Coronavirus – COVID-19 (Business Continuity Plan – BCP –)
Information from the Office of the President, University of Montpellier
The Administration of the Montpellier Faculty of Sciences strongly encourages you to stay connected through various channels (website, digital learning platform, social media, email, etc.) and to check its news page regularly.
——– Updated June 2, 2020 – Message from the Faculty of Sciences Administration
Dear students,
You probably have a lot of questions about the start of the 2020 school year.
Even though there are still some uncertainties regarding the conditions of your academic experience, the facultywill do everything possible to ensure that you receive as much in-person instruction as possible. Education is an exchange between teachers and students, and as the scientists you are becoming, you know that knowledge is gained through experience: practical, supervised, and field-based courses are essential to your studies.
One thing, however, seems to be becoming clear: the public health situation could make it difficult to resume the school year under normal conditions. Regardless of how the pandemic evolves, the start of the school year will inevitably take place under unprecedented circumstances, and we will have to follow strict health protocols.
It is very likely that the number of students allowed into a building, lecture hall, or classroom will be limited in order to comply with physical distancing guidelines. Ensuring safe movement within buildings will also impose additional constraints. Faculty and staff are currently considering the necessary adjustments to minimize the impact on your studies. Depending on how the pandemic evolves, changes may be implemented during the semester, particularly if the situation improves.
However, it is highly likely that digital tools will continue to play a very important role in your education. When you enroll or re-enroll, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire so that the academic staff can provide you with support for courses that require computer equipment.
Another new feature:You will now complete your administrative registration online.You will only need to be present in person to finalize your student ID card (multi-service card).
The2020–2021academic yearwill begin the week of September 14 for bachelor’s programs andthe week of September 7 for master’s programs(with some exceptions for certain specialized programs).
You will receive all the necessary information from the academic staff regarding the start of the first semester in July.
We wish you the best of luck on your exams and entrance exams, and we hope to see you all full of energy as the new school year begins.
The Management Team
——– Update as of April 23, 2020 – Message from the Faculty of Sciences Administration
Dear students,
We hope that, despite the challenges posed by the lockdown, you are doing well. We know you have many questions about the validation of your semesters and academic year. As you can imagine, in such a rapidly changing situation, it is extremely difficult to provide you with reliable information.
All of our teaching staff are working to ensure that your year goes as smoothly as possible. We know that some of you are having trouble accessing information about your classes, connecting to digital networks, and facing many other challenges as well.
That is why, in an effort to take all these constraints into account, the teaching teams are working on assessment methods that will be as well-suited to you as possible.
Information about assessments has already been or will soon be provided to you by yourTU, program track, year, or major advisors, with at least 15 days’ notice. The exceptional circumstances we are currently facing are requiring teaching teams to modify the format of exams while ensuring the quality of our programs. As a result, it is possible, for example, that a single assessment may cover multiple course units.
To allow for greater flexibility, the exam period for Session 1 of even-numbered semesters—originally scheduled for May 4–15—has been extended through May 29.
Depending on how the situation develops, starting May 11, in-person support services will be offered to those who were unable to participate in the remote training sessions.
Please pay close attention to any information provided by your professors and academic advisors. Check the Faculty of Sciences website and social media accounts regularly, as well as your institutional email. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. We sincerely hope you have a successful academic year—one that has certainly not been easy.
Sincerely, the entire management team of the Faculty of Sciences
——– Update as of April 10, 2020 – Message from the Faculty of Sciences Administration
Dear Students,
This message does not apply to students in the MEEF master’s program, who will receive information from their program coordinators.
Since the start of the health crisis, the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Montpellier has been adapting to deliver all courses scheduled for even-numbered semesters remotely.
Given the uncertainties surrounding the terms of the lockdown’s lifting and the evolution of the health crisis, we would like to inform you that in-person classes will not resume before the start of the fall semester in September and that assessments for all even semesters will be conducted remotely.
The even-numbered semester will end on April 30 as scheduled, and the period from May 4 to May 15 may be used for remote assessments. These assessments are the responsibility of the instructors in charge ofTU the program directors. We encourage all students who are unable to take the remote assessments—due to poor internet connection or equipment issues—to contact their instructors. An alternative arrangement will be offered to them to the best of our ability.
The second exam sessions for even and odd semesters of the L3, M1, and M2 years, as well as the PeiP2 program, will also be held remotely between June 15 and July 13
The second exam sessions for the L1 and L2 years will be held in person starting August 25, if possible.
