Basic Policy for the Continued Operations of Nagoya University During the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
I am Seiichi Matsuo, the President of Nagoya University.
As warm sunshine heralds the start of spring, I am deeply regretful that I cannot welcome you all to a new school year as I normally would. However, we are currently facing an unpredictable situation unlike any we could have imagined: the novel coronavirus pandemic, which is spreading rapidly and continues to infect people in cities in Japan and around the world. Nevertheless, Nagoya University must continue in its mission as a place of learning.
We are now living in a world where face-to-face class instruction has become difficult, and we must prioritize your health and safety while also responding to your desire to learn and equipping you for the future. To that end, after much deliberation and review, we have decided to move to remote learning and conduct classes online using digital technology.
By utilizing educational tools such as NUCT (Nagoya University Collaboration and Course Tools), we can reduce student movement and allow students the convenience of studying outside of normal class times. The university is taking innovative steps to support students in this endeavor, including by remaining open to serve as an access point for those who otherwise would not have adequate internet access, and allowing PC use. The latest information will be posted on the Nagoya University website, so please check it daily for updates. We ask students to prepare to begin taking classes online starting April 17.
Most importantly, we ask that each and every one of you do your part to keep from getting infected and to avoid spreading this disease to others. We trust that you will act conscientiously as a member of Nagoya University: please avoid situations that overlap the "Three Cs" (crowded places, closed spaces, and close-contact settings and conversations) and maintain hygienic practices such as washing your hands and gargling. Unfortunately, we also must request that you refrain from taking part in extracurricular activities such as clubs. We must remain resolute and firm in our will as we continue forward in these difficult times.
Lastly, I imagine that many of you, unable to fully enjoy the beauty of spring and experiencing great upheaval in your university lives, may be feeling troubled and uneasy. New students in particular may feel this uneasiness about the pandemic while also experiencing the stress of a new environment. Please do not forget that we at Nagoya University are with you.
If you have any anxieties about your new environment, or if you have any troubles or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Services Center at any time. At the Student Services Center, experienced professionals will provide counseling and support to students with physical, mental, and emotional needs. The Center also conducts counseling online.
In addition, the Center provides information on mental health online. To get the information, please visit the following URL: http://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/info/upload_images/20200406_001.pdf (Japanese only).
As students of Nagoya University and "courageous intellectuals", you have the power to overcome these difficult times. Trust in this power. I hope you will look with clear eyes upon the current situation and responsibly decide what you must do to meet this moment. As you begin the new school year, please rest assured that the faculty and staff at Nagoya University all stand ready to support you and guide you toward the bright future awaiting you.
April 6, 2020
Nagoya University President Seiichi Matsuo