Vrije Universiteit Brussel wants as much education as possible on campus and in the city
New academic year: contact education is a priority for first-time students after coronavirus pandemic
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 — In its post-coronavirus plans for the new academic year, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is committed to blended learning: a mix of on-campus and online education, with maximum interaction with students. For first-time students and those on bridging programmes, contact education is the priority. VUB is an inclusive university, paying attention to disadvantaged groups that may be hit especially hard by the pandemic. The quality of education is guaranteed for every student.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel wants as much education as possible to take place on campus. Because fewer classrooms are available due to distancing measures, some course units are being offered digitally. Digital tools will also intensify interaction with students and digital lessons will be included in the timetable. This will offer students guidance. Via WeKonekt.brussel, extra external classrooms will be found to maximise physical interaction and the student experience in Brussels. If necessary, a rotation system will ensure that all students, even in larger groups, have a contact and campus experience: on campus or at certain external locations, lessons will be taught to a limited group that changes every week, while the other groups follow the lesson online.
Learning communities
Student groups will form learning communities where interactivity is important, and may follow lectures in fixed bubbles. For campus education, interactive forms of education (seminars and lectures where physical interaction is important) are given priority. Three groups will receive extra attention relating to these learning objectives: generation students (those enrolling in higher education for the first time) and bridging students (those with a professional bachelor preparing for a master’s degree), so they can have a first on-campus experience; disadvantaged groups and working students, so they too can be guaranteed educational quality; and international students, so they can get to know Brussels and VUB very closely.
VUB guarantees international students who are not able to be here in person that all teaching activities can be followed online. They will receive a full education, even if they only travel later.
Kot life and student life
Student life is an important part of learning development. That is why it is still possible to move into a kot. If there is a new wave of infections in Belgium, VUB will not ask students to leave their kot. Supervisors will support the students. Student activities, which are an integral part of student life, will be considered on a case-by-case basis through a consultation committee with the students.
Extra capacity and support staff
VUB is planning an additional investment of €1.6 million to support educational activities and innovation. Accompanying measures are also being taken for staff to reduce the workload.
More information: Vice-rector for Education and Student Policy Jan Danckaert, 0486 48 80 62
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