At a glance
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) continuously monitors the situation in Germany. It publishes a daily situation report. It also publishes the list of risk areas abroad. Daily updated Key figures are also published by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (in German). The city of Dortmund publishes figures on local infection incidence on its website every day (in German).
Those who want to protect themselves may, of course, continue to wear a mask on campus. Especially during the winter months, it is recommended to wear a medical mask indoors when having cold symptoms to avoid infecting others. In the event of infection with the coronavirus, an FFP2 mask must be worn on campus.
The Office of Occupational Safety, Environmental and Health Protection provides certified surgical masks to the Dean’s Offices and other institutions which can be issued to employees for work on campus. A contingent of FFP2 masks is available if it is inevitable to work without a minimum distance in special situations.
A video (in German) on the ServicePortal explains the correct use of FFP2 masks.
Studies and Teaching
Teaching in the Winter semester 2022/23 as a rule takes place in presence and can be supported by digital offerings where it is useful and appropriate. In addition, the integration of digital elements into classroom teaching is of course still possible. Teachers at TU Dortmund University can continue to provide hybrid offers, but are not obliged to do so. Face-to-face examinations will again be the rule. Examinations may be conducted in electronic form if this is appropriate and reasonable in justified cases.
The Center for Higher Education bundles information on this topic in the web portal TU web portal "Digital Teaching" (German only).
The individualized standard program duration hasn’t been increased again since the beginning of the Summer semester 2022. Previously, the individualized standard program duration had been increased for all students enrolled in the Winter semester 2021/22 and/or Summer semester 2020 and/or Winter semester 2020/2021 and/or Summer semester 2021.
Higher Education Law
The Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Hochschulgesetz NRW, HG) was amended in 2020 and 2021 to allow the Ministry of Culture and Science (Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft) to issue special regulations for higher education institutions to deal with the pandemic by statutory order. The corresponding Corona Epidemic University Ordinance (Corona-Epidemie-Hochschulverordnung, CEHVO) was first published on 15 April 2020 and last amended on 1 September 2022. The Rectorate of TU Dortmund University, in turn, can issue a Corona Ordinance on this basis. The valid version (in German) for the Winter semester 2022/2023 will expire on 1 April 2023.
Corona Ordinance of TU Dortmund University
Face-to-face examinations are again the rule since the Summer semester of 2022. Examination performances may also be conducted in electronic form or by electronic communication insofar as this is expedient and proportionate in justified cases (Section 6a). In addition, online examinations may continue to be conducted insofar as the examination regulations have already provided for corresponding formats.
If semesters abroad, internship semesters or other vocational practical phases of the studies integrated into degree programs cannot be completed in individual cases, the responsible examination board may decide in justified cases on a substitute performance that is appropriate in terms of subject and content (Section 11 (1)).
For semesters abroad, internship semesters or other practical phases of study in teaching degree programs, the examination board can decide on a substitute performance that is appropriate in terms of subject and content in justified individual cases, taking into account the specific features of the teaching degree programs (Section 11 (2)). Details are explained by the DoKoLL.
Existing regulations on the compensation for disadvantages in the examination regulations remain unaffected (Section 13). Particularly with regard to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, appropriate consideration is to be given to the students in the context of individual case decisions.
Corona Epidemic University Ordinance of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia
The Corona Epidemic University Ordinance of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (CEHVO) stipulates that teaching will "as a rule" take place in attendance and may only be replaced by digital offers in justified exceptional cases. The shifting of courses or parts thereof from one semester to another as well as from the lecture period to periods before or after is permitted (Section 8).
The chairperson of a committee decides whether the meeting is to be held in physical presence, electronically or in a mixed form of electronic and physical presence (Section 5 (5)). In addition, the legal ordinance allows resolutions to be passed by circulation. The public must be informed by appropriate means of resolutions that would otherwise have had to be passed in a public meeting (Section 5 (2)). Video and audio transmission of public committee meetings is permissible (Section 5 (6)). A handout (in German) on the digital work of the committees is available in the ServicePortal.
