How do I get information about how my course will be taught?

Answer: You can find this information in your Learn course room(s). You can find information about studying web-based (online) on our webpage: Web-Based Studies.

If you have questions about how specific components of a course will be taught, contact your teacher or programme coordinator.

What about accessibility to university buildings in Falun and Borlänge?

Answer: University buildings will remain open for a limited amount of campus teaching and to give students somewhere to work individually in well-ventilated places with internet connection and access to computers. For all physical presence in Dalarna University buildings, the university follows the Public Health Agency of Sweden's recommendations for public gatherings, which currently limits gatherings in rooms and lecture halls to 50 people. Modifications have been made to ensure social distancing is possible.

To access certain areas of campus, you will need to use your keycard. Staff and students must avoid meeting in groups in the university buildings. You can read more about the library's resources on the page Temporary Information from the Library.

Can I get extra help and support from Student Counselling Services during the pandemic?

Answer: You can contact Student Counselling Services if you need help and support. Our chaplains are always available to you regardless of what you need to talk about: studies, general worry and concerns, or concerns about the coronavirus. You can meet them on campus or by phone, Skype or Connect. Note that Student Counselling Services does not provide coronavirus testing nor any other medical interventions.

Student Counselling Services

I need to submit documentation to CSN stating that my course could not be completed because of the coronavirus. What do I need to do?

Answer: Email support@du.se and state that you need to send documentation to CSN stating that your course or parts of your course could not be completed because of the coronavirus. After that, we will send you documentation.

I am / will be an exchange student and I am worried. What should I do?

Answer: Contact support@du.se / 023-77 80 00 to discuss the matter, or contact Student Counselling Services.

What should I do with regards to my placement (VFU)?

Answer: Follow recommendations from Region Dalarna or the municipality or region where you are to complete your VFU (clinical training / placement). If you have further questions, contact your programme coordinator.

I will soon be travelling abroad for an internship. What should I do?

Answer: Dalarna University complies with the recommendations of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs regarding travel abroad and has decided that no work-related trips are permitted to countries that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised not to travel to.

• Changes to the advice against non-essential travel to a number of countries in Europe
• Extension of the temporary travel ban to Sweden until 31 August 2020 and easing of restrictions for more travellers

If there are special reasons to make a work-related trip to a country that the Ministry has advised not to travel to, then approval must be sought from the university's Vice-Chancellor. This advice applies to both employees and students.

I think I may have contracted the coronavirus. What should I do?

If you think you may have contracted the virus, you are asked to first contact healthcare services in accordance with the advice they are currently providing. If you have symptoms of Covid-19, you can make an appointment for testing.

Falun: Britsarvet Vårdcentral 023-49 16 01
Borlänge: Vårdcentral Jakobsgårdarna 0243-49 77 00
Find more information about testing on 1177.se

If you need to pay for the test, saves the receipt and follow the instructions about insurance. If you think that you are sick and that this will affect your studies, contact the programme or course coordinator.

General Questions:

Question: Will it be safe for me to come to Sweden in August?

Answer: Swedish authorities are closely following the spread of the coronavirus and are working continuously to keep Sweden and its residents safe. The best way to follow developments regarding the coronavirus is to refer to the WHO website and the ECDC website. There are currently travel restrictions in place for foreign nationals travelling to Sweden. We will keep you updated regarding changes to these in the pre-arrival phase. Please also stay updated by checking emergency information from Swedish authorities.

Visit the WHO website
Visit the ECDC website
Visit krisinformation.se for official information from Swedish authorities

Question: How widespread is the coronavirus in Sweden and at the Dalarna University campuses?

Answer: The total number of individuals who have tested positive for the coronavirus in Sweden is being tracked, with the information available on the website of the Public Health Agency of Sweden. This is updated on a daily basis. Numbers change every day as testing continues and new cases are reported. Due to strict patient confidentiality laws in Sweden, the exact number of confirmed cases at Dalarna University is unknown.

Visit the website of the Public Health Agency of Sweden for information about the spread of the Coronavirus

About Healthcare:

Question: Will I be able to receive healthcare in Sweden? Will I have to pay for it?

Answer: The answer is yes because incoming international degree students and exchange students are covered by insurance provided by Dalarna University. In addition, students who are staying in Sweden for more than one year are able to get a Swedish personal identification number (personnummer), and this will allow them the same access to the national healthcare system that other Swedish residents have. Visits to a health clinic generally cost from SEK 120 to SEK 400, and everybody has to pay for their visits.

Read more about student insurance

About Travel:

Question: When should I buy my tickets?

