new ideas!), and maybe even work on a review?
As for the people working in the administrative and technical entities, I hope they will have the opportunity to catch their breath (a little). And, little by little, for most of you who are teleworking, to return to a certain normality by taking up the thread of priority files and sessions in digital mode.
And the final words. First of all, we can be proud! Proud of what has been accomplished, proud of our ability to adapt, proud of our colleagues, proud of us!
And then, of course, you've seen the numbers: for the moment, the number of infected people continues to rise, doubling every three days, even faster. So stay at home, and when you go out, stay away from others!
Covid 19: solidarity means avoiding getting infected, to avoid infecting others!
Nouria Hernandez, Rector
More and more resources and tools for distance learning
A new tutorial to help you manage stress is available! It complements the existing tutorials on time management and how to stay connected with colleagues and teachers. New tutorials will be frequently offered to support you on different aspects - both practical and emotional - during these special times!
As a complement to your teaching, the FUN platform has announced the opening of its Moocs archive. As part of the "Coursera for Campus" project, the Coursera platform is also opening its Moocs. An official request for access has been sent by the UNIL Rectorate and you will be informed through this newsletter of the effective access to these resources.
And what about teachers?
The "waiting period" officially ended yesterday. In just one week, your teachers have worked hard to train or improve their skills in the use of digital tools and to be able to offer you quality distance learning!
A few figures :
Reviews and validations: status report
After the closure of the campus to its community, the University of Lausanne, its Rectorate and the services concerned have established and implemented various procedures to ensure its main missions remotely. For a week now, the efforts undertaken have made it possible to launch learning solutions through various digital solutions.
This being under way, UNIL's management now considers as a priority the evaluation (review and validation) of the lessons learnt within its institution.
The Rectorate and the Faculties are working intensively to provide the most adequate response to this very important issue. Further details will be provided in the coming days. In an unprecedented and challenging context for a large part of the UNIL community, an adaptation of the validation modalities and dates will be necessary in many cases.
We will keep you all informed of the evolution of the situation as soon as possible.
The financial service at your disposal
Bursary payments for students are being processed for payment to recipients.
If you have any questions, please email faqservicefinancier@unil.ch.
For critical emergencies, contact the Head of Financial Services, Nathalie Ferland.
FSA's Message
The Federation of Student Associations (FSA) is closely monitoring the current situation. Our services are being maintained and we are open to any questions or concerns.
In the event of a difficult financial situation, we ask that you first contact the Service des affaires sociales et de la mobilité étudiante (SASME). In the case of a refusal or insufficient assistance on their part, two FSA services are at your disposal:
Our Student Solidarity Fund is maintained until the end of the semester. All you have to do is fill in the form available on our site and send it back to us by e-mail with a copy of the invoice for which you want help. In view of the current situation, the procedure is exceptionally done without an appointment.
Some students are financially impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. An emergency fund has been released for a cash payment of CHF 200.00 to your private bank account. All you need to do is send us a short letter by e-mail explaining your situation, a copy of your employment contract or other proof that your working hours have been affected by the current situation and your bank details.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at fae@unil.ch.
Apply for a stay abroad in the spring of 2021, last deadline!
South Africa, Canada, or Russia. Go on an exchange abroad during the spring semester 2021! Consult the list of universities still offering places by going to the database of agreements that UNIL has signed with its partners.
Consult the procedure for submitting your application. Due to the closure of UNIL because of to the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole procedure has to be done remotely. Therefore, please contact by e-mail only the mobility coordinator of your faculty, school or institute. Likewise, your complete file, in the form of a single PDF document, must reach SASME by April 15, 2020 at the latest by e-mail to studentmobility@unil.ch.
University Sports is thinking of you
While we are all confined or almost all at home, the opportunities to move around, to play sports with friends have disappeared. And yet, movement is essential for keeping fit both physically and mentally. Suggestions of all kinds are flooding the net: challenges, serious strength training, chair work, floor work... How do you choose? What to really do?
On the University Sports Lausanne website, experts choose for you the most trustworthy pages, or share with you their own videos that will guide you safely through your sessions. Several times a week they post images, videos or links relating to fitness, relaxation, stretching, nutrition, in short, everything you need to take into account to maintain a good physical condition in this period of confinement.
Go to sports.unil.ch or centresportetsante.ch
Remote Chaplaincy
The UNIL - EPFL chaplaincy remains at the disposal of students by telephone, Webex or e-mail. The activities also continue with some technical adaptations and are announced as they happen on the Facebook page. For example, the meditation takes place via Zoom every Wednesday at 12.15 pm.