Comprehensive guidelines due to COVID-19
The guidelines below apply to all programmes and courses regardless of the level of impact.
The basis for the scenarios
The initial values that have formed the basis for the scenarios are as follows:
- KTH follows the recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Government's directive to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- KTH's staff and students have a personal responsibility to follow national and regional advice and recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- KTH's education is not considered as public gatherings or public events but is affected by the Government's position applying to society as a whole.
- KTH's mission to conduct education and research is considered necessary activities in society.
- Since travel to and from the university by public transport is considered necessary, the advisory made by the Public Health Agency of Sweden against non-essential travel does not apply.
- KTH's campus shall, as far as possible, be open so that students have access to study places, libraries and laboratory activities on all campuses.
- To promote all students' mental well-being and learning, KTH strives to give all student groups equal priority as far as possible.
One KTH
The President’s decision and the First and Second Cycle Education Committee's* action plan and restrictions on implementing education due to COVID-19 apply to all of KTH’s educational activities and should not be supplemented by local decisions at school level on relief or more strict guidelines. This is important to maintain uniformity and to counteract ambiguity.
If necessary, the President will, after discussions in the Coordination Group*, make new decisions when relief is possible or if more strict guidelines are needed.
Pedagogical aspects
All grades (at programme level, not at course level) shall have a mix of teaching on campus and digital forms. Practical elements or elements with a clear need for cooperation and interaction between teacher and student or between the students must be carried out on campus to maintain sufficient education based on the programme objectives.
Responsibility at the programme level
The Examiner is responsible for:
- in consultation with the Course Instructors and Programme Directors, determine which activities in the course will be carried out on campus
- making the necessary changes regarding the schedule and location
- informing the students participating in the course about the course disposition via Canvas or course memo.
The Programme Director is responsible for:
- coordinating campus-based course components with consideration to the programme as a whole and with regard to the full-year perspective.
Course components can be changed in line with the transition to increased digital education. Decisions on such changes are made by the Director of First and Second Cycle Education at each school after a presentation by the Examiner.
Responsibility at the course level
The Examiner is responsible for:
- that the course is conducted with both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities and not just as self-study
- that sufficient emphasis is placed on continuous student feedback during the course by appointing a course committee
- that the learning platform Canvas is used as a tool for information, communication and administration about the course's activities.
Infectious disease aspects
As long as the requirement to stay at home in case of symptoms of illness remains that:
- all teaching on campus follows the recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Sweden (e.g. number of people per teaching room and physical distancing).
- teachers need to be generous in enabling students to participate digitally or receive remuneration assignments for campus teaching.
If student has tested positive for covid-19
Suppose a student has tested positive for COVID-19. In that case, he/she should contact the corresponding study counsellor (who is bound by professional secrecy) or course leader/examiner, who in turn will report to the school’s educational administration manager. Note that KTH faculty and staff shall treat such cases as confidential. Thereafter a decision will be made by the Director of First and Second Cycle Education, in consultation with Vice President for Education and Head of School in question, regarding suitable measures.
Information for students "A safe study environment during COVID-19" (Student Web)
Adaptation of premises
KTH's premises have been adapted to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. Please note that the furniture in classrooms is also adapted to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. The furnishing must therefore not be changed, and furniture must not be moved between rooms.
Adaption of premises for a safer campus (Our COVID-19 response)
If physical presence is required, the activities shall be planned to avoid physical close contact and crowding. If possible, the activity shall be scheduled at times to prevent congestion in public transport. Coordination shall take place around common premises and public spaces where several units / corresponding employees are present at the same time.