HSE University Returns to the Classroom

Below, are the answers to most frequently asked questions about the university’s return to in-person learning

© Daniil Prokofyev

On March 29, 2021, students and staff return to HSE University. Here we’ll give you a refresher on the safety measures in place on campus, the restrictions that are still in effect, and what to do if you feel sick.

Safety Measures

What rules will be implemented at HSE University buildings? Do I have to wear a mask?

Masks are still obligatory on campus. At all university venues, all staff and students must wear masks or respirators that fully cover the mouth and nose.

If you forgot to take your mask with you, you can buy one at BookVyshka, the university bookstore (located at 20 Myasnitskaya and 11 Pokrovsky Boulevard). Study office managers also have a supply of masks.

Are masks required in classrooms as well? What about staff members in their offices?

Yes, you must wear a mask when you attend classes. It can be removed when you are answering a question in class.

Staff members are allowed to take off their masks in their offices.

What happens if a student or an employee violates the mask-wearing policy? What sanctions will follow?

Disciplinary action, such as that which was applied in autumn, will be applied to those who violate the rules.

Health

What should I do if I start to feel sick while I’m at HSE (fever, weakness etc)?

Go to a first-aid station at your building. A list of first-aid locations is available at the Office of Staff and Student Benefits page.

What should I do if I get COVID-19? Should I inform the university?

Yes, you should. If your diagnosis is confirmed, inform the Office of Staff and Student Benefits via email at szhukova@hse.ru. Here is a guide on informing the university (in Russian).

In-Person and Online Learning

Вышка остается Will HSE University still maintain hybrid learning or will classes be completely in person? What classes will remain online?

The decisions regarding class formats in the fourth module was made by deans together with programme managers. They have considered the share of students that cannot be present in the city of the campus due to objective reasons, as well as the opinions of student councils.

As a result, most programmes will offer online, in-person, and hybrid learning. Only 13 out of over 200 programmes are returning to campus completely.

Will minor courses be taught in person?

Not yet. HSE University still has limits on classroom capacity (no more than 50 people), as well as rules that prohibit the mixing of students from different programmes in one classroom. That’s why minors will be delivered online until the end of the academic year.

What will be the format of the summer exam period? Is it possible that exams will be held online in certain subjects?

It is possible. Decisions will be made by the instructor and the academic supervisor. The format and technology of the exams must be indicated in the course syllabus.

In autumn, an entire programme had to switch to remote learning if one person got COVID-19. Will this rule still be in effect?

Remote learning for persons who came into contact with an infected person will remain in place. While the Rospotrebnadzor prevention policies are in effect, HSE University must comply with them.