Announcement regarding classes and events of Gakushuin University

Announcement regarding classes and events of Gakushuin University in connection with the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Ichiro Arakawa
President of Gakushuin University

To students, faculty and staff members
 
On March 25, 2020, Gakushuin University released its revised academic calendar for AY 2020 in light of the March 24 notification from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. With the expanding spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), however, we have decided to postpone the starting date of the spring semester until May 11 to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on running classes. The details are set out below.
 
Please note that the academic schedule is subject to change as the situations change. We would highly appreciate students, faculty and staff members' understanding cooperation in this matter.

(1) Classes and orientations

(i) The new class starting date is Monday, May 11. Classes will be given on demand/online for some time after they start. When time has come for us to resume in-person classes, following the improvement of the situations, the university will take every precautious step to lessen infection risks in accordance with the conditions below.
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We will take measures given below to avoid the three conditions (enclosed space without ventilation, crowded places, and conversation at close range) in order to prevent the spread of infection.

  • The responsible instructor will open the windows of the classroom at the end of his/her class to allow adequate ventilation. Another instructor who teaches the next class in the same room will close the windows as necessary.
  • The university will encourage students to wear masks and wash hands, and provide an antiseptic solution at the entrance of each building.
  • Students will be asked to keep enough space between them when there is enough space in the classroom.

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(ii) Orientations will, in principle, be provided online.
 
(iii) We ask students to check G-Port for future updates about the class/orientation schedule. (To new students -- Please follow the G-Port usage instructions enclosed with the student ID scheduled to be sent out on April 10.)
 
(iv) By the class starting date, students need to have equipment/devices for access to Internet ready at home for remote learning (Wi-Fi, PC with a camera and microphone). (For some time after the starting date, students will be able to attend classes via smart phone.)
 
(v) If a student or faculty/staff member becomes infected, he or she must follow the instructions given in the flowchart in Attachment 1 (in Japanese).
 
(vi) When students, faculty and staff members come to the campus, please remember to check your health conditions in accordance with the health check list in Attachment 2 (in Japanese).

(2) University events

(i) In holding events where more than 10 people are expected to participate or contact with unspecified large number of people is likely, please follow the conditions given in (1) above.
 
(ii) Please cancel or postpone events where close contact among participants is highly likely, such as overnight trips and parties with food and drink.
 
(iii) In particular, please cancel or postpone any events where many people with a higher risk of becoming seriously ill are expected to participate.
 
* The university strongly requests that students should refrain from attending any non-Gakushuin events with a high risk of infection.