Online education extended to June 1, update 15
Last Monday, the Dutch government decided that events and gatherings are prohibited until June, 1. This has created great uncertainty about what this means for the educational activities of universities of applied sciences and universities. Students, lecturers and staff are wondering what this means. Like many other universities of applied sciences and universities, Fontys has decided to continue providing online education after April, 6. This term will be extended to June, 1. If the government's corona measures are loosened sooner, it will be examined which forms of education, testing and research can take place on location again within the guidelines applicable at that time.
Joep Houterman, president of Fontys, is of the opinion that clarity is important in this phase. This means that we know where we stand in the coming period. Over the past few weeks we have succeeded in replacing 90 percent of the education in our buildings with online education. That took some time and the way back to a 'normalised' situation will also take time. It is good if we give ourselves the space to make good and careful decisions all the time.'
Much impact
The measures taken by the government until June, 1 are aimed at preventing further spread of the virus and an overload of care. Also in that light Houterman thinks it is important that Fontys, as a large college of higher education in the south of the Netherlands, where especially in Brabant the situation is serious, contributes to this. At the same time, he realizes that this decision has a great impact on the organization, students and staff. At first we took into account a period of three weeks of working and studying at home, now we are adding another eight weeks. That means an even longer period of social isolation and looking for creative solutions to the problems you encounter. Missing out on personal contacts with colleagues and fellow students is not nice. Problems may arise in other areas during this period. I would like to emphasise that we at Fontys pay attention to this and that we offer room for personal solutions. Maintaining positive energy, a good atmosphere and good contacts is essential for us'.
Period up to the summer holidays
The situation after June,1 is not yet clear. Fontys takes several scenarios into account. As soon as more is clear, this will be communicated immediately.
For up-to-date information, please visit fontys.edu/corona