Coronavirus instructions and recommendations at the LAB University of Applied Sciences

We are continuously monitoring the outbreak situation and will update our coronavirus instructions when necessary. We aim for studies and work to continue as normally as possible while doing our part to slow down the spread of the coronavirus in accordance with government guidelines.

» Current guidelines and latest releases 04/2021 →

 

Releases archive 03/2020-03/2021

We help the authorities in tracking down the exposed persons. In questions regarding the contingency plans and actions at LUT University and LAB University of Applied Sciences, we advise the authorities to contact Ms. Liisa-Maija Sainio (liisa-maija [dot] sainioatlut [dot] fi, +358 40 515 4944).

**

Updated 18.3.2021: Lockdown on LAB’s and LUT’s Lahti and Lappeenranta campuses to continue until the end of the spring semester 

Updated when necessary as the situation changes.

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB staff and students, 18 March 2021

Lockdown on LAB’s and LUT’s Lahti and Lappeenranta campuses to continue until the end of the spring semester 

The coronavirus situation in both of our campus cities has worsened, and the national situation has not considerably improved despite the restrictions. The number of patients in hospital care is concerning. It seems that the coronavirus situation in Finland and our operating areas will not improve any time soon.

We have decided that the LAB and LUT campuses in Lahti and Lappeenranta will remain closed to students until the end of the spring semester. The lockdown is still necessary to reduce contacts and stop the epidemic.  

Essential contact teaching will continue with current arrangements. Individual students may ask the vice rector/president for education for permission to work on corporate collaboration projects or their final theses on campus if they need special equipment.

Otherwise, students will not be allowed on campus.

Exams and graduation ceremonies during the spring semester

LAB: 

The vice president for education has decided that all course exams and exam retakes will be arranged online from 5 April to 30 July. Additional retake dates may be provided on campus in the early autumn if the epidemic allows.

Campus exams can be arranged in connection with current essential contact teaching. The vice president for education may also authorise other individual exams on campus.

LAB's May graduation ceremony will take place remotely.

LUT: 

The vice rector for education has decided that all exams will be arranged online from 5 April to 30 July. Additional retakes may be arranged on campus in the early autumn if the epidemic allows. We will provide related information later.

LUT will not arrange graduation ceremonies in May or June. An additional graduation ceremony will be held after the summer if the epidemic allows.

LAB and LUT:

The electronic exam facilities in Lahti, Lappeenranta and Mikkeli will remain in use for the time being with safety measures in place.

Essential contact teaching on campus continues

Students will be denied access to campus buildings until the end of the spring semester. Only ongoing contact courses essential for the progress of studies and graduation will continue.

Teachers will let contact teaching groups collectively into the building from an entrance announced in advance to the students. Students will be asked to swipe their electronic access control keys at the door to enable daily contact tracing.

Summer activity on campus

LAB and LUT will not receive unpaid undergraduate interns from abroad this coming summer. 

Students may be hired for summer jobs if they are acquainted with campus safety measures. Anyone coming from another country must self-quarantine for 14 days.

LAB and LUT will offer a wide variety of online studies to their students during the summer. We will provide related information later. The coming summer's LUT Summer School has been cancelled. 

Staff may work on campus following current guidelines

We continue to strongly recommend remote work to our staff members. Essential and critical work on campus is still possible following our coronavirus guidelines. If job duties allow, employees should work from home. Employees do not need separate authorisation from their supervisor to visit the campuses.

The guidelines given on 4 March continue to apply to other campus activities and services.

Special ministry funding for student well-being and guidance

The project Linjakas ja Liikkuva LUT-korkeakouluyhteisö launched by LUT and LAB and their student unions to promote student well-being and guidance has received 220 000 euros from the Ministry of Education and Culture. 

Well-being services will recruit a coordinator for guidance, support and well-being services, who will also come up with measures together with the student unions to improve a sense of community.

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB staff and students, 4 March 2021

LAB's and LUT’s campuses in Lahti and Lappeenranta closed to students until 5 April 

The Finnish Government together with the President of Finland declared a state of emergency on 1 March 2021 because the coronavirus situation has quickly taken a turn for the worse. The Government aims to tighten national restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus by issuing a three-week lockdown from 8 to 28 March. 

Higher education institutions in areas where the epidemic is accelerating or in community transmission have been recommended to continue work and studies remotely, and we have been following this recommendation. With the exception of our recent campus lockdowns, we have been able to keep our campuses open to students because the epidemic in our operating areas has been under control. 

In addition to essential contact teaching, students have been able to study independently or in groups on campus and have meals. We believe that this has helped students to advance in their studies and cope during the pandemic.

However, the nationwide situation has now worsened quickly. Our operating areas in Lahti, Lappeenranta and Mikkeli have also entered the so-called community transmission phase, which is the most serious one. Only our regional unit in Kouvola is in an area where the epidemic is still only accelerating. The new variants of the coronavirus are more contagious and have spread more rapidly especially in the Helsinki area but also in other parts of Finland. We expect the situation to become more serious everywhere in Finland in the coming weeks.

We have decided to close LAB's and LUT’s campuses in Lahti and Lappeenranta to students until Easter Monday 5 April. This lockdown aims to reduce contacts and prevent the spread of the epidemic. 

Essential contact teaching, exams, corporate collaboration projects and critical work related to graduation will take place with special arrangements. Otherwise, students will not be allowed on campus. 

If the epidemic situation significantly improves, we will consider reopening the campus to students after the Easter holidays for independent study and lunch. Essential contact teaching in the spring semester will not increase after Easter.

In other words, the current lockdowns on the Lahti and Lappeenranta campuses will continue for students until 5 April. LAB's vice president and LUT’s vice rector for education will provide more information on the special arrangements for essential contact teaching and exams by Friday 5 March.

Staff working on campus

We continue to recommend remote work strongly to our staff members. Essential and critical work on campus is still possible following our coronavirus guidelines. Staff members may enter campus buildings with their electronic access control key. If job duties allow, employees should work from home. 

Individual visitors related to essential work may be received following current guidelines: no more than six people at a time and with safety measures in place.

Due to the mass exposure on the Lahti campus during week 8, all staff members on the Lahti campus need permission from the president to work on campus until the end of week 10.

Essential contact teaching on campus

Students will be denied access to campus buildings until 5 April. As an exception, students may take part in essential contact teaching according to our prioritisation plans, work on their final theses using special facilities and equipment on campus and take exams on separately announced dates and times. Students may also ask the vice rector or vice president for education for permission to take part in essential RDI and corporate collaboration projects on campus.

Essential contact teaching will be arranged in spacious facilities that enable social distancing. Teachers let contact teaching groups collectively into the building from an entrance announced in advance to the students. 

Individual students close to graduation may ask LUT's vice rector for education and LAB’s vice president for education for authorisation to access campus facilities. 

Public examinations of dissertations during lockdown

During the lockdown, we recommend that a hybrid approach be applied to public examinations of dissertations: only essential people should be present on campus, and most participants follow the event online.

Library services

Library facilities on our campuses will be closed during the lockdown. Customer services will be provided remotely. Guidelines on essential loaning and returning services are available on the website of the LUT Academic Library.

 

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB staff and students, 27 February 2021

LAB's and LUT's Lahti campus is closed for two weeks due to mass exposure in contact teaching

There has been a mass exposure to coronavirus on Tuesday 23nd February 2021 on LAB contact teaching for Nursing (Group SH20S) in Rooms D230, D214 and D215. Two coronavirus infections have been diagnosed in the group. Masks have been used in the group according to instructions. So far further infections have not been diagnosed.

