Dear Students,
Thanks to the vaccinations, we can live along with the Coronavirus which looks as if it will be with us for some time to come. In order to return to BGU's campuses safely after the Passover vacation (from April 4th, 2021), I ask that all those who have not yet been vaccinated do so as quickly as possible. Each one of us is dependent on the conduct of others and we need solidarity and individual responsibility so that we can function as a productive, active and lively academic community.
As such, it's important that we follow instructions throughout campus (outside and inside buildings, classrooms, labs, libraries, cafeterias etc.) including wearing masks and keeping physical distancing.
Instructions Regarding Returning to the University Campuses from April 4th, 2021:
Entrance to and Exit from BGU's Campuses:
» Entrance will be for students with a green pass who will show the certificate on entering campus.
» Students who do not have a green pass can enter campus only via the Gate of Knowledge and the Mexico Gate after they have shown a negative Coronavirus test (from the previous 72 hours), and only to participate in teaching laboratories / practical training. They will be required to register on entering campus, stating the purpose of their coming to campus, and on exiting to report that they have left campus.
» Clarification – students who do not have a green pass cannot use the study areas and cannot enter the libraries or cafeterias.
» Research labs will continue to operate under strict “Purple Label" guidelines. A research lab in which all the faculty, technical staff and research students have green passes can operate under the “Green Label" guidelines.
» Students who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons will present a medical certificate confirming this to the Dean of Students and subject to the approval of the Dean of Student's Medical Committee, can receive a special entrance pass to campus. On entering campus, those students will complete a health declaration and have their temperature taken.
» Stewards from the Security Department will make random checks throughout campus and at the entrances of halls and classrooms, to ensure you have a green pass.
Entrance to and Exit from Study Classrooms:
» Entrance to classrooms is only for those with green passes and who have registered in advance via the app.
» No-one is allowed to sit in the first row and you should sit in marked seats, leaving at least one seat empty between students.
» You should not enter a building unless you have a specific class. Likewise, as far as is possible, please make the time between you enter the building and enter the classroom as short as possible, try and keep social distancing from other students and avoid gathering within the building.
» At the end of a class, you should immediately leave the classroom and the building, to allow safe entrance to those arriving for the next class.
» Students who want to talk to the lecturer at the end of the class are asked to do so in open air and not in the classroom.
» All classes, both in the hybrid classroom and regular classrooms will be recorded for those students who are unable to be physically present or to connect.
» A lecturer who does not record the class is obligated to find another solution for those students who cannot make class.
» There are classes which will continue online only – you should contact the relevant department or lecturer.
» Courses taking place in hybrid classrooms where attendance is obligatory, physical or online attendance is acceptable.
» Students who do not have green passes can come to teaching labs and practical training which continue to operate under “Purple Label" guidelines (social distancing of at least 2 meters and a reduced number of students) – the students are requested to arrive as close as possible to the starting time and to leave as soon as possible at the end.
» Drinking and /or eating is forbidden in classrooms.
» In classroom buildings stewards from the Security Department are responsible to ensure that there are no large gatherings.
Activities on Campus:
» Those with green passes can use study areas (which will be marked) throughout campus while keeping social distancing and wearing a mask.
» Those with green passes can hold academic / student activities in open areas in accordance with guidelines – prior approval should be sought from BGU's Coronavirus Supervisor.
» Sitting in the cafeterias will only be in accordance with the “Green Label".
» Demonstrations on campus – according to the regulations regarding political activities, with prior approval from BGU's Coronavirus Supervisor and a distance of at least 2 meters between demonstrators.
» Leisure activities – in accordance with regulations and with prior approval from BGU's Coronavirus Supervisor.
» Students' children will not be permitted to enter campus.
» We are hopeful that the infection rate will continue to drop, that there will be no further lockdowns and that we can return to studying on campus after Passover.
Looking forward to seeing you on campus!
Prof. Chaim Hames
Rector