Message from the Dean of the Graduate School of Science: Preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) 【July 13】

Jul. 14, 2020

July 13, 2020

To students in the Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University

Hiroshi Amitsuka
Dean, Graduate School of Science

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your cooperation in preventing the spread of the new coronavirus disease. Hokkaido University has recently lowered its Business Continuity Plan During Coronavirus Outbreak (BCP) from Alert Level 2 (Restriction-Medium) to Alert Level 1 (Restriction-Low).
https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/university-life/health-and-wellness/covid-19-health-alerts-and-advisories/

In response to this announcement, the Graduate School of Science takes measures below for the time being.

1. Movements

  • Since June 19, movements between prefectures has been liberalized. Those who need to travel for business or job hunting are requested to take infection prevention measures carefully. Please be sure to tell your supervisor about the destination and period.
  • In response to moving to step 3 on “Basic Policy on Countermeasures against Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)” as of July 10, students of the Graduate School of Science are required to return to the area around the university so that you can easily come to the school.

 

2. Visiting Hokkaido University

  • Visiting the university should be kept to the minimum necessary.
  • Regarding buildings in the School of Science area, some buildings (Bldg. 2 and 5) remain closed all day in relation to the Museum entrance restriction. Other buildings are open during daytime. When you need to enter the Bldg. 2 and 5, please use your student ID card to unlock the doors.
  • Please wear a face mask in the buildings.

 

3. Classes at Alert Level 1

  • In principle, all lectures will be conducted online during the first semester. In-person seminars, experiments, and practical training may be partially conducted. Please follow the instructions from your department/course and a lecturer.
  • The guideline “Online classes guideline: To all students in School of Science and Graduate School of Science (Spring Term Course for First Semester of FY 2020)” has been posted on the Rigaku Joho System. For inquiries about online classes, please contact each department/course shown in the guideline.
  • Please check the course information regularly through Rigaku Joho System.
    https://www.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/jimu_renraku/

 

4. Research Activities

  • In accordance with the permission granted by your supervisor, you may conduct research activities while taking all possible measures to prevent infection. Please avoid closed spaces, crowded places, close-contact settings, and work in a lab for the shortest time possible.
  • When conducting researches in the field, please obtain supervisor’s permission, avoid close contact with people when moving, and take all possible measures to prevent infection. Obtaining supervisor’s permission is required.

 

5. Questions about Study and University Life

  • If you have any questions about your studies or procedures, please contact the Graduate School Educational Affairs Section by email (r-gakuin(at)sci.hokudai.ac.jp)/
  • When you need to visit the Graduate School Educational Affairs Section, please observe the infection prevention rules provided at the office.

 

6．Student Counseling Office

  • The Faculty of Science has a Student Counseling Office. Consultation is currently available by email or telephone. A clinical psychology counselor is there to help with any concerns you may have. If you have any concerns, please make an appointment by e-mail (nayami(at)sci.hokudai.ac.jp) in advance. It also offers consultation by e-mail only. For more information, please visit https://www2.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/faculty/counseling

 

In response to Alert Level 1, you will have more opportunity to come to the school for the research activities although online classes continue. When conducting experiments, please keep in mind that adequate infection prevention measures must be taken. Also, please take good care of your health. Final year students are likely to be very anxious by having less time for research at the university. You are encouraged to discuss your research plan with your supervisor or sub-supervisor. We will keep you informed with any changes in our measures adopted accordingly to the ever-changing situation of coronavirus. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.