TU Dortmund University has adopted rules of procedure (in German) that enable non-public committees to meet in electronic communication or a hybrid form. Resolutions can also be passed in electronic communication, in a hybrid form or by circulation procedure and elections in the area of responsibility of the committee not meeting in public can be carried out by casting votes in electronic form or by postal vote. For committees meeting in public, the regulations only apply if they are permitted by law or legal ordinance. This is currently the case through the Corona Epidemic University Ordinance regulations described above.
Work organization and labor law
The Office of Occupational Safety, Environmental and Health Protection is continuously developing the risk assessment/hygiene concept further. All TU members can view the current version in the service portal. It describes basic rules that must be observed in all activities at TU Dortmund University. Thus, it is still advisable to ventilate rooms regularly, to pay attention to hand hygiene and to stay at home in case of illness.
The team of the Office of Occupational Safety, Environmental and Health Protection is available to answer any questions.
In the event of an infection, especially when persons requiring special protection are present, it is mandatory to wear an FFP2 mask indoors at TU Dortmund University. In order to avoid contact employees are encouraged to work in their home office for five days if possible. Notifications to the Pandemic Officer may be omitted.
Yes, the Office of Occupational Safety, Environmental and Health Protection provides certified surgical masks to the Dean’s Offices and other institutions which can be issued to employees for work on campus. A contingent of FFP2 masks is available.
With each of the two personnel representatives, a Service Agreement "Mobile Working" has been concluded. According to this agreement, both scientific employees and technical/administrative employees can apply to work a certain part of their working time at home or from another location rather than being on campus. No generally applicable maximum limit has been set for this proportion, as this is determined by the individual profile of activity. Before a formal request is made, an exchange should therefore also take place between employees and their superiors about the possible arrangement of the work.
The ServicePortal describes how to apply for mobile work. There are two procedures: Employees in technology and administration must fill out a form that must be signed by their superiors. Scientific employees can send the application informally by e-mail to the Department of Human Resources, provided that they inform their superiors in CC. By submitting the application, it is confirmed that the notes on IT security and the computer workplace have been taken note of.
The Department of Human Resources will issue a written confirmation as to whether the request has been approved.
When working from home, employees must ensure that they can be contacted during normal working hours. When working on site, the specifications of the general hygiene concept must be complied with.
The recording of work time in the flexitime system remains paused for the time being.
Against the background of the Corona pandemic, parents will be able to claim 30 instead of 20 working days of children's sick pay for each child covered by statutory health insurance also in 2022 and 2023. If there are several children, each parent is entitled to a maximum of 65 working days in total. For single parents, the entitlement increases by 20 to 60 working days per child. If there are several children, single parents are entitled to a maximum of 130 working days in total. Eligible are working parents with statutory health insurance cover. Parents can claim children's sick pay up to and including 7 April 2023, even if their child is not sick but must be looked for at home because the school, daycare center or childcare facility is closed by the authorities, compulsory attendance at classes has been suspended or authorities have restricted the access. Further information can be found on the pages of the TU Dortmund Family Service (in German).
Travel
Since June 2022, a new entry regulation has been in effect for Germany, which regulates what proof must be provided for entry, who must register, and who must be quarantined. Restrictions currently apply only to areas where virus variants threaten to emerge designated by the RKI: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html (in German)
China is currently considered an area where virus variants threaten to emerge. Testing is mandatory when entering Germany from China. Further information on entering Germany from China is provided by the Federal Foreign Office: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/chinasicherheit/200466 (in German)
The German Federal Ministry of Health has published an explanation of the regulations: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/service/gesetze-und-verordnungen/guv-19-lp/coronavirus-einreiseverordnung.html?fbclid=IwAR0thZS3nl-lrDQuHTjG92l6M3S4IFZo1qng518vaoW9mIuT-wdsiPPc9Ng
The Federal Foreign Office provides information on Covid19-related travel warnings on its website: Federal Foreign Office (in German).
