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Hochschule Düsseldorf
University of Applied Sciences

Coronavirus – FAQ

HSD > Coronavirus > Overview

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This web page serves as a platform for the Board of Management of Hochschule Düsseldorf – University of Applied Sciences to advise all members of the university of current measures and information related to the coronavirus pandemic. Studying, teaching and working at HSD is currently affected by a large number of federal and state regulations that are reified by the university where necessary. They all aim to ensure the greatest possible protection against an infection with the virus while facilitating studying, teaching and research as well as administration as much as possible for everyone.

The FAQ and explanations on this page are updated regularly.

The Board of Management calls upon all members of the university to handle the situation responsibly and be considerate of one another.

If you have any questions that have not been answered by this web page, please feel free to contact us via info.corona@hs-duesseldorf.de.


Preparations for winter semester 2022/23

HSD is already preparing for possible scenarios in view of the development of the coronavirus pandemic in autumn/winter. We want to ensure the best possible health protection for our students and employees and at the same time be able to react promptly to possible changes in the law for your protection. We will continue to inform you on this webpage and via our social media channels



    
For information regarding the handling of personal data in accordance with the requirements of the GDPR, please click here​ (available in German only)​.​​

General information

Use of recirculating air coolers and ventilators in rooms with windows when used with more than one person
(last updated: 25 July 2022)

In order to comply with health protection measures during the coronavirus pandemic and climate care measures at the same time, please note the following for particularly hot periods: You may not use any devices for cooling recirculating the air in the room if they require that you close the windows. You may however use ventilators if they are placed in such a way that they support ventilation through your open windows.

Our air conditioning uses fresh air and can therefore continue to operate. Especially during the semester break in the summer you may have the option to use a different room that is less exposed to direct sunlight than the room you are usually in​.

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Is it still mandatory to wear a mask at HSD?
(last updated: 13 May 202)

We recommend wearing a medical mask or FFP2 mask in all HSD buildings, particularly in class, but the obligation to wear a mask no longer applies.
Please respect other people wearing masks and do not urge anyone to take off their mask.
(Please remember that ventilation, minimum distance, other protective and hygenic measures as well as the (booster) vaccination help control the spread of the pandemic.)

If you need masks for activities at the university, please get in touch with our Occupational and Environmental Safety team.

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For students: What do I need to do if I have been infected or suspect to have been infected with COVID-19?
(last updated: 4 April 2022)

If you suspect an infection, please contact the person responsible for your course or the respective member of the teaching staff.
Do not enter the university. Do not attend any courses. You are not allowed to move around the HSD campus.

Contact a doctor by telephone.

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For teaching staff: What do I have to do if a student reports their COVID-19 infection or suspected COVID-19 infection to me?
(last updated: 4 April 2022)

Please do not allow them to attend your course. The person is not permitted to enter the university facilities.

Advise the person to contact a doctor by telephone.

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For staff members: What do I have to observe if I have been infected or suspect to have been infected with COVID-19?
(last updated: 4 April 2022)

If you are showing symptoms, are infected or are a close-contact individual of an infected person, please take the following steps:

  • Contact your superior.
  • Do not enter the university. Do not work inside HSD facilities. Do not attend any courses, meetings or conferences.
  • Contact a doctor by telephone.​
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If I have a COVID-19 infection or another university member informs me that they are infected, do I have to report those infections to HSD management?
(last updated: 4 April 2022)

​No, current regulations on infection protection do not include any obligation to report infections to HSD management.

​Health data of an individual are extremely sensitive data that may not be passed on to others. Nevertheless, in some cases it may be useful to inform someone (e.g. if you know that a person is working or studying on campus as usual despite an infection with COVID-19) without specifying the name of the person infected. Should you have any doubts on how to react appropriately, please contact the International Office who can give you advice in cooperation with our occupational and environmental safety team.​

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What does it mean if the coronavirus warning app (CoronaWarnApp) shows me a red alert message and what should I do? (04.04.2022)

If the corona warning app shows you a red alert message, it means that for a certain amount of time you have been close to a person tested positive on the coronavirus. The app will let you know what to do next. Please follow these instructions.