Answer: On 17 March 2020, all Schengen Area Member States approved a plan proposed by the EU Commission that foresaw the closure of external borders of the territory for a period of at least 30 days, which was the most extreme measure taken by the block to halt the further spread of the coronavirus. Due to both global and local uncertainty, we recommend that you wait as long as possible before booking your travel to Dalarna University. When booking tickets, we encourage you to select rebookable/refundable tickets because the situation may change rapidly.

Question: Will the coronavirus situation affect my chances of getting a residence permit to study in Sweden?

Answer: Residence permits are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency. You can find what is required to obtain a residence permit on their website:
The Swedish Migration Agency, Higher Education

If your courses are to be taught online (distance studies) instead of on campus, your application for a residence permit may be denied because - according to the Migration Agency - you do not need to be in Sweden to study. Any changes to the Swedish Migration Agency’s procedures will be communicated on their website, and we recommend that you visit it regularly or contact the agency directly for updated information.

Information from the Swedish Migration Agency regarding Covid-19
Contact the Migration Agency

Question: Will the coronavirus situation affect my chances of travelling to Sweden?

Answer: In response to the European Council and Commission's recommendation, the Swedish Government has decided to temporarily stop unnecessary trips to Sweden from countries outside Europe from 19 March. On July 2, the Government decided to extend the entry ban until August 31, 2020. Exemptions may be made for people travelling for the purpose of studying, although they still require a residence permit.

Read more about restrictions to travel:

• Extension of temporary entry ban to Sweden until 31 August 2020 and easing of restrictions for more travellers (Press release from Ministry of Justice)
• Questions and answers – temporary entry ban to the European Union via Sweden (Article from the Ministry of Justice)

How the travel restrictions will affect students arriving for the autumn term remains unclear. We recommend all students to remain updated by frequently visiting www.krisinformation.se/en.

Study-Related Information:

Question: If I begin my courses online (net-based), what support will be available?

Answer: Dalarna University has over 15 years of experience teaching online and has many accessible support services to ensure that students have a successful learning experience. We provide live free-of-charge technical and educational support to teachers and students during our online teaching hours. Student support services, including language and writing support and counselling services, are also available to all students, regardless of whether they studying online or on campus.
Read more about web-based studies

Question: Will there be an Introduction Day?

Answer: Yes, we will hold a brief introduction for new international students on August 28th both online and on-campus. In addition we will hold an online Welcome Ceremony on August 31st.

Find information about our Welcome Ceremony, which forms part of the Introduction Day, in our calendar: Welcome Ceremony on August 31.
You can read more about the Introduction Day and Welcome ceremony on our website about the start of the semester.

Question: Because of the risk, I am not sure if I can or want to come to Sweden. What is the deadline for tuition fee payment? Can I pay later if I need more time to think?

Answer: While there is no formal deadline for the payment of the tuition fee, you must pay this fee before you can receive a residence permit for Sweden. Also note that your admission to Dalarna University is conditional upon full-payment of your tuition fee. Your application for a residence permit will not be processed until you have paid, so there is a risk that you will not get the residence permit on time. If you will be studying online, please note that you must pay your tuition fee before you can begin your studies.

Question: Can I get a full refund if I am unable to come to Dalarna due to the risks related to the coronavirus?

Answer: Yes, students beginning their studies at Dalarna University in the autumn semester 2020 will be eligible to receive a full refund regardless of reason. If your request for a refund is approved, you will receive a refund to the same payment source (bank account, credit card, etc.) from which the original transaction was made.

Read more about our refund policy

Question: Is it safe to stay in student housing?

Answer: As with all places where there are other people, we recommend social distancing for as long as the coronavirus continues to spread. This applies both in student housing and anywhere else where people may gather. Anyone who has any symptoms, such as a cold, fever, cough or respiratory problems, should self-isolate regardless of their living arrangements.

Question: What happens if I cannot come to Dalarna on time at the start of the semester?

Answer: Be sure to stay in contact with your programme coordinator about your situation. Some programmes may be able to accept students arriving slightly late. In the autumn semester, most English language programmes and courses will be taught on campus while online study is also available for students who cannot come to Sweden in the autumn. If you cannot arrive on time, you may be able to begin your studies online and join the class on campus at a later date. You can find more information on Q&A for newly admitted students to Dalarna University autumn semester 2020.

Question: Can I defer my admission and start my studies later - for example, in spring 2021?

Answer: You can apply to defer your studies, but you will still need to pay the first tuition fee installment (if applicable) so that you do not lose your place for autumn 2021 studies. Please note that if an application to defer admission is approved, then you must reapply for admission. Application periods are June 1- August 15 for courses / programmes starting in the spring and October 16-January 15 for courses and programmes starting in the autumn.

