Uni: Lots of uncertainties at the start of the semester
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Despite a normal start to the semester after two years of the pandemic, there are many uncertainties at the University of Innsbruck. There is a mask requirement in the room, but distance learning is not excluded either, and not just for reasons of the pandemic.
The local universities have been back in full operation for almost two weeks. The more than 25,000 students currently registered at the University of Innsbruck have returned to the lecture halls and seminar rooms.
ÖH is overwhelmed with inquiries
Will it be a more or less normal semester with courses at the university or will the company possibly go back to distance learning? This question is currently occupying many students, says the chairman of the ÖH Innsbruck, Daniel Müller. One receives numerous inquiries whether the university closes again. For international students in particular, it is a question of whether moving is worthwhile when the university closes again. One is served with inquiries, but tries to appease people, because the university is committed to keeping open as long as possible, says Müller.
Energy costs are a huge burden on the university budget
Due to massive price increases and energy costs, the University of Innsbruck will be short of up to 80 million euros over the next two years to cover the currently increased operating costs. For Bernhard Fügenschuh, Vice Rector for Teaching and Students, it cannot be ruled out that, in the worst case, the rooms can no longer be heated, especially in winter. Then you can switch to digital learning formats, says Fügenschuh. he figures in the room to keep the temperatures around 19 degrees.
ÖH speaks of passing on costs to students
For the students, the switch to online teaching would have fatal consequences, says ÖH chairman Daniel Müller. He demands a clear commitment that the university should not close because of rising energy costs. That is just passing on the costs to the students, so it is much more intelligent to gather all the students at the university.
According to the ÖH, distance learning is devastating for students
The past has shown that distance learning is devastating for students. Many would suffer from depression and mental upsets. A subsidy pot for psychotherapy has been set up to thermally support the treatments that students who suffer mental disorders from the lockdown have to undergo. Last but not least, the rising number of coronaviruses also raises questions. The university management will advise on Wednesday about a mask requirement in the building.