There will be no sports courses in attendance in November 2020. The university sports team offers digital alternatives.
Corona
General information about Corona
Since 1 August 2020, RUB has been operating under Covid 19 conditions. The rules are likely to remain in force until the end of the winter semester, i.e. until 31 March 2021 – to the extent that the epidemiological developments and political guidelines will permit. RUB is well equipped to deal with the current trend of rising infection rates. Among other things, the regulations on remote work have reduced the time employees spend on campus. Moreover, the winter semester is a mix of many online and a few classroom courses. Important general questions and answers are compiled on this page. Moreover, detailed regulations, information and forms are provided in the "Serviceportal".
How do operations under COVID 19 conditions work in practice?
(16 October 2020; sometimes there are adaptations to the rules listed here, about which we inform in our own FAQ)
Mouth-nose mask
On 29 October 2020 the mask obligation was extended and exists no longer only in the buildings, but also outside on the entire Campus. See also the FAQ dated 30 October 2020.
Working
Since 1 August 2020, all employees have had the option to alternate between working from home and working on campus. In the process, at least 50% of the work is to be carried out at the respective university workplaces, in accordance with the relevant personnel deployment concepts and to the extent that it can be organised, that enough space is available and that the social context allows.
Lectures and seminars
For lectures, seminars and other events, a maximum of 50 people are allowed in one room. A detailed information sheet is available in the "Serviceportal" (German). Lab internships and other practical classes can likewise take place with up to 50 participants, as well as sports training and exercises including university sports. Any events that are not absolutely necessary (parties, choir and theatre rehearsals etc.) are not permitted.
Exams
Written exams can once again be taken in lecture halls with fixed seating, subject to special traceability regulations (with seat registration). For exams of any kind (including doctoral and post-doctoral examinations), a handbook is provided in the service portal.
Note: The new regulations for events and meetings adopted by politicians in mid-October 2020 do not apply to teaching and examination operations, as these are regulated separately in the Allgemeinverfügung für Hochschulen.
University library
The university library provides more space for studying and revisions for students writing term papers or theses.
Business trips and excursions
Business trips within Germany are once again possible. Business and research trips abroad can be approved in urgent cases, subject to the Federal Government’s country-specific travel warnings and special regulations. Excursions within Germany are likewise once again possible. *
* Due to the current situation and increasing numbers of infections, the regulations for all business and research trips may change at short notice. The final decision is made by Department 3.
Key rules for operations under Covid-19 conditions?
- Keep your distance! At least 1.5 meters (5 feet). If that’s not possible, use plexiglass partition or cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth.
- Mouth-nose mask: See the FAQ dated 30 October 2020.
- Communication: If possible always communicate by phone, email or video conference.
- Greetings: Avoid at all cost! No handshakes! No hugs!
- Rooms in general: Air all rooms regularly or leave ventilation/air conditioning switched on.
- Confined spaces: (e.g. lifts, toilets, changing rooms, photocopy rooms, tea kitchens) should be used by one person at a time.
- Social rooms: Should be used only by persons who are not allowed to eat and drink at the workplace (e.g. laboratory, workshop). Only one or a few persons at a time. Seats at a distance of at least 1.5 m (5 feet) next to each other (not facing each other).
- Office workstations: Mainly in individual offices; alternatively: staff rotation in offices with several occupants resp. working from home. In offices used by several people at the same time, the distance between seats should be at least 1.5 m, if possible not facing each other. Auxiliary plexiglass partitioning.
- Workshops and labs: Follow the distancing rules. Don’t share any personal protective equipment with others. If possible, don’t share any tools with others, clean them regularly and wear gloves when tools are used by more than one person.
Key rules for Covid-19 infection, symptoms, contact, international travel
- Covid-19 infection verified: Patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 are not allowed to enter the RUB campus and facilities until the responsible public health department has lifted the quarantine.
- Symptoms present: Persons with symptoms of a respiratory tract infection (cough, sniffles, sore throat with/without fever) and/or suffering from newly occurring odour or taste disorders are not allowed to enter their workplace; please contact your doctor instead (if necessary Covid-19 test, sick leave).
- Contact with a patient: Persons who have had direct contact with a Covid-19 patient may only enter the RUB campus and facilities after the quarantine imposed by the health department has ended (at the earliest 14 days after contact).
- International travel: Persons returning from a trip abroad are not allowed to enter the RUB campus and facilities during the quarantine period (see “Corona Einreiseverordnung NRW”, i.e. entry regulations NRW). A new regulation of the quarantine regulations after entry from a foreign risk area is expected shortly. A mandatory quarantine for ten days is expected to be in place from mid-October 2020, which can only be shortened if a test with a negative result (non-infectious) is carried out on the fifth day after entry at the earliest and the health authorities officially shorten the quarantine period.
- Current information sheet in German as PDF.
FAQ
Who may visit the Mensa? (30 October 2020)
On November 2, 2020, the access regulations to the Mensa will change. Due to new political regulations, the Mensa may only be operated like a canteen. Therefore, only students and employees of Akafö and RUB have access. Everyone must show their student card or Dienstausweis when entering the building.