Most international programmes at Dalarna University start in the autumn. The only international programmes with a spring intake are Business Intelligence and Data Science and the course package English for Academic Purposes. This means that in most cases, you will not be able to defer to the spring. Contact your programme coordinator to discuss the possibility of deferment.

Question: Will my courses be taught in classrooms or online (distance) at the start of the autumn 2020 semester?

Answer: Most international programmes and courses will be taught on campus and in adherence to the recommendations on public gatherings and social distancing outlined by the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The courses and programmes listed in Q&A for newly admitted students to Dalarna University autumn semester 2020 will also be taught online in the autumn semester in accordance with a decision by the Vice-Chancellor of Dalarna University.

Question: I don’t feel safe travelling to Dalarna yet: can I start my programme online (distance)?

Answer: Most international programmes and courses will be taught on campus and in adherence to the recommendations on public gatherings and social distancing outlined by the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The courses and programmes listed in Q&A for newly admitted students to Dalarna University autumn semester 2020 will also be taught online in the autumn semester in accordance with a decision by the Vice-Chancellor of Dalarna University. Be sure to stay in contact with your programme coordinator about your situation.

Question: Due to the coronavirus, I will not be able to/I was not able to complete my upper secondary school studies / Bachelor’s studies on time. Can I still start my Bachelor´s / Master’s studies at Dalarna Univeristy this autumn and finish my current studies at the same time online?

Answer: To start your studies at Dalarna University in autumn 2020, you must have completed your previous studies. You must also be able to submit proof of graduation. However, in some cases, exceptions on an individual basis are possible. Please contact study@du.se for advice.

Question: I have been granted a scholarship, but I cannot come to Dalarna University because of quarantine regulations/border closures, etc. What will happen with my scholarship?

Answer: Even if you receive a deferment of your studies, you will most likely still have to re-apply for your scholarship.

What do I need to do if I have to move my course and/or examination from campus to online?

Answer: The Vice-Chancellor has made the decision that changes may be made to forms of education and/or examination formats. The Programme Coordinator (Programansvarig) and the Examiner (Examinator) have temporary permission to diverge from official programme syllabi and course syllabi in consultation with the Head of School (Akademichef). They can decide on changed forms of education and examination formats for course(s)/programme(s).

You can find information about procedures under the heading Nyheter on Du&ja "Möjlighet att ändra utbildning- och/eller examinationsform". Administrative Assistants (Akademisekreterare) also have this information. Course Coordinators and teachers can contact the Support Café for assistance with the transition: samtal.du.se. Evening hours remain in place: du-se.zoom.us/my/supportcafe.

Advice for online teaching can be found on the Undervisningsstöd webpage.

Will I be able to access university premises and the library?

Answer: Yes, university premises and the library will remain open to ensure there is access to computers and internet for individual work. To access certain areas of campus, you will need to use your keycard. Staff and students must avoid meeting in groups in the university buildings.

Current information from the University Library

Will we modify our work environment in light of the risk of infection? For example, are open-plan office spaces appropriate under the current circumstances?

Answer: Dalarna University complies with the recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Sweden, and it is important that we choose work methods and premises that can ensure the recommendation ofn social distancing can be implemented. If you have questions about this, contact your immediate manager.

What rules apply if I get sick (qualifying period for benefit (karensdag), doctor’s certificate and sick pay)?

Answer: You can find current information in a number of languages on the website of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency .and on the webpage of the Government Offices of Sweden.

If you suspect that you have contracted the virus, you are asked to first contact healthcare services according to their guidelines. Also inform your immediate manager if, as a result of this, you will be absent from work.

Should I work from home?

Answer: The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends that you limit how much social contact you have and that you work from home when possible this autumn. If you plan to work from home, then you must first get the consent of your immediate manager. If you feel the slightest symptoms of a cold, you must stay at home. If you belong to a risk group, you should, upon agreement with your immediate manager, be given the opportunity to work from home. If you need to be physically present at Dalarna University, you must adhere to the recommendations on social distancing.

Can I take my office equipment home or can Dalarna University buy new equipment that I can use at home?

Answer: Dalarna University does not pay for office equipment for a home office. In dialogue with your immediate manager you can bring your computer, monitor, docking station, mouse, keyboard and office chair home with you. You need to arrange the transport on your own, both to your home and back to the office after the period of working from home ends. Dalarna University does not pay for any transport or organise this for you. When you work at home, only support by distance is provided.

What do I need to do to connect to the university’s network from home?

Answer: Our IT department has up-to-date information about this (in Swedish): IT-Support & Helpdesk (intranet).

Will I be paid as usual if I have to work from home?

Answer: Yes, if you follow the university's recommendations regarding work at home and your immediate manager has given you approval to work from home.

