In this newsletter, you will find the new Directive issued by UNIL concerning the next exam session which is approaching fast, as well as several useful links. You will also find some tips and video tutorials to help you prepare for the online exams. We also invite you to evaluate the courses and other seminars you are taking this semester, with a spirit of improvement. Finally, a reminder of the financial aid available closes this newsletter.
Information on the examinations for the summer and autumn sessions 2021
In view of the health situation in Switzerland and the decisions of the federal and cantonal authorities, the UNIL Rectorate has adopted a Directive concerning the summer and autumn 2021 examinations (document in French). It comes into force on 1 June 2021 and applies until 30 September 2021, subject to the evolution of the health situation as well as the measures taken by the Canton of Vaud and the Confederation.
In summary
1) The Faculties determine which examinations take place in person or online. They indicate, for the examinations scheduled in person, which alternative would be adopted if these examinations could not be held in person for public health reasons. Consult your Faculty's website for all this information:
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
- Faculty of Geosciences and Environment
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies
- Faculty of HEC: information for Bachelors and information for Masters.
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine
- Faculty of Law, Criminal Sciences and Public Administration
2) The conditions for success are those set out in the Faculty, School, study and admission regulations and in the study plans.
3) In order to prevent fraud during online examinations, supervision may be ensured by means of authorised institutional digital tools, in particular by Zoom. The latter must be used under strict conditions defined in the Directive.
4) For students or candidates in isolation, mobilisation, quarantine or held abroad, specific conditions apply. In the last two cases, these persons are nevertheless required to take the examinations if they are held online.
5) In the event that the maximum duration of studies is exceeded, the Deanships may grant a maximum of 1 or 2 additional semesters for cases of withdrawals admitted to the Summer and/or Autumn 2021 examinations due to quarantine, mobilisation or being held abroad.
At the request of the FAE - Federation of UNIL Student Associations, discussions are still ongoing regarding possible additional measures.
For more information on the specific conditions applying to the summer and autumn 2021 examination sessions (including issues of supervision of online examinations, please see the Directive – in French).
COVID Info meetings on Zoom
The video of the meeting of Thursday 6 May with the Direction and the Deans of the faculties will be available on https://unil.ch/coronavirus/home/menuinst/study/rencontres.html until Monday 10 May in the evening.
Video tutorials to prepare for the exams online
The Guidance and Careers Service (SOC) and the Teaching Support Centre (CSE) have produced videos to help you prepare for the 2021 summer exam session, which will take place, at least in part, at a distance. You will find both technical and more general advice, for example:
Find more practical videos on the CSE YouTube playlist, "Advice to students for online exams".
You can also consult this document full of advice to help you prepare your revision programme, study methodically and check your computer equipment.
Also note that the student peers, supported by Accueil Santé, offer you a Discord platform, a space for mutual help and listening created for and by students.
Evaluate your courses!
Your teachers can ask the CSE to send you an evaluation questionnaire in order to obtain your opinion on their teaching as a whole and to collect your possible needs and suggestions for improvement. If so, you will receive an e-mail from the CSE inviting you to fill in an anonymous online questionnaire. Take this opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with your teachers and to share any suggestions you may have. To find out more, consult the FAQ on the CSE website and the pages dedicated to the evaluation of teaching by students.
Reminder of existing financial support
If you find yourself in financial difficulty, you can apply for support by writing to affaires.sociales@unil.ch, enclosing the appropriate form and the necessary supporting documents. All information on UNIL's financial aid can be found on the website of the Service des affaires sociales et de la mobilité étudiante (SASME).
In case the SASME cannot intervene, the FAE (Federation of UNIL Student Associations) offers a Student Solidarity Fund.