Because of the high rates of infection, there are a few minor restrictions and general rules still in effect in order for working and learning together to be carried out as safely as possible. The AHA+L (distancing, hygiene, mask + ventilation) rules must still be followed, and wearing a mask is mandatory whenever the 1.5 metre distance between individuals cannot be maintained. All of the regulations for in-person courses can be found here: https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/structure/central-university-facilities/service-center-for-security-management/information-regarding-coronavirus/news/detail/titel/2022-summer-semester-in-person-which-rules-apply-now-1/datum///news/?tx_news_pi1

Presidium Forges Ahead with Future-Oriented Projects and Plans

The Presidium is kicking off the semester with plenty of projects. A vote was held during the 6 April 2022 University Assembly session and current Vice President Prof. Dr. Jutta Emes was elected Interim President of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. This will ensure a secure foundation for future decisions and developments at the university. Together with Vice-President of Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Christian Koch and University Chancellor Dr. Horst Henrici, Prof. Dr. Emes will initiate and continue work on many important university projects and, more specifically, drive the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar’s strategic development. Another important aspect currently under consideration is the »Hochschulentwicklung in Thüringen 2030+«, in which the Presidium is addressing the future structure of Thuringia’s post-secondary education landscape together with other Thuringian universities, education experts and the Ministry.

Additional key items on the agenda include diversity and equality, innovation and transfer, as well as the New European Bauhaus. Support for young academics within a »Kultur der Ermöglichung« (culture of enabling) is just as important to the University Directorate as the participation of students in self-governance and in the university’ committees. The university’s ambitious construction projects is set to continue, including the x.stahl building, the Ackerbürgerscheunen, and Coudraystraße 7 and 13D.

All of these projects are being carried out in parallel with scheduled events during the lecture period, such as Tag des Lehrens und des Lernens (25 May), the Long Night of Academic Writing (23 June), or summaery2022 (14 to 17 July), which is scheduled to finally take place in person again and is organised by the Faculty of Media. Information on all annual events can be found here: https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/news/annual-events/annual-events-2021/ 

Aid for Ukraine to Accompany All Activities

The start of the semester has been overshadowed by Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Immediately after the war began, the Presidium declared its solidarity with Ukraine and condemned this barbaric war. Support and aid were quickly organised: In order to provide reliable information and to create an overview of the available relief services, the university created the »Aid for Ukraine from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar« webpage, which is continually updated with new information. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Freundeskreis e.V. Was quick to set up their »Emergency Fund for Students and Academics from Crisis Regions« (Notfallfonds für Studierende und Wissenschaftler*innen aus Krisengebieten), which offers quick and uncomplicated financial aid to doctoral candidates and students in need. 

If and how Ukrainian refugee students can begin or continue their studies at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is to be determined on an individual basis. Further information on courses and prerequisites can be found here: https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/news/aid-for-ukraine-from-the-bauhaus-universitaet-weimar/information-for-refugees/

Students at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar have shown particular dedication in their commitment to helping refugees in Weimar. They have been supporting non.profit organisations such as the AWO in receiving, caring for and accompanying refugees who have arrived. The work of these students is greatly appreciated and deserving of recognition. 

Language skills are critical here: The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Language Centre is offering free German courses for Ukrainian students and other refugee students. Furthermore, a new beginner’s course (also free of charge) has been set up for students and people who have studied in Ukraine. 

The war has also emerged as a topic in teaching.  Examples of this are two Bauhaus.Modules which will be offered in the summer semester and which aim to provide concrete solutions with creative ideas. The »K70 – Unterkünfte für Menschen auf der Flucht« project has students building kitchens for refugees from Ukraine to help facilitate a smooth move into flats — a practical addition to the local welcome culture. The »Ukrainian Cities: current housing crisis, international experiences of post-war reconstruction and envisioning future planning« seminar, in which two Ukrainian students are involved, gives participants the opportunity to examine Ukrainian cities in general, as well as the urban planning and current housing situation, and to look at reconstruction plans and ideas.

Aid for Ukraine continues to increase and additional support is being sought, including potential scholarships for Ukrainian academics and artists.

Up-to-date information is available at https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/news/aid-for-ukraine-from-the-bauhaus-universitaet-weimar/.