Coronavirus – COVID-19 (Business Continuity Plan – BCP)
Information from the Office of the President, University of Montpellier
The Administration of the Faculty of Sciences in Montpellier strongly encourages you to stay connected through various channels (website, digital campus platform, social media, email, etc.) and to check its news page regularly.
——– Updated June 2, 2020 – Message from the Faculty of Science 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 arrangements for your return to campus, the facultywill do everything in their power to ensure that you receive as much in-person instruction as possible. Education is an exchange between teachers and students, and as aspiring scientists, 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 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 adhere to 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 ensure physical distancing. Ensuring safe movement within buildings will also entail additional restrictions. Faculty teams 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 teaching staff can provide you with support for courses that require computer equipment.
Another change: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
——– Updated April 23, 2020 – Message from the Faculty of Science 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 faculty and staff are working to ensure that your academic year goes as smoothly as possible. We know that some of you are having trouble accessing course information, connecting to digital networks, and facing many other challenges.
That is why, in an effort to take all these factors into account, our teaching teams are working to develop assessment methods that are as well-suited to you as possible.
Information regarding 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 require teaching staff to modify assessment procedures 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, remote support services will be offered to those who were unable to participate in the online training sessions.
Please pay close attention to any updates from your professors and academic advisors. Check the Faculty of Sciences website and social media channels regularly, as well as your institutional email. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. We sincerely hope you have a successful year—it hasn’t been an easy one.
Sincerely, the entire administrative team of the Faculty of Sciences
——– Updated April 10, 2020 – Message from the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Sciences
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 lifting of lockdown measures and the evolution of the health crisis, we are informing you that in-person classes will not resume before the start of the fall semester in September and that assessments for all even-numbered 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 thesis defense committees for the Bachelor’s degree (at the end of L3), Master’s degree (at the end of M2), and 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 navigate this difficult transition; please do not 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
(address prenom.nom@etu.umontpellier.fr).
Please do not hesitate to report any difficulties your classmates may be experiencing via the email address fds-etucovid19@umontpellier.fr
The entire management team wishes you a happy spring break. Take care.
——– Updated 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 effectively as possible, particularly our commitment to providing you with a high-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, 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 emails for updates on the various measures organized by your department. We know that the question 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, following this email, the measures put in place by our university’s departments and services to support you during this challenging period regarding student life, health, disability, financial aid, career services, 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 we extend a special thought 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 response to this unprecedented situation, the University of Montpellier is fully committed to developing measures designed to help you 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 academic departments, schools, and institutes are in daily contact with the academic administrators and remain your primary points of contact in this regard.
I am also aware of your concerns regarding future internships and exams. Please know that the decisions and measures we will be taking in consultation with the deans are driven by our commitment to supporting you, ensuring that this pandemic does not hinder your studies in any way and that equal opportunities are upheld.
This applies to all students, and in particular to students with disabilities, for whom the Handiversité service (dvc-handicap@umontpellier.fr) remains available. We are also 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 unease.
Social distancing, a term we hear so often, 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.
Access to the Joint Documentation Service’s online resources and services remains available via the digital campus platform (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 will become available, including novels and comic books. Online courses and tutorials on research skills are available on Moodle or on the University of Montpellier 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 invite you to explore, read, and listen to content via theUniversity of Montpellier’s Art & Culture Facebook page.
In the coming days, the University Physical Education and Sports Department will be sharing 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 Department of 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 offer 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/.
Whatever your situation, 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.
Sincerely,
Philippe AUGE
President of the University
——– Updated March 19, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. – Message from the Faculty of Science Administration
Dear students,
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, the Academic and Administrative Board, and all your instructors 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 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 administration are available to assist you with any questions 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, send an emailto tofds-etu-covid19@umontpellier.frand;we will try to find solutions for everyone.
Dear students,
Your instructors and the administration of the School of Science 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 available for certain courses. We are also working on alternative arrangements for internships.
Beyond these academic activities, the faculty and administration of the Faculty of Sciences are also here to listen to your personal concerns. Many of you have likely returned to your families, but this is not the case for everyone. Some may have lost the job that allowed them to continue their studies. Others likely feel isolated due to the lockdown. In any case, it is important to know thatthe adressefds-etu-covid19@umontpellier.frestlsohere to receive your questions and requests for help, to which we will try to find a solution.
The entire management team
——– Updated March 17, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. – Message from the Faculty of Science Administration
Dear students,
The rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak is now forcing authorities to take further steps to restrict public movement. The new measures 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 evolving health situation. 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 communication.Your instructors and the Faculty of Sciences administration are currently doing everything possible to ensure that this unprecedented situation has the least possible impact 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 abroad have been suspended until further notice, and 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 and that you wish to remain where you are, along with a justification for this choice.
For your own safety, we advise against using public transportation—trains, planes, boats, etc.—and recommend avoiding all crowded places.Stay vigilant; do not put yourself in a difficult situation!
Internships within 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 Coordinator to determine how to proceed; this may involve continuing the internship remotely or through other arrangements.Under no circumstances should you go to the internship site. More generally, regardless of these adaptation measures, 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, particularly those who may be 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 via the following email address: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 Science Administration
“Business Continuity Plan – BCP – Faculty of Sciences, Montpellier”
Following the Prime Minister’s announcements last night regarding COVID-19 and the information provided today by the University Administration,ourinstitution will be closed to students and the public starting Monday, March 16, 2020, with no access to the campuses, for an indefinite period.
To minimize disruption to academic activities, 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 check the information sent to them by logging into the Moodle platform and checking their student email accounts several times a day.
"The Administration of the Faculty of Sciences"
——– Updated March 13, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. – Message from the President of the University of Montpellier
"Dear students, Following the announcements made by the President of the Republic and the details 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 directors of the academic units, schools, and institutes are working with the President’s Office on alternative distance learning methods and will inform faculty and students directly once these have been finalized, starting tonight. 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 Science 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 university life facilities: sports, culture, 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 asked 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 remote 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.
Updates will be posted regularly through all official communication channels: the Faculty of Sciences and University websites, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Emails will also be sent to your institutional email addresses. The Faculty of Sciences administration 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 direct 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 going out, especially on public transportation;
- Keep a distance of at least 1.50 meters from your neighbors;
- Avoid contact with elderly people and those at high risk;
- Call 15 if symptoms appear;
- Stay home if you're sick.
Your instructors and all of our technical and administrative staff are working hard to ensure that you can finish the semester under the best possible conditions. We appreciate your cooperation.
The Administration of the Faculty of Science »
——– Updated March 13, 2020, at 10 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 administration of the University of Montpellier is working on a business continuity plan. More information will be provided later today.
——- Updated March 12, 2020 – Message from the Faculty of Science Administration
Dear colleagues, Dear students,
The spread of the COVID-19 virus is currently at Stage 2, with the identification of areas of transmission across the country known 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 updates based on new guidelines and developments.
Best regards,
The Management Team
——————-
The Faculty of Science Administration encourages its staff, students, partners, and visitors to follow the recommendations below.
– Wash your hands frequently;
– Cough or sneeze into your elbow;
– Greet people without shaking hands; avoid hugging;
– Use disposable tissues;
– Wear a mask when you are sick.
Guidelines if you experience symptoms
If you experience symptoms 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 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 potential transmission.
Official websites for more information:
=> https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus
=> https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/