Service and AdviceCoronavirus: FAQs about student affairs and teaching

1 March 2023

*Update* On 18 February 2023, the end of the lecture period for the 2022/2023 winter semester, the university also ended its last remaining recommendation to wear a mask in all its areas.

2022/2023 winter semester

Also in this semester, Heidelberg University offered as many lectures and classes on campus as possible and only continued with online teaching formats as a supplementary measure.

What is to be done if a university student develops typical Covid symptoms or tests positive?

*Update* Both the legal obligation to isolate and the 5-day mandatory mask in the case of testing positive have been revoked. However, it is still recommended that anyone testing positive and displaying the symptoms should, as far as possible, refrain from entering university premises and personally attending classes and events. There is no contact tracing on the part of the university. 

Can international students come to Heidelberg University?

Heidelberg University is an international university and explicitly invites students from Europe and the world to enrol. They should, however, respect applicable travel regulations.

What can I do if my internship is not possible, although required by the examination regulations?

Should current circumstances still make it difficult to complete internships at home and abroad, it may be possible to submit proof of achievement in another format as long as this meets the substantive subject requirements. Please talk to your academic advisor and/or your examinations office about this.

I am a teacher and would like to hold an on-campus class. Do I have to note anything?

No, there are no longer any specific Covid arrangements at Heidelberg University. 

Does the minimum distance still have to be observed in on-campus classes?

No, a minimum distance no longer has to be observed.

What are the rules for online examinations?

The State Higher Education Law has been amended to include rules for online examinations and the special requirements (§§ 32a, 32b LHG). BUT PLEASE NOTE: holding online examinations is only admissible if the respective examination regulations or another university statute provide for this:

• Oral examinations may be conducted as video conferences. Care must be taken that the internet connection and equipment is stable and the candidate is given the opportunity to test the digital service in advance. Before registering, the students must be informed about the organisational conditions and the point in time by which it is possible to withdraw from the examination. Furthermore, there must be clear communication prior to the examination about when it will be discontinued in the event of a breakdown, and what the consequences then are (e.g. interruption of the examination, repetition of the oral exam). Recording the examination is not allowed. Ascertaining the candidate’s identity can take place by their showing a photo or student ID card at the start of the examination.
• Online video examinations that are not conducted on university premises are subject to the proviso of voluntary status, i.e. a parallel opportunity for an in-person examination must be provided in order to allow students a choice.
• Video-monitored written examinations are not advisable due to the strict organisational regulations laid down in the law. Compared to what are called “open book exams” (written exam papers with aids) they offer no advantage in terms of stopping cheating and it is not possible to provide appropriate legal, technical and staff implementation at present. Such open book exams can be organised in different ways, e.g. via Moodle.

How can I submit exam papers and coursework?

Please submit all written exam and study assessment work to the respective examinations office or teaching staff.

What should be noted if students cannot arrive in time, or at all, for an on-campus examination for reasons connected with the pandemic?

If students cannot make it back from abroad for an on-campus examination, that must be examined individually in the light of the examination rules. Ideally, the dates and formats of examinations will be announced in good time to allow for compliance with entry and quarantine regulations.

What should I do if I suddenly have symptoms of Covid-19 on the day of the examination?

*Update* Since there is no longer an obligation to isolate if you fall ill with Covid, you can in principle take part in the examination. In the case of strong symptoms, as with other illnesses, you can immediately declare your withdrawal from the examination to the examiner/examinations board. You must then present a doctor’s certificate without further ado. The Examination Board will decide on the basis of the evidence and circumstances of the individual case whether the withdrawal is granted.

What must I do if I suddenly feel ill during the examination?

You must immediately notify the examiner/Examination Board that you wish to withdraw from the examination. Then you must present a doctor’s certificate without delay. The Examination Board will decide on the basis of the evidence and circumstances of the individual case whether the withdrawal is granted.

How and when can I get my student ID card and my Uni ID?

Your student ID card and Uni ID will be sent to you by post. In exceptional cases the Uni ID can be conveyed by other means that are legally safe. Approach the student administration about that.

Where can I validate my student ID card now?

The validation machines are accessible during regular opening hours. The validation machines in the building Seminarstraße 2 (Carolinum) are located on the ground floor, left in front of the service portal.

How can students currently obtain the clearance note (“certificate of discharge”) from the University Library to obtain their certificate of exmatriculation?

Clearance notes can again be obtained in the University Library (UB) in the regular way.  However, students can, if necessary, send their exmatriculation applications to the student administration without the UB’s certificate of discharge.  The student administration staff will then ask the UB directly for the clearance.

I have been officially deregistered, what must I do?

Please call the Infotelefon +49 6221 54-5454 to tell the Student Administration or International Office if you wish to continue your studies. 

What should I do if I have to terminate my Erasmus studies?

We need (by email) a certificate of attendance from the host university and a written statement, detailing why the Erasmus studies cannot be continued in a reasonable manner. The Erasmus scholarship will only be granted for the period of physical stay in the host country for study purposes.

Can I also continue the semester online from home?

If the host university offers this possibility, yes. The attendance certificate is evidence of the whole duration of your study period at the host university, if applicable including online periods. The Erasmus scholarship will only be granted for the period of physical stay in the host country for study purposes.