Dear international students,
No matter where you are, we hope you are in good health and that you are able to continue your learning as smoothly as possible through Tsinghua’s online learning platform.
In this letter we are taking the opportunity to remind you all of some important information regarding the current situation during the COVID-19 epidemic period and how this may affect you.
Below are some Questions and Answers which we hope will assist you.
Question1
Is there any indication when the Tsinghua University semester start date will be announced?
A: Not at this stage.
Due to the fact that the COVID-19 epidemic still in an uncertain stage, it is impossible for the University to provide an estimated university open date at this point. The delaying of the university open date and the eventual decision of the new semester start date will be made in accordance with requirements by the Chinese Ministry of Education and Beijing Municipal Government.
Question 2
It seems that the epidemic situation in China has somewhat stabilized, does that mean that I can return to Beijing?
A: No, it does not. All Tsinghua students must not return to Beijing or the University until further notice.
Although in China the epidemic situation has now somewhat stabilized, the return and mobility of individuals into other areas poses the biggest threat to curbing the epidemic. This is especially the case for those who pass through public transport hubs, especially from overseas – as the epidemic has broken out in other countries and regions. Tsinghua misses you all, and we believe you also miss Tsinghua, but for now, in the interest of the health and safety of all, it is imperative that students do not return to Beijing or to Tsinghua until further notice from the University. This is in accordance with relevant requirements from the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Beijing Municipal Government.
Question 3
I heard that my classmate has been able to return to Beijing, does that mean I can too?
A: No, it does not. Students must seek approval from the University to return and only students with extremely special cases or in extraordinary circumstances requesting to return to Beijing will be approved to do so.
The University understands that many students are looking forward to returning to the campus to resume their studies, research, lives as usual and to access the university resources, especially for those who are soon to graduate. Yet, in light of the epidemic, only students with extremely special cases or circumstances requiring a return to Beijing will be approved to do so. Returning in order to access library resources or campus facilities for study is not a sufficient reason to return to Beijing.
Question 4
I come from a country/area with a high prevalence of COVID-19. In order to be ready for the beginning of the new semester and have enough time to complete self-quarantine, am I able to apply to come back to Beijing and the University now? Does my case count as a special circumstance?
A: Currently, all Tsinghua students are required not to return to Beijing or the University. This is especially the case for those coming from Hubei province or other high prevalence COVID-19 countries or areas.
The return and mobility of individuals into other areas poses the biggest threat to curbing the epidemic. Students residing in high prevalence areas are especially reminded to look after their health and fitness, reduce contact with others, and maintain a high level of self-hygiene and self-protective measures, such as wearing a mask and washing hands.
Question 5
What happens if I enter Beijing without approval from Tsinghua University?
A: During the current period of epidemic prevention and control, Tsinghua University international students found to have returned to Beijing without prior approval will face serious disciplinary action by the University which may affect their studies.
Question 6
What is the difference between ‘Return to the University’ and ‘Return to Beijing’ ?
A: Return to the University is for students who will return to live on campus, return to Beijing is for students who will return to live off-campus.
Currently, no matter whether you live on campus or off campus, without approval from the University you will not be permitted to return. Regarding local living regulations for entry and exit, on-campus students must abide by Tsinghua University accommodation and campus regulations, and students off-campus must abide by the regulations in place by their local community/compound. During the epidemic period, until further notice, Tsinghua students living off-campus who are currently in Beijing are not permitted to enter the Tsinghua campus without approval.
Question 7
If I just moved into another country or city, do I need to inform Tsinghua University?
A: Yes you do.
In the interest of monitoring the health and safety of all our students, since the beginning of the epidemic, the Tsinghua University International Students & Scholars Center (ISSC) has been collecting information on the whereabouts of each and every Tsinghua University international student. Survey information is checked and reported on a daily basis. If your whereabouts change you should 1) notify your school/department coordinator or International Students & Scholars Center contact staff member，2) submit your updated whereabouts information through the Tsinghua daily reporting system or through the survey link provided to you. Please note that a change in whereabouts includes moving from one country or city to another, not just from an overseas destination to China.
Question 8
I am currently in Beijing living on the Tsinghua campus, can I go freely in and out of campus?
A: No, you cannot.
For the small group of students remaining on campus, they are required to strictly abide by University regulations and health and safety measures, which includes applying in advance to exit and enter the campus. Students who exit or enter the campus without prior approval will be subject to serious disciplinary action. All daily living necessities can be obtained on campus, and thus going shopping or seeing friends is not an adequate reason to exit the campus. Applications will be treated on a case by case basis. To apply, students must submit an application to their school/department which will then be forwarded to relevant student affairs department for approval. Only if their application is approved can students enter or exit the University.
Question 9
There is so much information about the epidemic and also about when the beginning of the semester will be, how do I know what is accurate?
A: Only ever trust official information sources.
Regarding when students can return to Tsinghua, you should await the official notice released by the University. In today’s world there is a wealth of information sources and resources, where you can find an infinite amount of news, but not all of them are reliable. During an epidemic, such inaccurate and even fabricated news can cause unnecessary panic and stress for the whole society. It is important to only trust official sources and do not spread false or misleading information.
Question 10
How can I stay up to date on Tsinghua policies and official notices?
A: Regularly check your Tsinghua email, contact your school/department fudaoyuan (coordinator), follow university portals www.tsinghua.edu.cn,http://info.tsinghua.edu.cn/) and WeChat accounts (account name: Tsinghua), and follow the WeChat account of the International Students & Scholars Center.
In order to be updated with notices and information, please check your Tsinghua email regularly. If you need to update your email address or if you are unable to receive information from Tsinghua, please send an email to ISSC (iso@tsinghua.edu.cn), including your updated email address. Check your WeChat regularly to keep in touch with your school/departmentfudaoyuan (coordinator) and classmates, and follow the WeChat account of the International Students & Scholars Center (account name: issc2016) for frequent posts and information for all international students and scholars.
The International Students & Scholars Center thanks you all for your cooperation and understanding during this time, which is special in the history of not only Tsinghua and China but also for the world. Only through our joint efforts, support and understanding can we prevent the COVID-19 epidemic from spreading.
Please remain patient, stay safe and look forward to when we all can return to campus to enjoy life at Tsinghua once again as before.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to email ISSC on: iso@tsinghua.edu.cn
International Students & Scholars Center
Tsinghua University
March 5th, 2020