If a colleague has or may have become infected by the coronavirus, how should we deal with and communicate that information internally?

Answer: Information about a colleague’s health is confidential. What information can be released about a colleague must be determined on a case-by-case basis. However, the colleague in question may consent to information being shared at their workplace. Read more about personal data on the webpage of The Swedish Data Protection Authority www.datainspektionen.se. (There is a Swedish webpage specifically about the coronavirus: www.datainspektionen.se/nyheter/coronavirus-och-personuppgifter/.)

If you have any questions, you can contact Dalarna University’s Data Protection Officer: dataskydd@du.se

Should I stay at home if I have symptoms such as sniffing, coughing or fever?

Answer: In accordance with the recommendations of the Public Health Authority, everyone who feels sick must stay at home. We recommend you follow the updated advice provided by the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

Should I go to work if my partner/child is showing signs of illness/symptoms?

Answer: If someone in your family is showing symptoms, you should ask your immediate manager if you can work at home or from an appropriate place until there is no longer a risk of infection.

The current situation is worrying me: is there somebody I can talk to for help?

Answer: If you are a member of staff, you, like our students, can contact one of our chaplains about the worry the coronavirus situation is causing you, as well as any other issues. You can meet them on campus or contact them by phone, Skype or Connect.
Student Counselling Services

Can I get extra support and help from occupational health services (företagshälsovården)?

Answer: If you are a member of staff and require Previa's services, you must always first contact your immediate manager. Note that Previa does not provide testing services or other medical services relating to Covid-19.

Can the University prevent me from making a work-related trip?

Answer: Yes, all business trips must be approved by your immediate manager. Dalarna University complies with the recommendations of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs regarding travel abroad and has decided that no work-related trips are permitted to countries that it advises against traveling to.

• Changes to the advice against non-essential travel to a number of countries in Europe
• Extension of the temporary travel ban to Sweden until 31 August 2020 and easing of restrictions for more travellers

If there are special reasons to make a work-related trip, then approval must be sought from the Vice-Chancellor. This advice applies to both employees and students.

What if I want to cancel my flight – will I get my money back?

Answer: Always contact Lingmerths, the travel agency used by the University, for information about what applies in each case and for detailed information on current regulations.

Can the university prevent me from taking private trips?

Answer: No, the university cannot prevent you from making any private trips. However, it advises all employees and students not to travel to countries that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised against making non-essential trips to. In the case of private trips, consult Chapter 2, Section 2 of the Swedish Communicable Diseases Act.

Is there long-term preparedness to secure activities?

Answer: Yes, there is a continuity plan in place. If the plan needs to be implemented, then this will be done with the relevant parts of the organisation.

What about the restaurants/cafés on the campuses and at the Media Building (Mediehuset)?

Answer:

Campus Borlänge
Café Duett will open August 31.

Campus Falun
Vildgåsen restaurant will remain closed until further notice.
Kafé Meli in the library will open August 24.
Lugnetkyrkan restaurant (beside campus) is open for lunch.

Media Building
Lionheart Café in the Media Building is open.

How will Dalarna University deal with upcoming events?

Answer: On March 27, 2020, the Government made the decision that public gatherings of more than 50 people must be cancelled. Furthermore, in accordance with an earlier decision, Dalarna University has chosen to cancel all events (500 people or more). For all other events and gatherings, Dalarna University will make risk assessments based on the Risk Assessment Guidelines of the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

• National information number 113 13 to call with general questions about the coronavirus (Covid-19): you can also find general information on the website 11313.se.
  
  
• You can call 1177 for medical advice if, for example, you think you have Covid-19 symptoms (as well as for advice about other illnesses). If you need medical care, it is important that you first call 1177 and do not go directly to a healthcare centre or the hospital. This is so that you avoid spreading the virus if it is the case that you are carrying it. Special procedures are now in place to take care of coronavirus patients: see 1177.se.
  
  
• Programme Coordinator or Course Coordinator
  If you have questions about how specific course elements should be implemented, you can contact your programme coordinator or course coordinator.
  If you are a student and suspect you might have been infected with coronavirus (COVID-19), you are asked first and foremost to contact the care facility according to the guidelines set by the care facility. If you suspect you are ill and it will affect your studies, you can contact the programme coordinator or course coordinator.
  
  
• Immediate Manager
  If you are concerned about the situation, you can always contact your immediate manager. Contact him/her if you have questions about how activities should be conducted based on prevailing circumstances and recommendations.
  If you are an employee and suspect you are carrying coronavirus (COVID-19), you are asked first and foremost to contact the care facility according to the guidelines set by the care facility. Also notify your immediate manager if you will be absent from work for this reason.

Other Questions

Contact support@du.se