The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has set new challenges for the University of Warsaw. The dynamically changing situation and restrictions around the world meant that the University had to quickly adapt to the new reality. After several months of remote work, we can say that we were able to provide students with continuing their studies and support in almost every field. Take a look at some examples of our actions during a pandemic:
UW transitions to remote learning
Remote classes were maintained until the end of this semester. Lecturers can use many of the tools offered by the University. One of them is the Kampus e-learning platform, supervised by the Digital Competence Centre of the University of Warsaw. Other tools for conducting online lectures are: Chat UW, Cisco Webex, Google Hangouts, Google Meet and YouTube Studio. What’s more, to answer all questions and problems related to launching and operating remote classes, IT University support teams were created. Exams during the summer session and defense will also be held remotely so as not to endanger the health of students and lecturers.
Psychological support of students
During this difficult time, we have not forgotten members of our community who have difficulty finding themselves in a new situation. To meet their needs, the UW Psychological Counseling Center has created the opportunity to have free consultations with an online psychologist. Consultations are available for both students and employees of the University of Warsaw and successfully help in the fight against anxiety caused by the coronavirus.
Excellent information flow
Along with the change in the University’s working mode, our priority was to provide students with reliable information about the current situation. We have made every effort to ensure that all students receive answers to their questions. For this reason, we also created a constantly updated FAQ: https://en.uw.edu.pl/frequently-asked-questions-regarding-the-situation-at-uw-in-connection-with-covid-19-received-after-10th-march-2020/ and a special email address to which questions about COVID-19 could be sent. Moreover, the rector and vice-rectors regularly recorded short films in which they explained to students the new principles of the University’s functioning. Our greatest success was the organization of an Online Open Day for study candidates, in which as many as 16.000 persons took part: https://en.uw.edu.pl/online-open-day-at-uw/
Financial support for students
During the epidemic, many of our students found themselves in a difficult financial situation. The university tries to do everything not to leave anyone without support. Initially, the fees for dorms were reduced by half. Students can also apply for an allowance or to take up employment on the faculties of the University.
Activities of scientists and students in the era of COVID-19
Particularly noteworthy are the activities of scientists and students of the University of Warsaw during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Faculty of Physics of the University of Warsaw donated over 12,000 visors printed on 3D printers to hospitals. A team of specialists from the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Mechanics of the University of Warsaw and the National Institute of Public Health have created models predicting the development of pandemic in Poland. Doctors and scientists working within the spin-off company originating from the University of Warsaw will carry out free tests for the Sars-CoV-2 virus.
Recently, the Department of Psychology published a report on a study on the symptoms of depression and anxiety during the coronavirus epidemic. These are just a few of the many initiatives undertaken by the University of Warsaw.