According to our current knowledge, 41 students and possibly 2 teachers have already received or will receive quarantine orders from PHHYKY health authorities. All known exposed persons will be called for coronavirus testing.

As the total number of exposed persons in contact teaching is considerable, there may have been other exposures on campus as well. For now we do not yet know if this is the case.

As a precaution, we close LAB’s and LUT’s Lahti campus for 1 – 14 March for both students and employees. The interruption will continue until Sunday 14th March. Students' electronic access control keys will be deactivated for this time period.

Critical and vitally necessary work on campus may continue during this time only with permission from the LAB or LUT Rector through request from team leader. The keys of LAB and LUT staff will remain operational for brief vitally necessary campus visits.

Most studies have taken place in the form of distance learning from November 2020. In addition, distance work has been widely recommended. Contact teaching has been arranged only when necessary and with careful safety precautions in place.

All classes used in contact teaching have been cleaned daily. Concerning the classes in this case, they will be thoroughly cleaned.

If you have worked or studied on LAB and LUT Lahti campus during this week, please monitor your health and in case of even mild symptoms, take a coronavirus test.

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB staff and students, 21 February 2021 

LAB's and LUT's Skinnarila campus will be closed to students for two weeks

Tens of cases of the coronavirus disease have been confirmed among students from LAB’s and LUT’s Skinnarila campus. The cases are connected to a transmission chain from the Holiday Club Saimaa spa.

Even though we are not currently aware of any exposures on campus between 15 and 20 February, the risk of exposure is elevated due to the large number of infections.

As a precaution, we will interrupt all of LUT's and LAB’s contact teaching as of Monday 22 February. The interruption will continue until Friday 5 March. 

No students will be allowed on campus for the next two weeks. Students’ electronic access control keys will be deactivated from 22 February to 7 March. 

Most studies have taken place in the form of distance learning from November 2020. Contact teaching has been arranged only when necessary and with careful safety precautions in place (for example, laboratory tutorials, fine arts). 

The online examination space Exam will remain accessible through a separate entrance. We will provide information on other exam arrangements by Wednesday 24 February. Teachers in charge of courses will provide information on the arrangements of their courses.

We are exploring possibilities for the Lappeenranta Academic Library to provide a loaning and returning service during the lockdown. We will provide information on this by Wednesday 24 February.

We continue to recommend that LUT and LAB staff work remotely.

Part of LUT’s separation technology staff to work remotely until the end of February

A person who later tested positive for the coronavirus worked in LUT’s membrane technology laboratory 2250 in Skinnarila on 15–16 February. The person used appropriate protective gear while working. As far as we know, the South Karelia Social and Health Care District has not ordered people who worked in the same space into quarantine.

To be safe, we advise all those who worked in the laboratory on 15–16 February to work remotely until the end of February. We have informed the staff members concerned about these precautions.

Because the coronavirus situation has quickly worsened in Lappeenranta, it is extremely important that everyone follow the current coronavirus guidelines and get tested even if mild symptoms occur.

We wish a speedy recovery to all members of our community who are currently sick.

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB staff and students, 19 February 2021

Mass exposure related to student leisure activities at Holiday Club Saimaa in Lappeenranta on 10 February

A large number of people have been exposed to the coronavirus at the Holiday Club Saimaa spa in Lappeenranta in the South Karelia Social and Health Care District on Wednesday 10 February in the afternoon and evening.

A group of LAB and LUT students from the Skinnarila campus were spending time at Holiday Club Saimaa during the time of exposure on Wednesday 10 February. So far, over ten people have been infected with the coronavirus. In addition, tens of students have been exposed, tested and quarantined until the end of February. The number of cases is likely to increase when the latest test results come in.

Most of the infected and exposed students live in LOAS apartments at Karankokatu 4. LUT and LAB ask that no one living at this address come to the campus before the end of February.

As far as we know, none of the infected students have visited the Skinnarila campus while they have been contagious.

The South Karelia Social and Health Care District, LUT and LAB urge those at the spa during the exposure time and those close to them to watch out for symptoms. If any occur, consult the website omaolo.fi or call 116 117 and get tested. Avoid all social gatherings for the time being.

The exposure took place over a week ago, and it is important that those who have come into contact with the exposed students watch out for coronavirus symptoms and get tested if they experience any. The coronavirus test should be taken quickly – one to two days from the onset of symptoms.

The South Karelia Social and Health Care District tests everyone who has coronavirus symptoms – even mild ones. Get tested if you have even one of the following symptoms: headache, cold, cough, sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, diarrhoea or nausea. If you have coronavirus symptoms, do not go to school, day care or work and avoid public spaces. Never take part in social events when you are sick or have even mild symptoms.

Face masks are recommended in public transportation and spaces where you cannot keep a distance of two metres to other people. Use masks especially in grocery and department stores, indoor leisure activities, public transportation and private parties.

Private social gatherings of more than ten people are not allowed in the South Karelia Social and Health Care District.

More information: 

Sami Raasakka, ylilääkäri, Eksote, 040 651 1594 

Liisa-Maija Sainio, Professor, head of the LUT and LAB coronavirus task force, LUT University, 040 515 4944

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB students and staff, 2 February 2021

Distance learning continues at LUT and LAB in Lappeenranta and Lahti until the end of the spring semester 2021

The national epidemic situation is still unstable. The number of coronavirus cases has not declined to the baseline level despite restrictions. Vaccinations have been delayed and the approaching winter break increases the risk of the virus spreading between hospital districts.

In its meeting on 1 February, LUT's and LAB's coronavirus task force has decided that LUT's campuses in Lappeenranta and Lahti will continue to apply their current approach to teaching until the end of the spring semester.

Studies will take place remotely. Only essential contact teaching, exams and work related to final theses will take place on campus.

All staff on both campuses who are able to work remotely will continue to do so. Research and RDI in laboratories and other special facilities on campus will continue wearing masks.

Masks strongly recommended on campuses

In the current epidemic situation, we urge everyone to follow safety guidelines carefully and to wear face masks. If a large majority wears masks, we can efficiently prevent those without symptoms from spreading the coronavirus. It is something we can all do to keep our campuses up and running the way they now are.

In addition, do not come to the campus if you feel at all sick, keep your distance to others, wash your hands frequently and cough into your elbow. If you are planning to travel abroad, remember to self-quarantine for 14 days before you return to the campus. The quarantine period is now longer because the new coronavirus variants are contagious for a longer period.

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB students and staff, 8 December 2020

Distance learning continues in January 2021 at LUT and LAB in Lappeenranta and Lahti

The national coronavirus situation has worsened rapidly in the past weeks. The national restrictions have not yet decreased infections or the number patients in the hospital. We anticipate that the situation will not be significantly better nationwide or in our operating areas after the turn of the year.

In its meeting on 7 December, LUT's and LAB's coronavirus task force has decided that LUT's campuses in Lappeenranta and Lahti will continue to apply their current approach to teaching until 7 March 2021. Similarly, LAB’s campuses in Lahti and Lappeenranta will continue to apply their current approach until 14 March 2021.

Studies will take place remotely. Only essential contact teaching, exams and work related to final theses will take place on campus.