The red alert does not mean that you have to report the issue to HSD. Please make sure, however, only to visit the campus if you have followed all safety instructions in the app.

Please find further information on the coronavirus warning app (CoronaWarnApp) on the relevant website provided by the German government​.

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​Information for
students & ​applicants

​1. Access to the university

Do I have access to the university again?
(last updated: 3 August 2022)

Yes. Students may enter the university buildings to

  • attend courses or examinations held on campus,
  • visit the University Library,
  • use the approved study and lounging areas/spaces,
  • get counselling or use other services offered on campus.
  • go to scheduled appointments offered by the faculties to inspect graded examinations, or
  • use the services offered by Düsseldorf Student Services.
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2. Organisation of studies​

I will begin my studies at HSD in winter semester 2022/2023. Where can I get information and tips for new students?
(last updated: 13 September 2022)​

The Faculty Student Committees​ usually organise introductory events for new students during freshers’ week. They are also here to help students of the respective faculty throughout the semester.

For more advice, please click here​ (available in German only) or contact the International Office. 
​

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Can I make face-to-face appointments with the Student Affairs Office and the Student Support Centre? Where can I hand in documents personally?
(last updated: 03 August 2022)

As of now, the Student Support Centre can provide face-to-face counselling again. Documents can be handed in at the SSC Infopoint. Alternatively, you can also use the letterbox in front of the SSC or the one in front of the main entrance on Münsterstraße 156, building 4.​

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3. Courses and examinations​

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Do I have to come to campus if I suffer from immune deficiency?
(last updated: 10 March 2022)

Some people need special protection against infection with COVID-19 because of a pre-existing medical condition or other health reasons which would most likely increase the severity of the disease. In particular, this includes individuals suffering from chronic diseases or viral infections that result in immunosuppression, such as

  • HIV as well as measles or herpes viruses,
  • tumour diseases (e.g. Hodgkin’s disease or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia),
  • metabolic diseases (e.g. advanced stage of diabetes mellitus, kidney failure or liver failure) and
  • autoimmune diseases in which the immune system turns against the patient’s own body (e.g. psoriasis, neurodermatitis or rheumatism).

Anyone who has no or very little immune protection due to one of these pre-existing conditions and is worried about returning to campus, please contact Disability Services (ABS).

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Do I have to wear a mask during courses and examinations held on campus?
(last updated: 18 May 2022)

No. We recommend wearing a medical mask or FFP2 mask in all HSD buildings, particularly in class, but the obligation to wear a mask no longer applies.

Please respect other people wearing masks and do not urge anyone to take off their mask.

Please continue to be considerate of each other.

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How can I inspect my graded examinations?
(last updated: 27 October 2021)

Inspecting examination papers shall generally be made possible. Please first talk to the respective examiner directly.

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4. Advisory and counselling service and information about your studies

Who can I talk to if I have questions about my studies or how to organise them?
(last updated: 15 March 2022)

Depending on the question you have, there are different people you can contact.

All HSD advisory and counselling units and service centres are here to help you.

The Student Advisory and Counselling Service (ZSB) provides confidential, open and unbiased advice on all student affairs.

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Who can I talk to if I am wary about or afraid of returning to campus?
(last updated: 15 March 2022)

The Psychological Counselling Service can give individual and confidential advice and also provides support through workshops.

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Points of contact within the faculties
(last updated: 15 March 2022)

Some faculties have their own Faculty Advisory and Counselling Service or contact persons for different study programmes, e.g. study programme directors.

You can find all faculty bodies here: https://www.hs-duesseldorf.de/hochschule/gremien/fachbereiche (German only)

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Points of contact in student government
(last updated: 15 March 2022)

Members of the Faculty Student Committees (German only) are the peer counsellors for all students of a faculty for any questions about studying. They can provide helpful tips, e.g. on how to organise your studies.

