VUB starts academic year under code yellow

The VUB starts the academic year on Monday, 21 September, under code yellow. That allows the deans, teachers and supporting staff to get the students on track safely for the following weeks, and to make clear arrangements about it. The VUB believes it’s important that students and their professors can meet each other, and that students can also meet each other. Rector Caroline Pauwels: “That is essential for our pedagogical project, especially for new students.”

The first week of the academic year and the orientation moments for new students will take place as planned. At the same time, the VUB is preparing itself for code orange. The university has a responsibility to help fight the rising corona numbers. After the first week of classes, the VUB will switch to code orange. Practically, that means that the VUB will change to an occupancy rate of 20% in the auditoriums, from 28 September. Qualitative education will be ensured.

The Brussels universities receive instructions from the federal and Flemish government, Brussels-Capital Region and the municipalities. Caroline Pauwels: “This is a separate political context which cannot be compared to other university cities. For that reason, we keep up to date with current events in our own city together with our sister university ULB and the other institutions of higher education. At the same time, we search for balance between our pedagogical project, public health and the well-being of students and staff.”

The VUB is convinced that measures will only be successful if they enjoy wide support. That’s why the rector is also consulting with the student council and the student unions to create a plan of action to work in a corona-safe way. During those talks, they are definitely keeping in mind everyone’s well-being.

Caroline Pauwels: “We will have to live with this virus for a long time. We should not do that by prohibiting things, but rather by seeing everyone as a partner. That’s also why we will organise our academic opening and graduation ceremonies the following weeks in a physical way. We believe in the power of connection and solidarity, and strive for change that is carried by those who are caught by the measures and all strive for a better world together.”