All staff on both campuses who are able to work remotely will continue to do so. Research and RDI in laboratories and other special facilities on campus will continue wearing masks.

The instructions issued to staff and students in November 2020 will remain in force: only essential core activities will take place on campus.

If the coronavirus situation significantly improves in early 2021, recreational facilities may be opened and other restrictions unrelated to studies may be relaxed. We will continue to follow the development of the epidemic and provide information on possible changes.

International student mobility in spring 2021

All international students of degree programmes are expected to arrive in Finland. However, as an exception, students of LAB’s IB and BIT business programmes will start their studies remotely in January 2021.

LUT and LAB do not recommend student exchange in spring 2021. Those who decide to leave for exchange need to weigh the risks themselves.

LUT and LAB will receive exchange students from abroad. Incoming exchange students have been informed that studies will mostly take place as distance learning. All incoming international students must self-quarantine for 10 days before arriving on campus and follow other guidelines related to the coronavirus while on campus.

Exams in December 2020 and January 2021

Because of the difficult coronavirus situation, over half of the exams scheduled for LUT's exam weeks in December and January will not require presence on campus. This will decrease the number of people on campus significantly, and the exams that will take place on campus can be arranged safely. Participants in LAB’s retake exams may be divided into several classrooms to ensure safety.

Exams may be arranged on campus in December and January only if a sit-in, paper-and-pen exam is clearly the best way to assess student performance. Students who take exams on campus must remember to follow guidelines related to the coronavirus and not to come to the campus if they feel at all sick.

As the epidemic has escalated, we urge everyone to follow safety guidelines carefully and to wear face masks. If a large majority wears masks, we can efficiently prevent people without symptoms from spreading the coronavirus. In addition, do not come to the campus if you feel at all sick, keep your distance to others, wash your hands frequently and cough into your elbow. If you are planning to travel abroad, remember to self-quarantine for ten days before you return to the campus.

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB students and staff, 23 November 2020

Skinnarila campus shifts mostly to distance learning as of 26 November

The coronavirus epidemic has rapidly worsened especially in the Helsinki area. Authorities have issued new, tighter restrictions in the Helsinki area that have entered into force today. However, their effect will be seen only after a delay, which is why we will now take precautions for a worsening coronavirus situation.

In its meeting on 23 November 2020, the LUT and LAB coronavirus task force has decided to apply scenario 3 of its coronavirus contingency plan on the Skinnarila campus, which means focusing on safely executed core activities on campus. We will aim to limit the number of people on campus to minimise the risk of infection.

Teaching mostly online

Only essential contact teaching, exams and studies related to final theses will take place on campus.

All Lappeenranta-based employees who are able to work remotely should do so. Research and RDI in laboratories and other special facilities will continue wearing masks.

The new arrangements will remain in force until 31 December 2020.

Instructions regarding studies

Teachers who are expected to continue their courses online may start related arrangements immediately. The arrangements must be completed by Thursday 26 November. Teachers must inform their course groups of all changes to teaching arrangements by Wednesday 25 November.

Essential contact teaching and examinations will be arranged on campus wearing masks and taking social distancing into account. Instructions concerning exams will be provided in early December.

LAB will arrange its graduation ceremony in December remotely. LUT will not hold a graduation ceremony on campus in December.

Students will be able to access the campus building with their electronic access control key to study and have meals. Information on possible changes to continuing education and other non-degree studies before the end of the year will be provided separately.

Students will continue to have access to student union services and facilities following campus guidelines.

Instructions for staff

All Lappeenranta-based employees who are able to work remotely should start doing so by Thursday 26 November. Supervisors will discuss practices regarding work on campus or from home with their teams.

Research and RDI in laboratories and other special facilities will continue wearing masks. A limited number of University Services staff will continue to work on campus (e.g. Facility Services, Student Services, IT, library). Student Services will limit its service hours on the Lappeenranta campus.

Staff members can enter the building with their own keys to work and eat as needed.

Teams can have Christmas lunch on the Lappeenranta campus if they observe social distancing. We recommend having Christmas lunch in groups of under ten people regardless of whether the meal is enjoyed on or off campus. The guidelines of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare apply to Christmas parties after office hours: only groups of under ten people.

In this situation, we recommend avoiding meetings with employees from both campuses (including Christmas lunch).

Work-related travel should be kept to a minimum. Supervisors may travel from one campus to another if they have an important reason to meet with their team members. Essential business travel will require approval from your immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor should consult his or her supervisor if needed.

Public examinations of dissertations will be treated as essential contact teaching. They will be arranged taking safety, social distancing and mask guidelines into account. Remember to take special safety precautions if you are arranging coffee service or karonkka dinners in connection with public examinations of dissertations. LUT recommends social staff gatherings of no more than 20 people.

No more than ten people may take part in other events on campus (RDI, corporate collaboration, visits). Visitors may be received if someone is in charge of safety arrangements and keeps records of visitors for contact tracing.

Changes to campus services

The opening hours of the Skinnarila campus library will be the following as of 23 November: Mon 10:00–14:00, Tue–Fri 12:00–14:00.

Information on possible changes to opening hours of restaurants will be provided separately.

Some of the IT and hybrid support staff will remain on campus. You can reach them through regular service channels.

Recreational facilities on the Skinnarila campus will be closed for the safety of students and staff.

Staff break rooms may remain open if social distancing is possible and the space is used infrequently.

As the epidemic has escalated, we urge everyone to follow safety guidelines carefully and to wear face masks. If a large majority wears masks, we can efficiently prevent the asymptomatic spread of the coronavirus. In addition, do not come to the campus if you feel at all sick, keep your distance to others, wash your hands frequently and cough into your elbow. If you are planning to travel abroad, remember to self-quarantine for ten days before you return to the campus.

 

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB students and staff, 20 November 2020

Limited activity on the Lahti campus as of 23 November

The Päijät-Häme hospital district announced on 16 November that the local coronavirus situation in Lahti has entered the so-called acceleration phase. Therefore, the Lahti campus will restrict its operation to core activities as of Monday 23 November.

We are observing national guidelines issued by the Finnish government. National recommendations state that higher education institutions in areas in the acceleration phase should arrange classes remotely except for essential contact teaching. We are aiming to limit the number of people on campus to minimise the transmission risk.

This policy will apply until the end of the year 2020.

Everyone on both the Lahti campus and the Lappeenranta campus should wear face masks. As the epidemic has escalated, we urge everyone to follow safety guidelines carefully and to wear face masks. If a large majority wears masks, we can efficiently prevent the asymptomatic spread of the coronavirus. In addition, do not come to the campus if you feel at all sick, keep your distance to others, wash your hands frequently and cough into your elbow.

IMPORTANT! The following applies only to the Lahti campus. The epidemic in Lappeenranta is still at the baseline level and requires no additional measures.

Instructions for students

Teachers will provide information on any changes to teaching arrangements on their courses. Essential contact teaching and examinations will be arranged on campus observing social distancing. LAB's graduation ceremonies will take place virtually until the end of the year.

Students may work on their study assignments in small groups in designated spaces on campus. Such spaces must be booked in advance; detailed instructions will be available on the intranet and Yammer on Friday 20 November. Rooms that can be booked on the Lahti campus:

A126, A129, D239, D240, D241 and D242.

Information on possible changes to continuing education and other non-degree studies before the end of the year will be provided separately.

Students will be able to use student union services and facilities following campus guidelines.

Students will be able to access the campus building with their electronic access control key to study and have meals.

