Study Year 2020/2021

Information about study process in the autumn semester of academic year 2020-2021

Currently the main Vilnius university campus for clinical teaching Vilnius University hospital Santaros clinics are under quarantine. The priority of the hospital is the safety and well-being of doctors and patients. We understand and value the determination of the Clinics to work efficiently and safely, however, we also have to experience the consequences of such decision. This means that no classes, practice classes or seminars for students can be held inside the hospital and no bedside teaching can be provided. Students will be allowed to enter the Santaros clinics, however, only to the areas and classrooms that were scheduled in advanced. The biggest value of VU Faculty of Medicine is the safety and well-being of the faculty community, especially the students. Therefore, after the thorough evaluation of all possibilities and risks we have decided to carry out part of the study process remotely.

From the beginning of the Autumn semester of academic year 2020-2021 the studies will be carried out remotely for the following VU Faculty of Medicine study programmes and study levels:

Integrated Medicine study programme, year II-VI (EN)
Integrated Dentistry study programme, year II-III (EN)

From the beginning of the Autumn semester of academic year 2020-2021 the lectures will be held virtually but the practice classes will be carried out in classrooms for the following VU Faculty of Medicine study programmes and study levels:

Integrated Medicine study programme, year I (EN)
Integrated Dentistry study programme, year I, IV-V (EN)

Please note that the model of the implementation of study process might be adjusted according to the decisions and recommendations of LR Government.

Description of the distance studies procedure at the Faculty of Medicine

Regarding delayed / cancelled classes

No matter which way is chosen all the academic classes (except the lectures recorded beforehand with links embedded in Virtual Learning Environment) must be delivered according to the schedule. In case of delayed/cancelled academic classes please inform us immediately by filling this form. The responses are anonymous.
Upon the notification we will contact the teachers, Faculty management, and the heads of departments and clinics and find the solution together.

Short video guides

COVID-19: relevant information

Information on Vilnius University website: https://www.vu.lt/en/covid-19

Follow these instructions:

Wash your hands frequently. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Maintain social distancing. Maintain at least a 2 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

About exams security

FAQ

How exams will be held for students who study remotely?
For students who study remotely, all assessments and exams will also take place remotely.

My family’s income is currently declining and I am not able to pay the full tuition fee. Is it possible to pay for studies in installments?
We have recently received some inquiries about the possibility to postpone the payment or reduce the amount of the tuition fees. We would like to remind that Vilnius University offers such an option and everyone can take advantage of it. The Dean of the Faculty may allow the tuition fee to be paid in installments or postpone it. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your study coordinator! More information.
What is plan for exams?
The semester will start and end in the same mode. If studies will be held on remote mode, the exams will be organized online as well.

Will the whole semester be held remotely or is it possible that face to face teaching will start later this year?
For most students the whole autumn semester will be held remotely with no possibilities for alive meetings.The information is final and will not be changed during semester.

Is it obligatory to wear masks in the Faculty of Medicine?
Yes, wearing masks during the classes (if they take place) and in the common areas of the Faculty is required. Everyone personally must take care to have and wear protective masks. If you do not have a mask (forgot, lost, etc.), please contact any administrative staff immediately.

Tuition fee: do we have to pay less since most seminars have been cancelled?
Tuition fees for students have not been reduced even though the study format has been changed. However, for students having financial difficulties due to this situation, tuition fees may be paid by instalments or delayed until the beginning of a new semester. Please contact your study coordinator.

Where/how should we contact the doctors and professors who are providing online lessons? Also, last semester some teachers refused to give us online lessons; how can the university ensure that online lessons will actually take place?
If a teacher refuses to provide online lessons, you should contact the Department of Studies immediately. They will contact the teacher and clarify the situation.

Is any face-to-face teaching planned for this semester? Should international students try to travel to Lithuania?
International students should not try to come to Lithuania for the Autumn semester. Due to safety reasons, we do not recommend visiting the Faculty of Medicine either. This recommendation is applicable to every student of the Faculty of Medicine; Lithuanian students will be taught online as well.

What is the main reason for the decision to conduct remote studies?
Some members of our administration are coping with a positive COVID-19 test result, and others are in self-isolation. Even though we managed to prevent the spread of the virus, the threat of the virus is very near. This threat would be even bigger if we allowed face-to-face teaching for all students of the faculty. We would like to stress that if the virus spreads inside our faculty, we would have to close the faculty and end studies altogether. This outcome would of course be less appealing than the measures we are taking at this time. We truly believe that our main goal at this time is to ensure the safety not only of our staff members, but also of our students (their families and loved ones as well). This is the main reason why it was decided to carry out studies remotely.

Is the library at the Čiurlionio campus open?
The library is open. It is possible to borrow books and copying services are working. If you have any questions, please contact the subject librarian, Povilas Višinskas: https://biblioteka.vu.lt/en/science-and-studies/subject-librarians/faculty-of-medicine

Where can I find more reliable information about the virus?
The website of Vilnius University provides useful information about the virus and signs of infection.
The latest information is shared by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania, the Harvard Medical School, and the National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health. The centre also offers 24-hour consultations by phone: +370 61879984.
The Corona Hotline, 1808, now operational; it is free of charge and offers 24-hour service.
More useful information regarding the coronavirus can be found here.

Why is it that only first-year students will get face-to-face seminars?
It is true that lessons for first-year students will take place face to face. We think that physical presence at the University is much more important for first-year students. Studies on campus offer the best possibility for the integration of new students into the life of Vilnius University. Being here, they will have a better possibility to experience the real vibe of Lithuania, Vilnius, and the University; they will be integrated into Faculty activities; and they will get to know each other.

Have questions? Please contact your study coordinator or Communication department!

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