The graduation committees for the bachelor’s degree (at the end of L3), the master’s degree (at the end of M2), and the PeiP program (at the end of PeiP2) will be held during the scheduled periods, before mid-July.
All your instructors are committed to helping you get through this difficult time; please don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
It is important that you stay in touch with them and regularly check the emails sent to your institutional email address
(prenom.nom@etu.umontpellier.fr).
Please do not hesitate to report any difficulties your classmates may be experiencing via fds-etucovid19@umontpellier.fr
The entire management team wishes you a happy spring break. Take care of yourselves.
——– Update as of March 30, 2020 – Message from the President of the University of Montpellier and the Student Vice President
Dear students,
In light of the lockdown—the only way to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus—our University has taken steps to continue fulfilling its essential missions as best as possible, particularly the mission of providing you with a quality education.
Many issues remain sensitive: the suspension of professional training opportunities—particularly internships—the digital divide, and social challenges continue to pose problems. In collaboration with the deans of the academic units (UFRs), schools, and institutes, and thanks to the dedication of our teaching staff and administrative teams, we are doing everything possible to provide you with the most appropriate educational solutions. Please continue to check your university email for updates on the various measures organized by your department. We know that the issue of how exams will be conducted is one of your main concerns. This is understandable. We are working on various scenarios even though we have no idea when the University will be able to resume its normal activities. We ask for your patience. Such a disruption to the organization of your studies and your personal life, in this difficult overall context, can be a source of distress, anxiety, and isolation; however, as we have repeatedly emphasized, social distancing should not mean social isolation.We are therefore providing, in this email, the measures put in place by our university’s administrative offices and departments to support you during this challenging period—covering student life, health, disability services, financial aid, career services, library resources, culture, and sports. We will also support student initiatives aimed at combating social isolation. Sadly, our campuses are deserted, but we remain by your side.We know you are resilient in the face of adversity, and our thoughts go out especially to those of you currently interning in hospital departments, as well as to those facing difficult circumstances.Please accept, dear students, the assurance of our highest regard.Philippe AUGE
President of the UniversityAlexis VANDEVENTERStudent Vice President
Guidelines to Follow
——– Updated March 20, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. – Message from the Office of the President of the University of Montpellier
Dear students,
Following announcements by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Government, a lockdown has been implemented, effectively suspending in-person classes. In light of this unprecedented situation, the University of Montpellier is fully committed to developing measures designed to enable you to continue your academic life as smoothly as possible. First and foremost, let us keep in mind that these measures are being implemented to protect everyone’s health and that, as such, the use of remote communication tools must be the norm.
Our primary goal has been to ensure educational continuity despite the pandemic. To achieve this, the deans of the UFRs, schools, and institutes are in daily contact with the academic administrators and remain your primary points of contact in this area.
I am also aware of your concerns regarding internships and upcoming exams. Please know that the decisions and measures that will be taken in consultation with the deans reflect our commitment to supporting you so that this pandemic does not negatively impact your studies in any way and so that equal opportunity is upheld.
This applies to all students, and particularly to students with disabilities, for whom the Handiversité service (dvc-handicap@umontpellier.fr) remains available. Similarly, we are working with the Ministry to find solutions for students who may be stranded abroad.
In addition, SCUIO-IP continues to answer all your questions about career guidance and job placement. You can find information about our services and contact details at thefollowing address: scuioip.umontpellier.fr
Beyond these educational issues, the times we are living through can be a source of anxiety, worry, and distress.
Social distancing, which is often talked about, should not lead to social isolation.
In consultation with the university’s Student Vice President, Alexis Vandeventer, I therefore decided that a number of initiatives should continue or be launched.
As such, access to the Joint Documentation Service’s online resources and services remains available via the digital campus platform (the “Library” tile). This is already the case for the books, journals, and databases you are currently using, and over the course of next week, additional resources—including novels and comic books—will become available. Online courses and tutorials on research skills are available on Moodle or on the University of Montpellier’s channel. Personalized research assistance sessions (appointments with a librarian) and a remote Q&A service are available by emailingscd-info@umontpellierouvia boomerang.biu-montpellier.fr.
Similarly, if you’d like to continue enjoying cultural offerings during the lockdown, we’re offering content for you to explore, read, and listen to via theUniversity of Montpellier’s “Art & Culture” Facebook page.
In the coming days, the University Physical Activity and Sports Department will share a number of tutorials designed to help you stay active and relax.
Student organizations affiliated with the Office of Student Life (bve@umontpellier.fr) are also here to listen and offer support if you’re feeling isolated.