As of 23 November 2020, the Isku Center restaurant will serve student lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–13:00. Chef’s Corner will be open 11:00–14:00. Take away meals will be available at a student discount for EUR 3.06; pay and get a lunch container at the café checkout counter.

Instructions for staff

All employees in Lahti who are able to work remotely should do so. RDI in laboratories and other special facilities will continue wearing masks. A limited number of University Services staff will continue to work on campus (e.g. Facility Services, Student Services, IT, library). Staff members can enter the building with their own keys to work and eat as needed.

Teams can have Christmas lunch on the Lahti campus if they observe social distancing. We recommend having Christmas lunch in groups of under ten people regardless of whether the meal is enjoyed on or off campus. The guidelines of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare apply to Christmas parties after office hours: only groups of under ten people.

In this situation, we recommend avoiding meetings with participants from both campuses (including Christmas lunch).

Work-related travel should be kept to a minimum. Supervisors may travel from one campus to another if they have an important reason to meet with their team members. Essential business travel will require approval from your immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor should consult his or her supervisor if needed.

No more than ten people may take part in events on campus (RDI, corporate collaboration, visits). Visitors may be received if someone is in charge of safety arrangements and keeps records of visitors for contact tracing.

Changes to campus services

The opening hours of the Lahti campus library will be the following as of 23 November: Mon 10:00–14:00, Tue–Fri 12:00–14:00.

Some of the IT and hybrid support staff will remain on campus. You can reach them through regular service channels.

Recreational facilities on the Lahti campus will be closed for the safety of students and staff.

Staff break rooms will remain open because they are very spacious and are used infrequently.

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB staff and students, 16 November 2020

Lahti enters acceleration phase of the coronavirus pandemic – Mukkula campus cuts back on activities

The Päijät-Häme hospital district stated today that Lahti has entered a new phase in the Finnish classification of the national coronavirus epidemic: the acceleration phase. Therefore, LUT's and LAB's Mukkula campus will adopt scenario 3 of the campus contingency plan (safe core operations), and the number of people who may access the campus facilities will be restricted.

We will provide more information on teaching arrangements on Friday 20 November.

The new arrangements will remain in force until 31 December 2020.

Activities on the Mukkula campus will be restricted as follows:

All recreational facilities and break rooms will be closed as of Tuesday 17 November. Students should avoid spending time on campus for reasons other than study or meals.

Scheduled contact teaching will be arranged in accordance with previous guidelines until the end of this week. By Friday 20 November, LUT and LAB will provide more information about which courses will continue remotely and which courses will take place on campus with special arrangements. Contact teaching, exams and final theses that are necessary for students close to graduation will be prioritised.

Staff members who do not need to be on campus to do their work should start working from home by 20 November. Supervisors will discuss practices regarding work on campus or from home before the end of the week.

Avoid business travel if possible; discuss which trips are necessary with your supervisor.

Guidelines regarding research and RDI on campus will remain as they are.

Everyone on campus should wear face masks. As the epidemic has escalated, we urge everyone to follow safety guidelines carefully and to wear face masks. If a large majority wears masks, we can efficiently prevent people without symptoms from spreading the coronavirus.

Guidelines regarding work and studies in Lappeenranta will remain as they are because Lappeenranta is still in the so-called baseline phase of the epidemic.

**

Updated 28.10.2020: Masks recommended for everyone as of 2 November

Updated when necessary as the situation changes.

**

Coronavirus update, LUT and LAB staff and students, 28 October 2020

Masks recommended for everyone as of 2 November

Our aim is to keep our campuses open for as long as we can. Therefore, we are now recommending that everyone on campus and in our regional units wear face masks even though local authorities do not yet require it. If everyone wears face masks in spaces where many people gather, it will prevent people without symptoms from spreading the coronavirus.

As of 2 November, we recommend that everyone wear masks in common areas on our campuses and in our regional units. This applies to both members of our community and to visitors. Masks are recommended especially in spaces with large numbers of people, such as lobbies, hallways, restaurants, cafes and the library.

In addition, we recommend masks in all contact teaching, work meetings and other events on campus.

However, masks are not necessary if you work in your own private office or a spacious open-plan office.

We have ordered reusable cloth masks with LUT and LAB logos for staff and students. Everyone is entitled to two masks. 

Face masks given out to students on both campuses starting Friday 30 October

Each student may collect two face masks by showing a valid student ID card.

Students on the Lappeenranta campus can collect their masks from the main lobby of LUT. The collection point will be open every weekday from Friday 30 October to Friday 6 November from 8:00 to 12:00. Information on where to get masks after this period will be provided later.

Students on the Lahti campus can collect their masks from the customer service point in LAB’s main lobby.  The collection point will be open every weekday from Friday 30 October to Friday 6 November from 8:00 to 16:00.  Information on where to get masks after this period will be provided later.

In addition, we will provide disposable masks for contact teaching and laboratory work where social distancing is impossible.

Studies and work continue following previous guidelines

The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating in Europe. The Finnish government issued a recommendation on 15 October to favour remote work in the private sector if the employee's duties allow. However, each workplace makes its own decisions regarding working from home or working at the office.

LUT and LAB have already been operating in accordance with the government recommendations. Therefore, we will continue to follow our current policies on work and studies until the end of the 2021 spring semester and recommend remote work whenever possible.

  • We will keep our campuses open and use our facilities at 50% of their capacity. As a new policy, we will recommend that everyone on campus wear face masks.
  • We will continue alternating between campus and remote work as the situation allows.
  • Courses will favour multimodal and hybrid teaching, prioritising contact teaching only on courses where it is necessary.
  • We aim to make our campuses safe for research and RDI.
  • Small groups of people may still visit our campuses.
  • 50% occupancy also applies to recreational facilities and activities.

The campus will remain a safe place to study and work if we all play by the same rules and act responsibly: do not come to our campuses if you are at all sick, keep a safe distance to other people, wash your hands frequently, and cough into your elbow. Together we can keep our campuses open.

We are continuously monitoring the coronavirus situation and are prepared to make rapid changes to our policies if the epidemic takes a turn for the worse in our operating areas.

 

RELEASE TO LAB AND LUT STAFF AND STUDENTS, 14 AUGUST 2020

Guidelines in force as of 17 August

Starting the academic year at LUT University and the LAB University of Applied Sciences

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the start of the academic year will involve a number special arrangements. Campus facilities (classrooms, workspaces, etc.) will be used to 50% of their seating capacity – only half of the seats will be in use.

An orientation for new students will be held on campus. To avoid large masses of people coming together, part of the orientation programme will be streamed online. Sessions in smaller groups will be held on campus.

Signs indicating the current maximum capacity and seats available will be posted in classrooms.

Some courses will be held fully online despite what course descriptions say. Teaching that involves laboratory work and other special campus facilities or equipment will be held on campus (including different practical workshops).

The teaching mode (contact vs. multimodal) will be related on the Moodle page of each course by Sunday 30 August.

Due to the 50% occupancy arrangements in teaching facilities, all students may not be able to find a seat in class. In such cases, students will also have a chance to follow the class online. This means that lectures on campus will either be streamed live or recorded for later viewing.

Students are responsible for making sure that 50% occupancy is not exceeded. In other words, if all available seats have been taken before the class starts, those left without a seat must leave the classroom.

50% occupancy will also apply to virtual exams and regularly scheduled sit-in exams.

