Information related to corona

Dates for information updates by each headline

Gradual return to on-campus teaching this autumn (July 1)

On 1 June, the distance learning recommendation for universities and university colleges is lifted. Teaching and examinations can now gradually start to be held on campus to a larger extent, albeit under restrictions to reduce crowding and the risk of infection. At Karlstad University, the existing vice-chancellor’s decision stays in effect and students will gradually be welcomed back to campus after the summer.

 

Teaching and working remotely continues until August 29, then the University will prepare for a gradual return to campus autumn 2021 (April 26)

Education, research and other activities will be carried out at a distance until August 29, 2021. During autumn 2021 the plan is to prepare the University’s organisation for a gradual return to campus.

This applies until August 29

The decision also includes the following additions:

  • Placements are exempt from the general rule of distance learning.
  • Examinations and course components that take place on campus require a risk assessment by the head of security beforehand.

All members of staff should work from home as much as possible and avoid all physical presence in the university's premises in Karlstad and in Arvika, unless it is absolutely necessary. All meetings, activities, conferences, etcetera must be held digitally and, if this is not possible, postponed or canceled. Avoid all business trips that are not absolutely necessary. The immediate manager decides which employees will work on site and whether any business trips are absolutely necessary, taken into account both the recommendations from the health authorities and the needs of the University.

Students are recommended distance learning as much as possible. The university and the library will continue to be open to students, but with stricter recommendations not to stay more than necessary in indoor environments with people you do not normally meet and with a distance to the nearest person.

This applies after August 30

Much of what applies until August 29 will continue to apply during the autumn.

As a general rule, distance teaching and examination will continue in the autumn semester of 2021. However, some exceptions can be made to facilitate the gradual return to campus. 

Staff shall only work on Karlstad University’s campus in Karlstad and at the Ingesund School of Music in Arvika when it is necessary for the University’s operations. The immediate head decides who should work on site, taking account of the needs of the University, the Public Health Agency’s general guidelines, and the University’s health and safety obligations.

Report if you have been exposed to the coronavirus (March 23)

If you are exposed to the coronavirus in connection with your studies, a serious incident report must be filed with the Swedish Work Environment Authority, even if you are not infected or develop any symptoms.

Possible exposure scenarios include studying or having studied in close proximity to a fellow student who is confirmed or suspected to have Covid-19. Contact the University’s chief security officer, Jan Gambring, at 070-201 05 69 and describe the situation. The chief security officer will then file a report with the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).

University library opening hours, campus Karlstad (February 19)

Lectures and examinations on campus (November 20)

Starting November 16, all examinations are to be held online except for those that require a campus presence. 

In cases where the examination will be held on campus, these are the measures we have taken to ensure safety (November 20)

  • Hand disinfectant will be available
  • Plastic partitions have been put up where deemed necessary
  • Furniture have been spread out to maintain safe distance
  • At least 30 minutes of airing time between examination sessions
  • Safety information readily available at all examinations venues

If you show cold symtoms, you are required to stay at home, even if you have an exam. If your examiner has decided that an on-campus exam cannot be substituted for another form of exam, you will be required to retake the exam at a later date.

General Recommendations

Karlstad University follows recommendations that, among other things, require that groups must not be too large and that the recommended distance can be kept. We continuously monitor the situation and follow information and recommendations from the Public Health Agency, the Government and Region Värmland. The recommendations apply until further notice.

  • Stay at home if you have cold-like symptoms such as a cough or a fever, even if they are mild symptoms
  • Wash your hands carefully
  • Avoid large social gatherings

Testing for covid-19 (February 23)

Vaccination

More information on testing for covid-19 can be found at 1177.se.

Students who are feeling anxious and need someone to talk to are welcome to contact the Student Health Services.

Cycling, walking or taking a bus

Karlstadsbuss runs line 1 every 10 minutes between the city center and campus and in addition to line 1, there are also lines 2 and 3 and Värmlandstrafik's regional bus lines. If you have to travel by public transport, we recommend that you choose earlier or later departures to avoid congestion and rush hour traffic.

If you can, feel free to choose to cycle or walk instead of taking the bus.