Currently, China is classified as an area where virus variants threaten to emerge. Therefore, the Federal Foreign Office currently advises against non-essential travel to China. Further advice on travel to China can be found here: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/chinasicherheit/200466 (in German)
In principle, business trips are possible again if the trip cannot be replaced by an electronic form of communication (e.g. video conference, etc.).
The prerequisites for a business trip are basically that there are no entry restrictions from Germany to the respective country/area and that the return to Germany is also possible without entry restrictions and quarantine.
Bookings in connection with business trips should be made as shortly as possible before the start of the trip in order to minimize cancellation costs in the event of renewed restrictions.
Please carefully check the applicable regulations at the time of travel prior to the start of the business trip, as short-term restrictions may still apply. It is the responsibility of the person traveling to check this.
If you have any questions, please contact the head of the Human Resources Department.
Protection against infection
Those who wear a medical mask (surgical mask) can protect others from infection. A well-fitting FFP2 mask is more effective. In particular, it also offers a high level of self-protection. In North Rhine-Westphalia masks are still mandatory in contact with persons requiring special protection, especially in facilities such as hospitals or nursing homes. The mask requirement in public transport was abolished in February 2023.
Of course, masks may still be worn on the campus of TU Dortmund University. Especially during the winter months, it is recommended to wear a medical mask indoors when experiencing cold symptoms in order to avoid infecting others. In case of infection with the coronavirus, an FFP2 mask must be worn on campus.
Observe the general hygiene rules such as ventilating rooms or washing hands. Those who wear a surgical mask thereby protect other persons in particular, while a well-fitting FFP2 mask at the same time offers a high level of self-protection. A vaccination offers protection against a severe course.
Pay attention to the coughing and sneezing etiquette: turn away from those present, do not cough in your hand, but cover your mouth and nose and cough into the crook of your arm if possible. Dispose of used tissues quickly. Those who wear a medical face mask can protect others from droplet infection. Test yourself if you have symptoms or see your family doctor.
The RKI explains on its website who belongs to the risk group (in German).
For students who are demonstrably particularly at risk, e.g. because they cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, cannot be vaccinated or do not build up sufficient immune protection after vaccination, pragmatic solutions for participation in courses should be found in joint discussion. DoBuS continues to support students and teachers with questions about this and about compensation for disadvantages.
“Droplet protection” can be implemented with Plexiglas panels that can be set up variably at the work area. They prevent infection by droplet infection if the minimum distance of 1.5 m between two persons cannot be maintained. The issued devices may continue to be used as needed. They do not have to be returned to the Office of Occupational, Environmental and Health Protection, but are to be stored on site.
All lecture halls and some seminar rooms are automatically ventilated. Other rooms must be ventilated through the windows every 20 minutes.
A fact sheet on ventilation and air purification devices is available in the ServicePortal (German only).
You can find a collection of material on health protection in our ServicePortal: posters, table cards and handouts.
The STIKO recommends a second booster vaccination with a vaccine adapted to Omikron for persons over 60 years of age and for certain groups of persons who are themselves particularly at risk or who have close contact with people who are particularly at risk. Despite vaccination, infection can occur. However, immunization provides very good protection against a severe course.
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Kommissionen/STIKO/Empfehlungen/PM_2022-09-20.html (in German)
In case of suspicion
There are no typical symptoms for Covid-19. Most commonly mentioned are cough (approx. 40%), cold (approx. 30%) or fever (approx. 25%); loss of sense of smell and taste may also occur temporarily (approx 20%). In principle, however, contact with other people should be avoided even in the case of a flu-like infection or influenza. If possible, stay at home if you have symptoms. Since a self-test may indicate a false negative result, if in doubt, contact your family doctor to have a test done there.
