04-01-2022 Corona-update: Extension of higher education closure
Yesterday, the Dutch caretaker government decided that higher education will remain closed next week. This means that the current measures will remain in force until the next assessment of measures on 14 January. In order to avoid all kinds of modifications to the timetable, Saxion took the decision before the Christmas holidays to move its education online until the assessment on 14 January, with the exception of exams on campus, practical education, and supervision for vulnerable students.
The announcement of the third lockdown was a setback, and the current decision to extend the measures only adds to the disappointment. While the Executive Board understands the decision, it is concerned about the consequences for students: ‘Represented by the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, we will continue to urge politicians to consider the importance of in-person education for our students. There are significant consequences, for both students and staff members, of staying at home for extended periods of time. We are very much aware of this.’
Support in providing online lessons
With most education now taking place online, we reiterate that our education knowledge platform Eduxion contains information and materials for providing online lessons. The toolkit for blended and online education has instructional materials, and there are also open office consultation hours for online education.
Primary schools, secondary schools, and childcare out of school hours reopening next week
Primary schools and secondary schools will reopen from next week. The reopening also applies to childcare out of school hours. We hope that this will relieve strain at home, especially for staff members who have children.