As a rule, you will not be required to wear a face mask on campus. However, in teaching situations where social distancing is impossible, teachers and students must wear a mask. In such cases, LUT and LAB will provide students with masks. Further details on the use of masks will be provided on each course.

Student Services will mainly be available online. The campus offices can only provide service to a very limited number of students.

Eating in lunch restaurants

We hope you will avoid the peak hour (11:30–12:30) at campus lunch restaurants. Have your lunch either before or after the noon peak. Remember to leave space around you when you wait in line. 

Take advantage of all the lunch services and take away opportunities available on campus. This will help to distribute crowds more evenly.

Safety precautions on campus

Updated 9.10.

When you return to Finland from a trip abroad or come to Finland for work or studies, you will be allowed on campus after 10 days of self-isolation, as of Monday 12 October 2020. The isolation period starts from the day you arrive in Finland. During the isolation, you will be expected to study remotely. These arrangements apply to all travel outside Finland.

We must all keep a safe distance to other people, wash our hands frequently, observe the 50% occupancy of classrooms, and self-isolate for two weeks after travel abroad. Together we can make the campus a safe place to study and work.

Campus opening hours

Students can access campus buildings in Lappeenranta and Lahti with their electronic access control key on weekdays between 7:30 and 21:00. On weekends, the facilities will be closed to students.

Academic Library service hours

As of 17 August, customer service at the Academic Library will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 to 14:00. As of Monday 24 August, customer service will be open Monday–Friday 10:00–14:00.

Students can use the library independently during campus opening hours. Staff members can access the library with their access control key also outside the opening hours.

The library’s seating capacity has been reduced.

The library opening hours are available on LUT’s website: https://www.lut.fi/web/en/library/opening-hours

For more information, please contact the library’s customer service: kirjasto [dot] lappeenrantaatlut [dot] fi (kirjasto[dot]lappeenranta[at]lut[dot]fi) and kirjasto [dot] lahtiatlut [dot] fi (kirjasto[dot]lahti[at]lut[dot]fi).

Recreational activities on campus

Recreational activities can be arranged as the campus opens its doors. 50% occupancy will apply in all sports facilities and club rooms. 

Those in charge of recreational activities must make sure that participants are aware of all safety guidelines and that contact tracing is possible in cases of coronavirus exposure. If safety guidelines and 50% occupancy are not observed, the recreational facilities will be closed. Those in charge of recreational activities must inform participants of all safety measures applied.

** 

RELEASE TO LAB STAFF AND STUDENTS, 7 AUGUST 2020 

Students and staff members arriving abroad

The COVID-19 epidemic in Finland has taken a turn for the worse this week. As we are aiming to keep the doors to our campus open safely, everyone should observe the following guidelines from now on:

When you return to Finland from abroad (work-related travel or holiday) or come to Finland to work or study, you will be allowed on campus only after 14 days of self-isolation. The isolation starts from the day you arrive in Finland.

During these 14 days, you must work or study remotely. The isolation period applies to everyone arriving from abroad.

If you are unable to work remotely, employees may take e.g. vacation days or flexi leave. Please contact your supervisor to discuss the details.

LAB students send a notification of their absence to studentservicesatlab [dot] fi (studentservices[at]lab[dot]fi). LUT students send a notification of absence to opintoatlut [dot] fi (opinto[at]lut[dot]fi).

Remember to take the self-isolation period into consideration when you plan any work-related or personal travel.

Beyond our campuses, follow the travel and self-quarantine guidelines of the Finnish government and quarantines imposed by physicians.

*** 

RELEASE TO LAB STAFF AND STUDENTS, 31 JULY 2020 

Activity on campus in the autumn

The Finnish government has gradually lifted coronavirus restrictions as the epidemic has taken a turn for the better. Even though the current situation in Finland is rather good, the global situation is troubling. Therefore, we all need to be alert and responsible.

LUT and LAB will open their campuses to students on Monday 17 August.

Before the opening date, supervisors must agree with their team members on flexible working arrangements. Until then, staff members will continue to work following the guidelines issued before the summer vacation period.

To be able to track people who have been exposed to the coronavirus, students and staff members must always use their magnetic access control key when they enter campus buildings.

We can return to our campuses safely if we follow certain guidelines and act responsibly: do not come to the campus if you feel even slightly sick, maintain a safe distance to other people, wash your hands frequently, and cough into your elbow.

We will continue to clean our facilities more efficiently (e.g. lobbies, toilets, restaurants and cafés).

We will continue to monitor the outbreak situation, and we are ready to change our course of action quickly if needed.

If you suspect that you have contracted the coronavirus, contact health care professionals.

When you move around the campus, remember to keep a safe distance to other people in the hallways, lobbies, breakrooms and other shared spaces.

Studies on campus

New students will start their studies on campus with an orientation.

As a rule, teaching and exam spaces will be utilised to 50-70% capacity.

We will aim to provide safe contact teaching especially on courses where contact teaching is necessary. Therefore, most mass lectures will be arranged online if possible.

Other courses will apply multimodal and hybrid teaching that combines contact teaching and distance learning. Details on course arrangements will be available in Moodle by Monday 17 August. Information on recreational activities and services will also be available by 17 August.

Student exchange at LUT and LAB will be carried out in accordance with guidelines of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and host universities.

International degree students with a valid residence permit are welcome to study on campus. They must follow the guidelines and possible quarantine restrictions of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. At the moment, it seems that we will have less international mobility in autumn 2020 than normally.

Campus services will be available to students and staff as of 17 August. Plastic face shields will be available to staff members in customer service work (e.g. helpdesk, library, student services).

Surgical respirator masks are recommended for staff members and students in situations where maintaining a safe distance is impossible. The teaching staff will receive information on the availability of such respirators.

The libraries will open on Monday 17 August. More information on the safe use of library services will be issued separately.

Notifications of public events on campus must be made at least two weeks before the event. This applies to events with external participants, including public examinations of dissertations. Safety must be taken into consideration already when planning the event. We will provide more instructions on this matter by 17 August. If you are planning an event for the month of August, please contact Mika Sipi (mika [dot] sipiatlut [dot] fi (mika[dot]sipi[at]lut[dot]fi)). Internal events that are part of everyday life on campus (e.g. course seminars) do not require advance notice.

LUT Buffet and Street Café will open on 3 August 2020 and Restaurant Skinnarila will open on 24 August 2020. Opening hours and lunch menus will be posted on the Kampusravintolat web site.

Parking on the eParking lots in Skinnarila and on Mukkulankatu will continue to be free of charge until the end of August.

Work of employees on campus

The recommendation to work from home will be lifted as of 1 August.

Experiences of remote work in our organisation have been excellent. On the other hand, interaction, learning and innovation may be challenging in continuous remote work. We also need to meet people face to face, and some jobs require the employee’s presence on campus. Consequently, we will apply the following flexible approaches to work until the end of 2020:

The directors of each administrative unit (or the immediate supervisors they delegate the matter to) will agree on duties and goals with each employee, determining when their presence on campus is required.

Supervisors and employees must agree on working practices for the autumn by 17 August. Until then, employees will follow the guidelines issued before summer vacation. All in-house meetings in autumn 2020 may also be attended remotely, and meetings must be arranged in spaces where people can maintain a safe distance. Meeting rooms can be booked for up to 50% of their seating capacity.

Supervisors may request employees to work on campus for important reasons. High-risk employees should contact occupational health care for a physician’s statement regarding work on campus.