If you have any medical concerns, you can contact the Joint Service for Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion (SCMPPS) atadressescmpps@umontpellier.fr Your message will be forwarded to a healthcare professional. The University Health Center (CSU) in Montpellier also remains open and continues to provide medical and psychological consultations. You can make an appointment by calling 04.11.28.19.79.
Finally, the CROUS is continuing to provide emergency financial aid to students who need it. All the information is available online at the following address:https://www.crous-montpellier.fr/aides-sociales/assistants-de-services-sociaux/difficultes-rencontrees-face-a-crise-sanitaire-coronavirus/).
No matter what your situation may be, the Campus Life Office (dvc-direction@umontpellier.fr) is here to guide and support you.
In closing, I would like to assure you of the University of Montpellier’s full solidarity and support in the face of this major crisis.
Please accept, dear students, my best regards.
Philippe AUGE
President of the University
——– Updated March 19, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. – Message from the Faculty of Sciences Administration
Dear students,
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, the academic and administrative board, and all your teachers are currently working hard to ensure that the current situation has as little impact as possible on your studies. Online courses and activities have already been made available to you for some courses, and more will follow. We are currently working to find solutions for the internships that have been suspended or canceled.
In addition, the faculty and the administration of the School are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your personal situation. We hope that most of you are now safe and at home with your families, although this may not be the case for everyone. You may have lost or left behind documents or textbooks that are necessary for your studies. Or you may feel isolated due to the lockdown. If you need help, please send an emailto tofds-etu-covid19@umontpellier.frand;we will try to find solutions for everyone.
Dear students,
Your professors and the administration of the Faculty of Sciences are currently doing everything they can to ensure that this unprecedented situation has as little impact as possible on your studies. Alternative learning options are already being offered for certain courses. We are also working on alternative arrangements for internships.
Beyond these academic activities, the teaching staff and administration of the Faculty of Sciences are also attentive to your personal circumstances. Many of you have certainly returned to your families, but this is not the case for everyone. Some of you may have lost the job that allowed you to continue your studies. Others may feel isolated due to the lockdown. In any case, it’s important to know thatthe adressefds-etu-covid19@umontpellier.frestlsohere to receive your questions and requests for help, and we’ll do our best to find a solution.
The entire management team
——– Updated March 17, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. – Message from the Faculty of Sciences Administration
Dear students,
The rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is now forcing authorities to take further steps to restrict the population’s movements. The new measures effectively entail the closure of the University of Montpellier’s facilities and campuses effective today, Tuesday, March 17, at 12:00 p.m., for a period of 15 days, which may be extended depending on the latest health developments. This message is addressed to all students in the Faculty of Sciences to ensure that none of you have been overlooked in the administration’s communications.Your instructors and the Faculty of Sciences administration are currently doing everything possible to ensure that this unprecedented situation has as little impact as possible on your studies. Alternative teaching options are already being offered for certain courses, and we are also working on alternative arrangements for internships.
Additionally, you will find belowsome initial information regarding, in particular, internships. Internships and International Mobility
Internships scheduled to take place abroad are suspended until further notice; no new internship agreements are being signed. If you are already abroad, you should have received a letter informing you of the situation so that you could decide whether or not you wish to return to France. If you have chosen to remain in the country where you are completing your internship, you must submit a written statement confirming that you were informed of the option to return to France, that you wish to remain where you are, and explaining the reasons for your decision.
For your own safety, we advise against using public transportation—trains, planes, boats, etc.—and recommend avoiding all crowded places.Stay alert and do not put yourself in a difficult situation!
Internships in France
If you are completing yourinternship at a company or within UM facilities or under UM supervision,you must contact your internship advisor and your program director to determine how to proceed—whether to continue remotely or through other arrangements.Under no circumstances should you go to the internship site. More generally, regardless of these adjustments, a general provision regarding Assessment Procedures (MCC) will, in due course, be subject to deliberation by the University’s CFVU and our Faculty Council.
We ask that you look out for one another by staying in touch—necessarily from a distance, including via social media—with those around you, your academic advisors, and your classmates, especially those who are in isolation.Finally, beyond these academic-related activities, we are also here to listen to your personal situation. Whether or not you are currently on an internship, you can always report any difficulties you may be facing by emailing:fds-etu-covid19@umontpellier.fr Take care of yourselves and your loved ones!
The Administration of the Faculty of Sciences.
——– Updated March 15, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. – Message from the Faculty of Sciences Administration
“Business Continuity Plan – BCP – Montpellier Faculty of Sciences”
Following the Prime Minister’s announcements last night regarding COVID-19 and the information provided today by the University Presidency,ourinstitution will be closed to students and the public effective Monday, March 16, 2020, with no access to the campuses, for an indefinite period.
