University Majors, Experiments, Practicums, and Practical Training to be Conducted Face-to-Face... Pre-Testing Recommended for Face-to-Face Activities such as OT

When Switching to Non-Face-to-Face, Student Opinions Must Be Collected
Submit Negative Test Result Two Days Before Dormitory Move-In
Student Council Allowed Six or More Members If Activity Standards Are Met
Preemptive Testing Recommended for Face-to-Face Activities Like Freshman Programs

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Universities will, in principle, conduct face-to-face classes starting from the new semester, expanding in-person instruction primarily for major-related, experimental, practical, skill-based, and small-sized classes. Face-to-face activities such as freshman programs must comply with quarantine guidelines, and proactive testing using self-test kits is required.

On the 7th, the Ministry of Education announced the "Omicron Response Plan for the 2022 First Semester for Kindergartens, Elementary, Middle, High, Special Schools, and Universities' Quarantine and Academic Operation Measures."

Priority will be given to face-to-face classes for major-related, experimental, practical, skill-based, and small-sized classes, and student interaction activities outside of class can also be expanded under the condition of adhering to quarantine rules. However, junior colleges, which have shorter course durations and a higher proportion of practical courses, can actively explore expanding face-to-face classes for courses necessary for certification and employment, such as experiments and practical training.

Universities will first consider partial face-to-face classes when unavoidable due to educational or quarantine conditions. For example, classes requiring practical training will be conducted face-to-face, while other class days will be held online. When combining face-to-face and online classes, learning support such as class materials or photos of board writings must be provided to ensure that students attending online classes are not disadvantaged.

Universities should inform students about the mode of face-to-face classes at the beginning of the semester through syllabi and other means, and gather students' opinions if the class format changes during the semester. Alternative attendance recognition methods should be provided for students unable to attend face-to-face classes due to isolation or health reasons. When conducting online classes, regular feedback between instructors and students should be implemented, and support systems such as the university's remote education support center and remote class management committee should be utilized to provide high-quality remote instruction.

Non-curricular activities at universities will also be allowed within the scope of compliance with quarantine guidelines. The Ministry of Education encourages face-to-face implementation of freshman adaptation programs and communication/support programs for lower-grade students who have experienced long-term online classes and for graduating students. However, for freshman programs, it is recommended to comply with the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' quarantine guidelines on gatherings, meetings, and events, and to conduct proactive testing such as using self-test kits on campus or visiting screening clinics.

Student council activities are permitted even for gatherings exceeding the current private meeting limit (6 people). These activities must be reported to the university headquarters or college and conducted under the premise of public activities, adhering to classroom quarantine management standards within campus spaces. Club activities can be operated by having clubs participate in programs or events hosted by the university under quarantine compliance. Individual club activities must comply with the private meeting limit (6 people).

To respond to the Omicron variant, universities must prepare quarantine supplies such as self-test kits in advance. If symptomatic individuals appear, self-testing should be conducted using university-provided kits or by visiting screening clinics. Self-test kits should be prioritized for dormitories, arts and physical education practical rooms, and experimental/practical labs. Enrolled students must submit a negative test certificate (such as a rapid antigen test) within two days before moving into dormitories.

Universities must also establish an emergency response plan, the "Business Continuity Plan (BCP)," in advance to prepare for a surge in confirmed cases and share it within the campus by February. This plan designates classes to be conducted face-to-face or switched to online during emergencies, specifies research personnel required to come to campus, and sets the scope or ratio of essential workers. This will improve predictability in academic operations, including the timing of resuming face-to-face classes.

The Ministry of Education will operate a focused quarantine inspection period from February 14 to March 11, before and after the semester starts, to promote self-inspection of campus facility quarantine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.