The obligation to isolate has been abolished in North Rhine-Westphalia as of 1 February 2023. However, in the event of an infection, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends that a medical mask be worn when leaving the apartment at the least. An FFP2 mask must be worn on the campus of TU Dortmund university. To avoid contact, employees are encouraged to work in their home office for five days if possible. This applies not only to Covid-19, but also to other contagious infections. Anyone with corresponding symptoms can obtain a certificate of incapacity for work from their family doctor..
Contacts and links
As Covid-19 Response Officer of the Rectorate, Bernd Lilienthal is available to all members of TU Dortmund University as a coordinator and contact person for questions regarding the Corona crisis.
You can find an overview of the local Covid-19 response officers of the departments and central institutions in the Service Portal.
- study abroad (outgoings)
- international students
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Students and applicants can reach the Admissions and Enrollment Office exclusively by contact form and info-hotline: +49 (0) 231 755-6349
- business trips
- proof risk group
- regulatory issues
- advice on access regulations for closure scenarios
- contact to health authorities
- consultation on health protection, including hygiene concept
- feedback on FAQ
Compatibility of family with studies, research and career
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More information
Numerous institutions of TU Dortmund University provide information on their websites about their current offers.
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Location & approach
The campus of TU Dortmund University is located close to interstate junction Dortmund West, where the Sauerlandlinie A 45 (Frankfurt-Dortmund) crosses the Ruhrschnellweg B 1 / A 40. The best interstate exit to take from A 45 is “Dortmund-Eichlinghofen” (closer to South Campus), and from B 1 / A 40 “Dortmund-Dorstfeld” (closer to North Campus). Signs for the university are located at both exits. Also, there is a new exit before you pass over the B 1-bridge leading into Dortmund.
To get from North Campus to South Campus by car, there is the connection via Vogelpothsweg/Baroper Straße. We recommend you leave your car on one of the parking lots at North Campus and use the H-Bahn (suspended monorail system), which conveniently connects the two campuses.
TU Dortmund University has its own train station (“Dortmund Universität”). From there, suburban trains (S-Bahn) leave for Dortmund main station (“Dortmund Hauptbahnhof”) and Düsseldorf main station via the “Düsseldorf Airport Train Station” (take S-Bahn number 1, which leaves every 15 or 30 minutes). The university is easily reached from Bochum, Essen, Mülheim an der Ruhr and Duisburg.
You can also take the bus or subway train from Dortmund city to the university: From Dortmund main station, you can take any train bound for the Station “Stadtgarten”, usually lines U41, U45, U 47 and U49. At “Stadtgarten” you switch trains and get on line U42 towards “Hombruch”. Look out for the Station “An der Palmweide”. From the bus stop just across the road, busses bound for TU Dortmund University leave every ten minutes (445, 447 and 462). Another option is to take the subway routes U41, U45, U47 and U49 from Dortmund main station to the stop “Dortmund Kampstraße”. From there, take U43 or U44 to the stop “Dortmund Wittener Straße”. Switch to bus line 447 and get off at “Dortmund Universität S”.
The H-Bahn is one of the hallmarks of TU Dortmund University. There are two stations on North Campus. One (“Dortmund Universität S”) is directly located at the suburban train stop, which connects the university directly with the city of Dortmund and the rest of the Ruhr Area. Also from this station, there are connections to the “Technologiepark” and (via South Campus) Eichlinghofen. The other station is located at the dining hall at North Campus and offers a direct connection to South Campus every five minutes.
The AirportExpress is a fast and convenient means of transport from Dortmund Airport (DTM) to Dortmund Central Station, taking you there in little more than 20 minutes. From Dortmund Central Station, you can continue to the university campus by interurban railway (S-Bahn). A larger range of international flight connections is offered at Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), which is about 60 kilometres away and can be directly reached by S-Bahn from the university station.
The facilities of TU Dortmund University are spread over two campuses, the larger Campus North and the smaller Campus South. Additionally, some areas of the university are located in the adjacent “Technologiepark”.
Site Map of TU Dortmund University (Second Page in English).