Coronavirus Update

The beginning of the semester is approaching and we are excited to be able to meet back on campus. In order to maintain the health and safety of every member of the Touro College Berlin community, below are the rules that will be in place for the Fall term.

1. Method of instruction

The senate of Berlin allows us to hold face-to-face courses again.

This means that all students have the possibility of attending their courses on campus. At the same time, there is no obligation to do so. Those who want to continue to study online can do so in the coming semester. We are prepared for hybrid-teaching (part of the class is on campus, the other part online).

For our professors, this means that as soon as at least one student in their course wants to be taught on campus, there is an obligation to offer the class on campus.

There will be no disadvantage or penalty resulting from a student’s decision for either in-person or online teaching.

1. Implementation of the choice between face-to-face and online instruction.

So we know who will be attending on campus and can manage class numbers accordingly, each student will declare their chosen method of instruction and be bound to their choice for at least 1 month.

Illness, family circumstances, and other emergency situations are suitable reasons to change the type of teaching chosen at the beginning of the month.

Ms. Paz will send out a separate email shortly regarding your choice of instruction (on campus or online).

III. Protective measures on campus

1. Access to campus will be controlled by our facility managers. In this regard, admission will only be granted to students who have either proof of full vaccination or a negative test (not older than 48 hours). Please allow extra time for entry procedures.
2. Presence on campus of only one class a week, requires proof of only one negative test result no older than 48 hours. Students who have classes on campus multiple times a week, must provide proof of at least two negative test results on non-consecutive days. In other words, if a student has class on Monday and Wednesday, they will have to be tested on Monday and Wednesday for example.  Students must obtain their COVID-Test themselves at one of the recognized free testing sites throughout Berlin. A rapid antigen test (a Schnelltest) or a PCR test is acceptable.  Self-administered home tests are not acceptable.
3. The current labor law regulations and the regulations according to the Corona Regulation of the State of Berlin apply to teachers and administrators. Information on this will be provided in a separate e-mail.
4. To ensure that that the safety distance of 1.5m is guaranteed in face-to-face lectures and exams, class numbers will be regulated. In the large classrooms, therefore, a maximum of 25 students is allowed. In the smaller classrooms correspondingly fewer students. In the event that the number of students in the classrooms does not allow for a safety distance to be guaranteed, partial hybrid instruction (on campus) will be substituted.
5. Student and instructor attendance during face-to-face participation and the regulations pursuant to III. b. will be documented by the teaching staff. Teaching staff shall ensure that all students present their negative tests and wear appropriate face masks correctly during the entire class period, as well as that regular ventilation is provided in classrooms during classes.
6. In House I there is a wall-mounted contactless thermometer that everyone is welcome to use.
7. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located throughout the campus. Regular disinfection of hands is recommended.
8. Disinfectant in spray bottles is located in classrooms. Those occupying desks are requested to wipe them before and/or after class.
9. Obligation to wear masks (medical masks FFP-2, surgical mask)

The following regulation exists regarding the wearing of masks on campus:

Masks are required:

– Inside all academic, administrative or other shared-use indoor spaces on campus;

– While waiting inside in the cafeteria;

– While speaking with faculty or staff in their offices, unless otherwise directed by faculty or staff;

– During seminars/classes (Faculty may permit temporary removal by individuals);

– Exceptions will be made for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons with valid medical proof.

Masks are not required:

– Outdoors (where social distancing can be maintained).

– While eating in the cafeteria or in another indoor space (where social distancing can be maintained). We will not be offering meal service at the start of the semester. Please bring your own food. Please note the “Kosher regulations” of our university.

All of the above regulations are subject to change by requirement of the Senate of Berlin or on the University’s own initiative to respond to pandemic conditions or to improve the implementation of the teaching. Changes will be announced by e-mail.

Looking forward to seeing you on campus,

Mrs. Sara Nachama – Rector and Vice President
Prof. Dr. Larisa Buhin-Krenek – Dean of Undergraduate Programs

Prof. Dr. Peter Klein – Dean of the MA Program

Touro College Berlin | Campus Am Rupenhorn 5 | 14055 Berlin

Tel: +49 30 300 686 25, +49 30 300 686 0 | Fax: +49 30 300 686 39

E-Mail: office@touroberlin.de | https://www.touroberlin.de