Message from the Executive Board: Coronavirus

Dear students,

The recent measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus have major consequences for society, TU Delft and our own private situations. We have asked our teachers and support staff to find as many ways as possible to continue lectures and other educational activities online. This is a huge undertaking, even for a technical university with an excellent reputation in the field of online education. At the moment, this transition to online education has our full attention.

Keep studying!

This extremely unusual situation requires flexibility and inventiveness. We are doing our utmost to ensure that education can be offered online as far as possible, so that any delays in studies are kept to a minimum. We urge you to do the same.

Keep an eye on Brightspace for the current state of affairs regarding your education. On the TU Delft homepage, you will find recent developments and information on the (practical) measures that TU Delft is taking, such as improved travel advice, access to buildings, advice for students who are abroad, etc. If you have any questions, please contact your study advisor.

Many questions – some awaiting answers

We are in a period of great uncertainty and this gives rise to a lot of questions, a lot about exams, such as: Will my exam take place? What about the binding recommendation (BSA)? Will the academic calendar remain unchanged and will the current registration dates still apply? Is there a financial support scheme? Can I start my master later if I have a study delay in my bachelor? And what if I want to continue studying at another university? What will happen to on-site and lab experiments that cannot be continued at this stage?

We are trying to provide clarity on these and other questions as far as possible, and as quickly as possible, but at the moment we still do not have all the answers. Unfortunately, in some cases we will not be able to prevent study delays. We have asked teachers to come up with solutions – where possible – for the students who are unable to meet their education obligations as a result of the preventative measures.

We have consulted with the Chairs of the Examination Committees about not being able to take interim examinations and partial tests. They have indicated that they will endeavour to limit the effects resulting from the measures. The Examination Board has already sufficient powers to offer solutions in the event of a study delay. We are also investigating what we can do about other consequences deriving from study delays, for example with regards to visa requirements, scholarships and housing rent.

We advise you to regularly visit both Brightspace and the homepage.

Need help?

• Do you find it hard to concentrate because of the hectic pace? Or are you worried? Maybe our ‘Gezondeboel’ e-health tool is something for you: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/gezondeboel
• Are you having trouble studying at home? Perhaps the ‘Study Skills Toolkit’ can be of help: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/student/counselling/essential-study-skills/
• Or do you have a question about your career? Take a look at our ‘Career Toolkit’: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/student/counselling/managing-your-career/
• Would you like to use our consultation hours with psychologists and academic counsellors? Then fill in the consent form and email it before 11:00. See: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/student/counselling/adjustments-with-regards-to-the-coronavirus/

Finally

It is impressive to see how everyone at TU Delft is dealing with the many challenges, the uncertainty and the emotions that this situation entails. We see many of you doing your best to continue with your studies while trying to slow down the spread of this infectious virus. We are also proud of the students who use their Delft inventiveness and can-do mentality to help others.

We express our gratitude, respect and admiration for you. Keep studying, take good care of your own health and of each other.

The Executive Board of TU Delft

Professor Tim van der Hagen, Rector Magnificus / President of the Executive Board
Professor Rob Mudde, Vice President for Education
Nicoly Vermeulen, Vice President for Operations