To minimize disruption to students’ academic progress, our teams are working to develop an adapted academic plan to limit the impact on current courses as much as possible.
We will implement digital tools to facilitate distance learning.
Students are encouraged to review the information that will be sent to them by checking the Moodle platform and their student email accounts several times a day.
"Faculty of Sciences Administration"
——– Updated March 13, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. – Message from the President of the University of Montpellier
"Dear Students, Following the announcements by the President of the Republic and the clarifications provided today by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, we are currently working on a plan to ensure the continuity of academic activities.Allin-person classes at the University of Montpellier are suspended until the morning of April 6, 2020. The deans of the academic units (UFRs), schools, and institutes are working closely with the President’s Office to develop alternative distance learning methods and will inform faculty and students directly once these have been finalized, starting Monday evening. Please accept my best regards.Philippe AUGEPresident of the University of Montpellier“
——– Updated March 13, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. – Message from the Faculty of Sciences Administration
"Dear students,
The President of the Republic has announced the closure of universities starting Monday, March 16, until further notice. The purpose of this decision is to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on public health.
Students in the Faculty ofSciences will no longer be able to access university campuses and facilities starting next Monday. This closure applies to all academic buildings, university libraries, administrative offices, and all student life facilities: sports, cultural activities, dining, student organizations, etc. Regarding research laboratories and students who are there for internships or projects, further information will be provided at a later date. International students are encouraged to remain where they are and to also participate in online classes (travel between distant cities is strongly discouraged during the pandemic).
To ensure educational continuity, in-person classes will either switch to distance learning or be postponed. The university’s digital platform (Moodle) and all electronic resources (social media, X2Go, and the virtual desktop) will be used to enable you to continue your studies under the best possible conditions.
Exam Session 2 for odd-numbered semesters of master’s programs has been postponed to a later date. Exam Session 1 for even-numbered semesters may proceed as scheduled if the situation improves by early May.
Information will be updated very regularly through all institutional communication channels: the Faculty of Sciences and University websites, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Emails will also be sent to your institutional email addresses. The administration of the Faculty of Sciences therefore encourages you to stay connected through its various social media channels and its website (https://sciences.edu.umontpellier.fr/).
Your primary point of contact during this period is the administration of the Faculty of Sciences. Please send all inquiries tofds-etu-covid19@umontpellier.fr.
The administration of the Faculty of Sciences would also like to remind you of the essential preventive measures you should take every day to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Wash your hands regularly;
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow;
- Use disposable tissues;
- Do not shake hands or kiss;
- Avoid traveling, especially on public transportation;
- Maintain a distance of at least 1.50 m from your neighbors;
- Avoid contact with older adults and those at high risk;
- Call 15 if symptoms appear;
- Stay home if you're sick.
Your instructors and all technical and administrative staff are working hard to ensure that you can finish the semester under the best possible conditions. We appreciate your commitment.
The Administration of the Faculty of Sciences »
——– Updated March 13, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. – Message from the Office of the President of the University of Montpellier
Following the announcements by the President of the Republic and pending further details from the MESRI, the University of Montpellier’s administration is working on a business continuity plan. More information will be provided later today.
——- Update as of March 12, 2020 – Message from the Faculty of Sciences Administration
Dear colleagues, Dear students,
The spread of the COVID-19 virus is currently in Stage 2, with areas of transmission identified across the country, referred to as “clusters.”
In light of the current health situation,all in-person educational activities will be suspended for the day on Friday, March 13, 2020, as a precautionary measure.
This applies to all teaching activities, including lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, seminars, and assessments.
As the situation is rapidly evolving, we will be sure to provide further updates based on new guidelines and developments.
Best regards,
The Management Team
——————-
The Faculty of Sciences administration encourages its staff, students, partners, and visitors to follow the recommendations below.
– Wash your hands very often;
– Cough or sneeze into your elbow;
– Greet people without shaking hands; avoid hugging;
– Use disposable tissues;
– Wear a mask when you’re sick.
Guidelines if You Have Symptoms
If you experience signs of a respiratory infection(fever or feeling feverish, cough, difficulty breathing)within 14 days of returning from an area where the virus is circulating:
– Contact emergency services (15)and describe your symptoms and your recent travel history.
– Avoid all contact withothers and keep your mask on.
– Do not visit your primary care physician or go to the emergency room, to avoid any potential transmission.
Official websites for more information:
=> https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus
=> https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/