To ensure a safe work environment, we will continue to monitor the weekly utilisation rates of laboratories and open-plan offices. Deans or faculty directors are responsible for monitoring laboratory activities.

In open-plan offices, every employee will be assigned a permanent desk, and the daily utilisation rate may be no more than 50% of the capacity. The supervisors of each office space must agree with their employees on how to maintain the 50% utilisation rate (e.g. weekly rotations or other systems).

If you are planning to invite outside visitors to the campus, you will be responsible for ensuring that the visit is safe for your guests and everyone on campus. Remember to keep a log of the names and contact details of all visitors to enable contact tracing.

Work-related foreign travel and work abroad must be authorised by the dean or faculty director. Only make refundable bookings through our contract travel agency. Remember to observe the travel and quarantine guidelines of Finland and the target country.

Work-related travel in Finland must be authorised by your immediate supervisor in keeping with national safety and hygiene guidelines. Mobility between campuses requires no separate authorisation.

**

Updated 29.5. at 14: High-risk employees on campus.

Updated 29.5. at 9:50: PLANS FOR 2020.

Updated 15 May at 9:00: Travel guidelines starting 14 May 2020.

Updated when necessary as the situation changes.

**

RELEASE TO LAB STAFF AND STUDENTS, 29 MAY 2020

PLANS FOR 2020

We will monitor the situation, follow guidelines by authorities throughout the summer and send a collective e-mail by Monday 3 August 2020 providing further instructions on how work in the autumn will start.

**

Release to LUT and LAB students, 8 May 2020

Activity on the campuses starting 14 May

The full closure of higher education institutions issued by the Regional State Administrative Agencies will end on 13 May. However, LUT’s and LAB’s campus buildings will remain closed to students until 31 July. In addition, remote work is also recommended to staff members until 31 July. Never come to the campus if you feel sick or have respiratory infection symptoms.

Activities on the LUT and LAB campuses will focus on two aspects: 1) making the environment safe to work in and maintaining sufficient social distance, and 2) keeping track of who comes to the campus in order to help contact tracing if infections or exposures occur on campus.

We will comply with the Finnish government’s restrictions on public gatherings:

  • Until 31 May, no more than 10 people may be in the same space at the same time.
  • As of 1 June until further notice, up to 50 people may be allowed in the same space.

We will continue our current practice of authorising students access to the campus as necessary. The vice rector or vice president for education may authorise individual students or small student groups access to campus buildings for reasons related to their studies or graduation. We are exploring possibilities to open individual computer classrooms to students as of 1 June.

The library will start lending books as of 14 May. Students may reserve books online and collect them at an agreed time on campus. More information is available on the library web page: https://www.lut.fi/uutiset/-/asset_publisher/h33vOeufOQWn/content/rajoitettu-lainaus-ja-palautus-lut-tiedekirjastossa-14-5-%E2%80%93-18-6-2020

The campus restaurants will remain closed until 31 May in accordance with the Finnish government’s decision. We will comply with orders issued by authorities and explore other possibilities to arrange lunch services.

The campus gyms and exercise facilities will remain closed until 31 July.

 

Q&A on teaching arrangements 

Q&A will be updated whenever necessary as the situation changes.

1.    Classes will be taught remotely. What does it mean?
All lectures and other teaching events that can be arranged online will be arranged online. Campuses are closed in terms of teaching activities. Exams, laboratory tutorials and other teaching events requiring attendance may, however, be held on campus, if the activity is essential for graduation. The decision concerning activities taking place on campus, are made by the vice-rector for teaching, based on proposals by the degree manager (LAB) or the head of the degree programme (LUT)  Teaching events that may be held on campus either take place in small groups (max. 10 persons) or one on one. 

2.    How long will these exceptional arrangements be in place? 
Updated 8 May 2020.

The full closure of higher education institutions issued by the Regional State Administrative Agencies will end on 13 May. However, LUT's and LAB's campus buildings will remain closed to students until 31 July. In addition, remote work is also recommended to staff members until 31 July. Never come to the campus if you feel sick or have respiratory infection symptoms.

We will comply with the Finnish government's restrictions on public gatherings:

  • Until 31 May, no more than 10 people may be in the same space at the same time.
  • As of 1 June until further notice, up to 50 people may be allowed in the same space.

We will continue our current practice of authorising students access to the campus as necessary. The vice rector or vice president for education may authorise individual students or small student groups access to campus buildings for reasons related to their studies or graduation. We are exploring possibilities to open individual computer classrooms to students as of 1 June. 

The campus restaurants will remain closed until 31 May in accordance with the Finnish government's decision. We will comply with orders issued by authorities and explore other possibilities to arrange lunch services.

The campus gyms and exercise facilities will remain closed until 31 July.

3.    Can the campus premises be entered?

Updated 8 May 2020 at 11:00:

The full closure of higher education institutions issued by the Regional State Administrative Agencies will end on 13 May. However, LUT's and LAB's campus buildings will remain closed to students until 31 July. In addition, remote work is also recommended to staff members until 31 July. Never come to the campus if you feel sick or have respiratory infection symptoms.

We will comply with the Finnish government's restrictions on public gatherings:

  • Until 31 May, no more than 10 people may be in the same space at the same time.
  • As of 1 June until further notice, up to 50 people may be allowed in the same space.

We will continue our current practice of authorising students access to the campus as necessary. The vice rector or vice president for education may authorise individual students or small student groups access to campus buildings for reasons related to their studies or graduation. We are exploring possibilities to open individual computer classrooms to students as of 1 June. 


4.    I am completing open university Highway Studies, and I need to complete a certain number of credits to secure my place in a degree programme after them. How can I complete the credits if courses are not arranged?
Even though students now study mainly remotely, courses can still be completed according to the planned schedule. If the situation changes in a way that makes the completion of courses impossible, the requirements will be re-evaluated. 

5.    I am studying at LUT/LAB and need to pay a tuition fee. I need a certain number of credits to obtain my scholarship. How can I attain my credits if courses cannot be arranged? 
Even though students now mainly study remotely, courses can still be completed according to the planned schedule. If the situation changes in a way that makes the completion of courses impossible, the requirements will be re-evaluated.
  
6.    Will exams be arranged as planned?
Exams taking place on campuses are cancelled. Under exceptional circumstances (when exams are essential for graduation or further studies) exams can be arranged. The decision on special arrangements is made by the vice-rector for teaching, based on proposals by the degree manager (LAB) or the head of the degree programme (LUT). 

7.    Are the Exam facilities in use?
Exam facilities are only used in exceptional circumstances. Exam can be used in individual exceptions (when exams are essential for graduation or further studies), decided by the vice-rector for teaching, based on proposals by the degree manager (LAB) or the head of the degree programme (LUT).

8.    I am a high-risk student or do not otherwise wish to risk contracting the coronavirus and do not want to take an exam. Will there be other chances to take it?
We will provide other chances to take exams if the situation requires. The need for exam sessions will be assessed on the whole as the situation becomes more stable.

9.    I am an intern/in work placement. Can I continue my internship/placement?
Follow your internship employer’s guidelines regarding the coronavirus outbreak. Your internship supervisor will be able to advise you. Internships and work placements of LUT/LAB students may continue depending on the guidelines of the employer and your own health. 