The Akafö recommends all other guests to take advantage of the to-go offers in Q-West and the cafeterias. Q-West and the restaurant at Beckmanns Hof will close from November 2, 2020 until further notice.
When and where do you have to wear a mask? (30 October 2020)
Masks are mandatory on the entire campus, including outdoors. A mouth-and-nose mask must be worn on all routes inside the buildings and in communal facilities (toilets, tea kitchens, etc.).
The following applies to courses: mouth-and-nose masks must also be worn at your seat during classes and lectures. Teachers may choose not to wear a mouth-and-nose mask if a minimum distance of four metres to the students is maintained, or alternatively a Plexiglas screen can be installed.
The following applies to study rooms: mouth-and-nose masks must also be worn at your seat.
The following applies to meetings, conferences, etc.: if a distance of at least 1.5 metres is maintained during meetings and conferences and the room is properly ventilated, masks are not mandatory. However, it is recommended to wear a mouth-and-nose mask if possible.
The following applies in offices: in offices used by several people at the same time, no mouth-and-nose mask needs to be worn if a distance of 1.5 metres is maintained and the room is properly ventilated. This also applies if the distance is less than 1.5 metres, provided that a Plexiglas screen is installed between the workplaces.
Why do mouth and nose covers help? (27 October 2020)
By covering the mouth and nose, infectious droplets that are emitted when speaking, coughing or sneezing can be intercepted. According to a recent study, the risk of Covid-19 infection can be reduced by up to 70 percent if the contact persons wear a mouth-nose cover. However, this does not apply to respiratory masks with an exhalation valve, as here the exhaled air passes through the valve unfiltered and even strikes other people in a direct jet. Therefore, to avoid Covid 19 infections, respirators with an exhalation valve are not suitable and should not be worn. Further information in the Serviceportal.
When will the Akafö reopen the Mensa and the cafeterias? (16.10.2020)
The Mensa will reopen on 20 October 2020: on weekdays from 10.45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Furthermore, Akafö operates to-go stores at several locations on campus. Some cafeterias and Q-West have opened, as well.Further information about the services and latest developments can be found on the Akafö website.
Where do I have to wear a mouth and nose cover? (23 September 2020)
From 1 July 2020, people in all public areas within the RUB buildings will have to wear mouth and nose covers. Corresponding signs at the building entrances point this out. *
* See the current FAQ of 27. and 29.10.2020.
May I study or revise in public seating areas in the RUB buildings? (29.7.2020)
According to the Corona Protection Ordinance of the State of NRW, RUB is responsible for documenting all contacts in its buildings so that the public health department can identify all contact persons of the infected person(s) in the event of a Covid-19 infection. Therefore, it is currently not possible to use public seating areas in the RUB buildings to study or revise. However, we are developing concepts to ensure that some areas on campus may be used for this purpose. Please note that people are still not permitted to gather in corridors and public areas, as they can’t be reliably traced! Students need a good reason to enter the RUB buildings (e.g. to attend in-person classes, exams, library appointments, appointments with advisors/supervisors). For all courses, meetings etc., the person responsible resp. the organiser must ensure that all contacts are documented. Further information.
When and why will operations under Covid 19 conditions be implemented? (13.7.2020)
As of 1 August 2020, RUB will introduce operations under Covid-19 conditions: in order to effectively protect RUB members and visitors against infection, the curriculum in the winter semester 2020/21 will be for the most part digital; at the same time, this will enable us to gradually return back to normal at work, even as it’s impossible to say how long the pandemic will last.
Covid-19 operations will remain in effect until the university management announces a new phase. These rules will probably apply until the end of the 2020/2021 winter semester, i.e. until 31 March 2021, to the extent that the epidemiological development and official policies will allow.
The aim is to
- promote socialising in the workplace and avoid potential social isolation when working from home;
- optimise work organisation and processes under the current conditions.
When does the Botanical Garden open? (12 July 2020)
The Botanical Garden is open again since the end of June, but still with restrictions. There is only one access at the depot on the N-Südstraße. It is open Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Further details can be found on the website of the garden.
Rules for visitors (3 July 2020)
Special rules also apply to all RUB visitors, available to all RUB members in PDF format.
Which entrances to the buildings are open? (30 June 2020)
From 1 July 2020, most of the buildings will again be accessible via all entrances and within the usual building-specific opening hours. Details can be found in the "Serviceportal".
Where can I get help in cause of mental health problems triggered by the measures implemented due to coronavirus? (6 April 2020)
LWL-Universitätsklinikum Bochum has opened a hotline for Bochum citizens to help them overcome mental-health crises. The Corona hotline is available Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm under 0234 50774567.
Moreover, the RUB Mental Health Research and Treatment Center offers an anonymous hotline for RUB members and citizens of Bochum who suffer from mental stress or family stress due to the current corona crisis.
- For adults: Monday to Friday, 6pm to 8pm, Hotline: 0234 3221100
- For children, adolescents and parents: Monday to Friday, 4pm to 6pm, Hotline: 0234 3221101
Who coordinates the measures at RUB? (23 March 2020)
RUB has set up a crisis management team. It coordinates with the relevant authorities what measures need to be taken. The university management, the student and staff administration, the company medical office, the occupational safety unit and the corporate communications department are represented in the crisis committee.
