Dear colleague
As Belgium and Europe are slowly moving towards a new state of normal, we send this message to update you on how COVID-19 has affected KU Leuven and, more importantly, on how the organization of next academic year 2020-2021 is taking shape.
Like all universities worldwide, KU Leuven has adapted quickly to the new reality shaped by COVID-19 as of Mid-March 2020. We have taken measures to guarantee the safety of all of our students and staff. We have worked – and are working – hard to continue education, examination and research. Today, we are teaching all our courses online and in the upcoming exam period we will be able to examine all students, on campus with stringent safety measures or from a distance using online methods. We are adamant in ensuring that no student falls behind. While teleworking remains the norm whenever possible, we are reopening our labs step by step.
Regarding the upcoming academic year, preparations are being made. Acknowledging that COVID-19 will still be part of our daily lives for many months to come, there are hopeful signs. The epidemiological reality in Belgium has taken a positive direction and government restrictions are slowly being lifted. Nevertheless, we will have to deal with the new normal of physical distancing and other protective measures for a while longer. Teaching in large auditoria will be limited, traveling may still be complicated, and the academic experience of students and staff will certainly be different. Still, we are convinced that we can shape next academic year in a way that allows us to maintain our high standards in education and research.
This corona crisis has brought almost all academic mobility to a halt, worldwide. But since we are convinced that internationalization of class rooms, students and staff is a crucial quality asset for education and research, we have decided to continue our internationalization policy as much as possible, within the limits set by Belgian and foreign authorities. What does this mean?
KU Leuven will continue to welcome all international students – degree seeking and exchange students – to come study on campus.
We will strive to accommodate all students and to remain flexible in order to cater to individual needs and circumstances. For students who cannot travel to Belgium at the start of the academic year, international programmes will provide that the student can start his or her KU Leuven education from a distance. Students who need to defer the start of their studies at KU Leuven will be facilitated with online support.
Concerning exchange programmes, KU Leuven prefers to resume sending its students and staff into the world, again, putting their safety first. This summer, we will lift some travel restrictions and allow mobility to a limited number of countries. Over time – and in line with government policies as well as the epidemiological reality – we hope to expand this list of countries.
We are also keen to explore and develop more opportunities for virtual exchanges and blended mobility, using the current situation as a unique opportunity to move forward in this direction much faster than anticipated just a few months ago. We would be very happy to collaborate with you in this regard
If you would like to know more on the measures we have taken at KU Leuven, we kindly refer you to our website.
Last but not least: we thank you for your trust and cooperation throughout this pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards,
Luc Sels, Rector
Peter Lievens, Vice Rector International Policy