10.    I was supposed to start my internship/work placement, but my employer cancelled it due to the coronavirus.
We respect the employer’s decision. If possible, the internship/work placement may be rescheduled or extended. Internships/work placements may partly be carried through substituting assignments, if possible (the student’s first internship/work placement).


11.    My course requires attendance on campus. How should such courses be arranged?
We recommend that teachers find alternative ways to complete courses or teach them online (e.g. students give presentations online instead of in person). If you are planning changes to your teaching approaches, discuss them with your degree manager (LAB) or the head of your degree programme (LUT) before releasing the new plan to your students. 
 

12.    If I feel sick or have a cold, may I still continue my internship/work placement? 
Do not go to work if you are sick. Remember to let your internship/work placement supervisor know that you are staying home because you are sick. 

13.     A student wants to study remotely in another city in Finland or abroad. 
This is not a problem as long as the courses do not require attendance on campus (laboratory, exam, etc.). If the course includes an assignment that requires attendance, we cannot guarantee that the student will receive a passing grade.  

14.     Students will mainly study remotely. This is a great burden on our information systems and may cause problems. Has this been taken into consideration?
We have anticipated that the load of our remote work tools will multiply and may reflect on usability. IT support will focus its efforts on solving problems related to remote work and teaching. The challenge related to capacity is national and in some cases Europe-wide. The need for capacity will increase significantly throughout Europe. Therefore, we ask patience from students as well as teachers.

15.    May I skip classes that require attendance?  
We are cancelling attendance requirements in education. We are increasing flexible modes of completing courses. 

16.    Where can I find information on cancelled classes or changes to modes of teaching (e.g. contact teaching replaced by remote studies)? 
Information on all changes will be posted in the course’s Moodle environment. Follow Moodle.
 
17.    What happens if classes are cancelled? 
If an individual course or lecture is cancelled, we will aim to find other ways to provide instruction. We will monitor the situation and aim to avoid unnecessary delays in studies if classes need to be cancelled. 

18.    Are libraries and other shared study areas open as usual? Updated 8 May 2020 at 11:00:
The library will start lending books as of 14 May. Students may reserve books online and collect them at an agreed time on campus. More information is available on the library web page: https://www.lut.fi/web/en/news/-/asset_publisher/lGh4SAywhcPu/content/the-library-offers-limited-lending-and-return-services-from-14-5-

19.    May I come to the campus premises for an appointment with my supervisor (e.g. assignment/thesis supervisor or study guidance)? 
Students may not enter the campus premises. Supervisors of studies and study guidance staff will provide assistance remotely. Also teachers will provide study guidance remotely. 
 
20.    Am I allowed to travel abroad? 

Travel abroad should be avoided for the time being, as recommended by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The Ministry of the Interior will issue more detailed instructions on gradually resuming cross-border travel. We also recommend avoiding work and study related travel within Finland.

UPDATED 9.10.

When you return to Finland from a trip abroad or come to Finland for work or studies, you will be allowed on campus after 10 days of self-isolation, as of Monday 12 October 2020. The isolation period starts from the day you arrive in Finland. During the isolation, you will be expected to study remotely. These arrangements apply to all travel outside Finland.

 

21.    The public examination of my dissertation will take place soon, but my opponent will not be able to travel to the event. What should I do? 
A video conference may be set up with the opponent, or the public examination may be postponed to a later date. 
 

Release to LUT and LAB students, 8 May 2020

Activity on the campuses starting 14 May

The full closure of higher education institutions issued by the Regional State Administrative Agencies will end on 13 May. However, LUT’s and LAB’s campus buildings will remain closed to students until 31 July. In addition, remote work is also recommended to staff members until 31 July. Never come to the campus if you feel sick or have respiratory infection symptoms.

Activities on the LUT and LAB campuses will focus on two aspects: 1) making the environment safe to work in and maintaining sufficient social distance, and 2) keeping track of who comes to the campus in order to help contact tracing if infections or exposures occur on campus.

We will comply with the Finnish government’s restrictions on public gatherings:

  • Until 31 May, no more than 10 people may be in the same space at the same time.
  • As of 1 June until further notice, up to 50 people may be allowed in the same space.

We will continue our current practice of authorising students access to the campus as necessary. The vice rector or vice president for education may authorise individual students or small student groups access to campus buildings for reasons related to their studies or graduation. We are exploring possibilities to open individual computer classrooms to students as of 1 June.

The library will start lending books as of 14 May. Students may reserve books online and collect them at an agreed time on campus. More information is available on the library web page: https://www.lut.fi/uutiset/-/asset_publisher/h33vOeufOQWn/content/rajoitettu-lainaus-ja-palautus-lut-tiedekirjastossa-14-5-%E2%80%93-18-6-2020

The campus restaurants will remain closed until 31 May in accordance with the Finnish government’s decision. We will comply with orders issued by authorities and explore other possibilities to arrange lunch services.

The campus gyms and exercise facilities will remain closed until 31 July.

 

Updated 30 March 2020 at 16:30

Graduation ceremonies in the spring and summer

No graduation ceremonies will be held in May and June.

Neither LUT nor LAB will arrange graduation ceremonies in the spring semester. Students graduating this spring and summer will receive their degree certificates by mail.

 

Update 17 March 2020 at 14:25

Contact teaching will be interrupted until 13 April 

On Monday, the government imposed a number of additional measures to combat the coronavirus in Finland. The national measures are meant to protect the population and secure the functioning of the society and business.

The government decided that contact teaching in universities and universities of applied sciences will be interrupted, and the decision will enter into force on Wednesday 18 March 2020. Instead of contact teaching, the institutions must arrange their instruction and guidance in alternative ways as extensively as possible. 

In practice, we will follow the policies we defined on Friday, with a few exceptions.

LUT University and the LAB University of Applied Sciences aim to enable students to progress in their studies as planned despite the alternative arrangements. Especially students close to graduation should be allowed to complete their degrees to enable them to pursue postgraduate studies or enter the working world. 

Facilities for research at LUT University and research, development and innovation (RDI) the LAB University of Applied Sciences do not need to be closed especially when critical research is concerned.

We will provide more updates when the government gives more instructions.


Access to campus facilities as of 18 March 2020

The doors to campus buildings will be locked as of Wednesday 18 March 2020. 

Staff members can enter the facilities with their electronic access control keys, but everyone will continue working remotely to the extent that their duties allow. Do not let anyone else in unless they are authorised to access the campus.

Students may not enter the campus buildings. As an exception, exams and teaching events may be arranged for students close to graduation in groups of under 10. Instructions regarding such events will be provided separately. Participants will also be told which entrance to use, and a staff member will open the door for them.

LUT’s heads of degree programmes and LAB’s degree managers will be issued more detailed instructions on the arrangement of events such as the above. 

UPDATED 5.5.: The closure of higher education institutions ordered by the Regional State Administrative Agencies will end on 13 May 2020. This will enable the partial return of staff on campus following safety and hygiene guidelines. However, students will still be prohibited from entering the campus until 31 July. Read more from the release.


Use of research and RDI facilities

Facilities for research at LUT University and research, development and innovation (RDI) the LAB University of Applied Sciences do not need to be closed especially when critical research is concerned.
LUT University’s deans will provide detailed instructions regarding LUT’s critical research. For LAB, the vice president for RDI will provide instructions regarding critical RDI.


Instruction on the campuses

Instruction and exams that require attendance on campus may only be arranged in exceptional cases if it is necessary to enable students in the final stages of their studies to graduate. Such cases are decided by LUT’s vice rector for education or LAB’s vice president for education.