The AStA (student union) (German only) not only represents the student body, but also campaigns for the interests of all HSD students.

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Where can I find events to meet other students outside of my studies?
(last updated: 15 March 2022)

Various central facilities offer further education or personal development opportunities. In addition, there are events which focus on students getting to know one another.

Overview of cross-faculty offerings at HSD (German only)

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Who can I talk to if I have doubts about my studies, e.g. due to the form of study during the pandemic?
(last updated: 15 March 2022)

The Student Advisory and Counselling Service can help you when you have doubts about your studies. You can either ask for individual counselling and advice or participate in events where you can share your experience with others.

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Who can I talk to if I cannot motivate myself (any longer) to study (online)?
(last updated: 15 March 2022)

The Psychological Counselling Service can give individual and confidential advice and also provides support through workshops, e.g. on study-life balance and self-management.

There are numerous counselling and advisory units and service centres at HSD to support you throughout your studies.

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I am struggling financially. What now?
(last updated: 15 March 2022)

In emergency situations, the AStA (student union) provides interest-free loans (web page available in German only) upon presentation of your ID card/passport and student ID card.

You can also get advice on the financing of your studies from the Student Advisory and Counselling Service (ZSB).

If you are looking for a side job or an internship, our Career Service (available in German only) can support you in your search and guide you through the application process.​


5. Facilities for students

University Library

Opening hours of the University Library​​​

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​6. International student exchange

Outgoing mobility

Can I apply for a period abroad at a partner university?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

Definitely! The International Office nominates students at all partner universities and supports you in the planning of your stay. However, since the pandemic situation is constantly changing, please be prepared for some last-minute changes, e.g. when rising infection rates require the host country to modify its entry and quarantine regulations or force the host university to suspend the exchange at short notice.

The International Office will of course let you know about any changes and point out current sources of information if needed.

Get in touch: outgoing@hs-duesseldorf.de

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Can I apply for an internship abroad?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

If you obtain an internship abroad, whether or not you may enter the host country will depend on the regulations that are in place there. Please refer to the website of the consulate of your destination country, but also to the web pages of the Federal Foreign Office.

Get in touch: outgoing@hs-duesseldorf.de​​

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Can I also apply for a scholarship during the coronavirus pandemic?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

Both the ERASMUS and the PROMOS programme still provide financial support for students on their periods abroad – whether for studies or an internship. So does the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through its UAS.International programme. Funding is only suspended if the Federal Foreign Office issues a “severe” travel warning.

Get in touch: outgoing@hs-duesseldorf.de

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​Incoming exchange students

​Can I apply for an exchange at HSD?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

Yes, HSD welcomes all exchange students who have applied by the closing date. Please note the information regarding the application procedure on the website of the International Office.
The IO informs exchange students by e-mail about everything they need to be aware of with regard to the coronavirus pandemic.

Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de​

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Will the courses I take during my exchange at HSD be held online or face-to-face?
(last updated: 5 August 2022)

Currently most courses take place face to face. The decision on how courses are held at HSD depends on the pandemic situation and the applicable government regulations.

Get in touch:  incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de​

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What do I have to consider when coming to Germany?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

Entry regulations are constantly changing. Please check the current entry requirements in good time and regularly on the websites of the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior. You can find more information and important links on the website of the International Office. The IO will inform you about the current entry regulations before the start of your exchange and is available to answer any questions you may have.

Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de

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Do I have to self-isolate upon my arrival in Germany?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

Please note that quarantine regulations change regularly. We ask you to regularly check the regulations currently in place. You can find the most important links regarding this topic on the website of the International Office. We recommend that you come to Düsseldorf early in case you are required to undergo home quarantine after your arrival.
The International Office is available to answer any questions you may have.

Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de

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How can I organise food supplies if I have to self-isolate?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

The International Office has prepared a guide to organising food during quarantine. You can find it on the IO’s website. Please let the International Office know as soon as possible if you are required to undergo home quarantine.

Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de

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What should I do if I suspect I might have contracted COVID-19?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

Please stay at home and avoid contact with others. Call the Corona Hotline of the City of Düsseldorf (T: +49 211 89 96090) and inform the International Office at HSD. Please stay calm – we are here to help you. If your symptoms get worse, please call the emergency medical service (T: 116 117) or, in case of an acute emergency, the emergency number (T: 112).

Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de

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​International students

What do I have to consider when coming to Germany?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

Entry regulations are constantly changing. Please check the current entry requirements in good time and regularly on the websites of the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Feel free to contact the International Office if you have any questions.

Get in touch: internationalstudent@hs-duesseldorf.de​

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​Is the International Office still offering preparatory courses?
(last updated: 3 August 2022)

Yes, preparatory German language courses continue to take place. For more information please click here​ or get in touch: refugee@hs-duesseldorf.de.

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Where can I find information on the application procedure for international applicants in times of the coronavirus crisis?
(last updated: 21 March 2022)

We have put together important information and changes due to the pandemic for you on our FAQ page.

Get in touch: degreeseeking@hs-duesseldorf.de


7. Data protection

​​​What happens to my personal data collected due to regulations on infection protection?

Current regulations on infection protection do not include the tracking of chains of infection. Therefore no personal data are recorded or stored. Any data collected in order to check proof of vaccination/recovery/testing are not stored. For information regarding the handling of personal data in accordance with the requirements of the GDPR​, please click here​ (available in German only).

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​Information for teaching stafff

Which precautions do I need to take right before and during a course or examination on campus?
(last updated: 18 May 2022)

No. We recommend wearing a medical mask or FFP2 mask in all HSD buildings, particularly in class, but the obligation to wear a mask no longer applies.

Please respect other people wearing masks and do not urge anyone to take off their mask. Please continue to be considerate of each other.

Some rooms feature automatic ventilation systems. A sign on the door indicates whether the room features an automatic ventilation system.

All other rooms must be ventilated manually for at least five minutes before use. Also, regular ventilation is necessary during courses and examinations. To ventilate the room properly, open the windows wide and, if possible, also the doors. Intensive ventilation for three to ten minutes is recommended at least every 30 minutes. The exact amount of time needed to properly ventilate a room may vary depending on a number of factors, including room size, equipment, difference in temperature outside and inside. A rough recommendation would be: approx. 10 minutes in summer, 5 minutes in spring and autumn, 3 minutes in winter time.

The person responsible for the course must ensure that the necessary measures in line with the regulations on infection protection are complied with before and during the course. This person may exclude anyone from the course who refuses to comply with these measures.

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As a teacher, am I responsible for cleaning the tables in the room between courses?
(last updated: 05 October 2021)

No. HSD organises appropriate cleaning of the rooms used for teaching and examinations Monday to Friday.

In addition, the university provides disinfectant for you to sanitise individual workstations, seats and tables, if needed. The faculties are responsible for equipping their course and examination rooms. To get disinfectant for this purpose, this form​ (available in German only) needs to be completed and presented in the university post room where the disinfectant can be collected. If you need help filling the form, please get in touch with our occupational and environmental safety team. 

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Use of recirculating air coolers and ventilators in rooms with windows when used with more than one person
(last updated: 25 July 2022)
​

In order to comply with health protection measures during the coronavirus pandemic and climate care measures at the same time, please note the following for particularly hot periods: You may not use any devices for cooling recirculating the air in the room if they require that you close the windows. You may however use ventilators if they are placed in such a way that they support ventilation through your open windows.

Our air conditioning uses fresh air and can therefore continue to operate. Especially during the semester break in the summer you may have the option to use a different room that is less exposed to direct sunlight than the room you are usually in​.

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General information on current University Library services​​

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University of Applied Sciences
Münsterstraße 156 40476 Düsseldorf Germany

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Last modified on 19.01.2023 13:35