Restrictions in university operations will continue to apply until 15th February/submission deadlines for theses and term papers are extended until the end of the winter semester

The Senate Chancellery for Science and Research and the Berlin universities and colleges have agreed to continue the agreed measures to restrict contact and contain the pandemic until 15th February, in line with the decisions of the Federal Government and states, and, in view of the associated restrictions for students, to extend the submission deadlines for theses and term papers until 31st March. Furthermore:

• There will be no in-person events at the universities and colleges until 15th February 2021.
• Exceptions may only be permitted for already planned in-person examinations, including entrance examinations, and for absolutely essential practical formats that cannot be carried out in digital form. The number of participants is to be restricted to an absolute minimum. Participation is voluntary for students. They will not suffer any disadvantages if they do not participate.
• Practical medical formats at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin that cannot be postponed may still take place.
• Academic libraries are only allowed to offer online services and loan facilities up until 15th February 2021.
• The universities and colleges will extend the time allowed for theses and term papers up until 31st March 2021, in accordance with their respective framework regulations, or will make comparable provisions.

In principle, state, private and denominational universities and colleges, and their institutions, are thus not allowed to open to the external public for the 2020/2021 winter semester and will carry out their teaching using online formats and not in person during this period.

In order to help protect members of the universities and colleges and contain the pandemic, efforts are being made, in particular, to again further restrict contact and possible travel. Employees whose work does not absolutely have to be carried out in person on campus for organisational or technical reasons will continue to work from home as far as possible, in agreement with their supervisors.

Press contacts:

 Hans-Christoph Keller
 State Conference of the Rectors and Presidents of the Higher Education Institutions in Berlin (LKRP)
 Press Spokesperson
 Head of the Communication and Media Department
 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
 Tel: 030 2093-12710
 Email: hans-christoph.keller_ @hu-berlin.de

 Matthias Kuder
 Press Spokesperson for Science and Research
 The Governing Mayor of Berlin
 Senate Chancellery for Science and Research
 Tel: 030 9026-5010
 Email: matthias.kuder_ @wissenschaft.berlin.de