Classes and exams may be arranged for less than 10 people at a time. This, as well as other arrangements related to facilities and hygiene, aim to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.


Exams

Sit-in exams in groups and independent exams in the Exam facilities will be cancelled for the time being. Teachers must aim to find alternative ways to assess student performance.

Exams may be arranged in certain exceptional cases if it is necessary especially for students who are close to graduation. Such cases are decided by LUT’s vice rector for education or LAB’s vice president for education.


Use of facilities in the admissions process

Student admissions may take place in LUT and LAB facilities if appropriate safety steps are taken.


Exchange students interrupting their stay 

Exchange students may receive grades for courses that do not require attendance on campus (laboratory, exam, etc.)

In addition, teachers in charge of courses will aim to find alternative ways to assess student performance. If the course includes elements that require attendance, we cannot guarantee that the student will receive a passing grade.

 

Public examinations of dissertations

Public examinations of dissertations will be arranged remotely: opponents will participate through remote connections, as will guests. No more than 10 staff members may be present in the same space at a time. The audience must be provided the opportunity to pose questions to the doctoral candidate at the end. The questions may be presented remotely.

Dissertations must be available to the public in PDF format on the LUT website 10 days before the public examination.
 

Library services

The Lappeenranta Academic Library will be closed as of 18 March. Customer service, information retrieval, guidance and other services will be available remotely.

LUT’s and LAB’s communication services are now focusing on work assigned by the coronavirus task force. 

 

Update 23 April 2020

Studies will continue remotely until the end of the spring semester

LUT University and the LAB University of Applied Sciences will continue teaching remotely until the end of the spring semester. All of this spring’s exams and courses will take place remotely.

The LUT Summer School will be cancelled this year. However, LUT and LAB have increased the range of other studies available during the summer. Students will have access to a wide range of lectures, literature and online exams and online courses. Students may also complete final theses and project assignments for their degrees.

More about LUT’s online studies.

More about LAB’s online studies.

Also other universities offer open university instruction free of charge to degree students of other institutions.

Campusonline.fi is the digital student portal of Finnish universities of applied sciences. You can select courses from another institution free of charge and include them in your degree: https://campusonline.fi/.

**

Work and studies conducted remotely as of Monday 16 March 2020 

As of Monday 16 March 2020, students will study remotely until further notice. Employees will work remotely if their duties allow. 

The campuses will not be closed, and staff members and students may set foot in the facilities as before. By reducing the number of people on campus, we will be able to slow down the spreading of the coronavirus in our country. 

We will aim to secure the progress of studies despite these remote work arrangements.

All employees are obligated to discuss their own remote work arrangements with their supervisor. The critical operations of the university and university of applied sciences will be carried out normally. 

 

Arranging events and visits 

For the time being, LUT and LAB will cancel all planned events open to the public and will not arrange new ones. Meetings with individual guests will be held remotely.

We also require that LUT and LAB employees not attend external events and seminars beyond our campuses in person – remote attendance is encouraged. In unclear cases, please contact your supervisor.

Recommendations for high-risk groups

If you as an employee are part of a high-risk group (older adults and people with chronic medical conditions) and your work requires your presence on campus, discuss your situation with your supervisor. 

For students at risk, we recommend remote studies whenever possible. In addition to remote studies available to everyone, we are unable to make special substituting arrangements for high-risk students. To discuss the details of your course arrangements and assessment options, please contact your teacher.

UPDATED 29.5.

High-risk employees on campus

If you need to work on campus and suspect you belong to a high-risk group, please contact occupational health care.

 

Recreational activities on campus

The university’s gyms and exercise facilities will remain closed until 31 July.

**

Due to the elevated risk of infection, all recreational activities on the LUT and LAB campuses will be suspended. These activities include e.g. the MOVEO sports services and Happiness through Health events. In addition, the gyms and other sports facilities will be closed.

These measures will help to slow down the spread of the coronavirus in accordance with government recommendations.

The coronavirus outbreak situation in Finland and our operating areas changes daily. Please follow the updates posted on our intranet, e-mailed to you, and released by government authorities.

We are monitoring the situation actively and will update our coronavirus instructions daily. Our aim is for studies and work to continue as normally as possible while doing our part to slow down the spread of the coronavirus in accordance with government guidelines. 

Update 12 March 

Events

All visits by guests from epidemic areas have been cancelled. No visitors from these areas will be received. In addition, due to the elevated risk of transmitting the coronavirus, all visits from other countries have been cancelled for the time being.

We recommend that meetings between the two campuses be held remotely. Work-related travel to other areas in Finland should also be avoided.

Travel

Travel abroad should be avoided for the time being, as recommended by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The Ministry of the Interior will issue more detailed instructions on gradually resuming cross-border travel. We also recommend avoiding work and study related travel within Finland. Also visits by guests from abroad to our campuses have now been cancelled or postponed.

UPDATED 9.10.

When you return to Finland from a trip abroad or come to Finland for work or studies, you will be allowed on campus after 10 days of self-isolation, as of Monday 12 October 2020. The isolation period starts from the day you arrive in Finland. During the isolation, you will be expected to study remotely. These arrangements apply to all travel outside Finland.

UPDATED 14.5.

We recommend avoiding work-related travel until 31 July. If travel is necessary, ask for the dean, faculty director or director of administrative services for travel authorisation. Both domestic travel and international travel require advance authorisation.

If you are planning travel abroad, remember that you will need to remain in quarantine for 14 days when you return to Finland and likely also in the country to which travel. Also take into account the instructions issued by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

Symptoms of illness

The coronavirus outbreak situation in Finland and our operating areas is changing daily. We will keep our staff and students up to date through the intranet and by e-mail.

Everyone is responsible for monitoring coronavirus updates by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

A national coronavirus hotline has been opened to provide general information on the coronavirus.

The hotline number is 0295 535 535. The information provided by the hotline is based on the information available on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

 

Remote work

Updated 6.5.: Activity on campuses starting 14 May

When the closure of higher education institutions issued by the Regional State Administrative Agencies ends on 14 May, employees may return to work on the campus with their supervisor’s authorisation. However, the coronavirus epidemic continues, and depending on its development, authorities may issue new national and local restrictions in the future.

We still recommend that employees work remotely until 31 July. Do not come to the campus if you feel sick or have respiratory infection symptoms.

Activities on the LUT and LAB campuses will focus on two aspects: 1) making the environment safe to work in and maintaining sufficient social distance, and 2) keeping track of who comes to the campus in order to help contact tracing if infections or exposures occur on campus.

No more than 10 people may be in contained indoor spaces (e.g. open-plan offices or laboratories) at the same time until 31 May. As of 1 June, up to 50 people may be allowed in the same space.

Enhanced cleaning measures will continue. In addition, hand sanitizer will be available at several locations on campus.

Maintaining sufficient social distance is especially important in open-plan offices and laboratories. In hallways and lobbies, you should act as you do in grocery stores: maintain distance, cover your cough with your sleeve, and avoid lingering. If you come to the campus, confine yourself to your own workstation.  

UPDATED 29.5.

High-risk employees on campus

If you need to work on campus and suspect you belong to a high-risk group, please contact occupational health care.

 

Protecting yourself from the coronavirus

Wash your hands often and with care. Do not shake hands. Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the transmission of the virus. Maintain physical distance in social situations.