Various services resume in higher education institutions

Students

Since June 2nd, various services are gradually resuming in French research and higher education institutions. In accordance with health protection rules, new actions allow various accesses but do not allow a return to courses and classes.

The Prime Minister’s decree on May 31 “prescribing the general steps necessary to face the Covid-19 epidemic as part of the health emergency” states several obligations that do not allow for a complete opening and general reception of people.

Services resuming now

The ministry in charge of higher education has just issued a statement to underline various aspects to this regard. While insisting on the “strict respect” of protection principles (public distancing, traffic control, masks requirements, and others), the ministry provided the list of locations in relation with education and research that will now reopen on a gradual basis depending on institutions:

Registration administration services, open on appointments or convocation;
Access to labs for PhD students (“Doctorants”) or interns working there;
Preventive medicine and health promotion services;
Libraries and university documentation centres;
Computer rooms, on appointment or convocation.

What should be possible at the start of next academic year

In regards with the next academic year, the ministry said that “it would be subjected to strict health recommendations”. However, “a resumption in person for initial training activities is possible starting on September”. Resumption should be possible “in accordance with current health rules”. Current uncertainties in relation with the evolution of health situation force higher education institutions to adapt by planning classes in person and/or remotely, for example.