Communication on the organisation of classes in the academic year 2021/2022

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bearing in mind the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Science for universities on the organisation of the 2021/2022 academic year and the position of the Minister expressed in the letter to the rectors, after analysing the current situation and opinions of the members of our Academic Community, I am providing the following recommendations regarding the organisation of education in the 2021/2022 academic year:

1. As a rule, the classes at SGGW are conducted in a traditional manner, at the university’s seat or in the form of field classes outside SGGW. The size of groups during the individual classes is determined by the deans of faculties in accordance with the study programme and Regulation No. 49/2019 of the Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences of 1 October 2019 on the teaching load, as amended.

2. The use of distance learning methods and techniques supports the learning process and makes it possible to limit direct contact in situations requiring it. It is suggested to consider the possibility to conduct classes conducted in large lecture groups (in the case of fields of study with a large number of students), lecture classes on electives, seminars, pro-seminars, as well as consultations for students in the remote form.

3. For part-time programmes, it is recommended to plan lectures conducted remotely on Fridays in the afternoon, which will reduce the need for students to commute and take additional accommodation.

4. The choice of the form of classes (traditional/remote form) is left to the discretion of the dean and the coordinator of the module, provided that the recommendation applies to the classes during which the physical presence of a student is not necessary in order to execute the assumed learning outcomes.

5. If the study plan provides for classes conducted remotely, it is recommended to conduct traditional and remote classes on different days of the week. If it is not possible to have separate days for traditional and remote classes, it is recommended to conduct traditional classes as the first classes on a given day and to start remote classes at least 2 hours after the end of traditional classes. When preparing study plans including remote classes, it is recommended to start with planning traditional classes conducted in lecture rooms, the number of which is limited due to, inter alia, the specificity of these classes.

6. With regard to postgraduate studies and other forms of education, the organisation and mode of conducting classes is left to be determined by the deans of faculties in consultation with the heads of individual fields of study.

7. The choice of the form of conducting examinations and credits is left to the discretion of the coordinators of the modules. A traditional or remote form is possible via the Moodle or MS Teams platforms, in accordance with the current Regulation No. 133 of the Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences of 17 November 2020 on the rules for verifying the achievement of learning outcomes specified in the study program, outside the seat of the University, with the use of electronic means of communication.

8. Students’ matters are handled in dean’s offices in a traditional form. In order to limit direct contact, it is recommended to use electronic means of communication in situations which do not require the physical presence of students. The validity of student ID cards is extended in the dean’s offices of faculties, in accordance with the applicable rules.

9. Conducting classes in a traditional form and handling of students’ matters in dean’s offices take place in compliance with the applicable sanitary guidelines and requirements.

10. The Faculty Inaugurations of the 2021/2022 Academic Year are planned to be held in a traditional form, in accordance with the schedule set by the Faculties. The formal University Inauguration of the academic year will be held on 30.09.2021. at 10:00 a.m. in the Crystal Hall.

11. Accommodation of students in student dormitories takes place in accordance with the adopted regulations and applicable sanitary rules. Student canteens and buffets located at SGGW operate in accordance with the applicable guidelines for this type of activity.

Possible changes in the organisation of education at SGGW in the winter semester in the 2021/2022 academic year will be a response to the dynamics of COVID-19 cases, guidelines of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, decisions of the Ministry of Education and Science and of the Government of the Republic of Poland.

Prof. Michał Zasada, PhD, DSc

Rector