Last update 200703 regarding new information about traveling, under Questions and Answers, for Current Students and Questions and Answers, Prospective students.
- 200529 regarding new information from The Swedish government.
- 200414 regarding restaurants/cafés at campus, under Questions and Answers, General. Information regarding documentation to CSN canceled course, under Questions and Answers, Current Students.
- 200408 regarding support for students studying online, under Questions and Answers, For prospective students.
- 200406 regarding what rules apply if you get sick under Questions and Answers, For Staff.
- 200403 regarding access to university premises under Questions and Answers, For Students and For Staff. New Frequently Asked Questions, For prospective students.
- 200401 regarding access university premises under Within Dalarna University.
Within Dalarna University
University Management is monitoring developments by consulting information provided by the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The health, well-being and safety of staff and students are the University's highest priority.
On Friday, May 29, the Swedish Government announced that the previous recommendation concerning higher education institutions in Sweden is to be withdrawn as of June 15.
This means that we plan for a start with campus-based studies during the fall semseter, but which of course strictly follows the general recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Sweden. Dalarna University continues to follow the recommendations of the Public Health Agency for public gatherings on keeping distance and limiting the number of people gathered to a maximum of 50 people.
In the fall semester, the studies may be conducted entirely online-based, entirely campus-based or in a combination of the two. Students admitted to a campus-based education should therefore be prepared to be present when the fall semester starts. How the study form will look like for each program and course is found in our learning platform Learn.
Until further notice, the following applies:
- On March 27, 2020, the Swedish Government made the decision that public gatherings of more than 50 people must be cancelled.
- Dalarna University buildings will remain open so that students have somewhere to work individually in well-ventilated places with Internet connection and access to computers. 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 will continue to receive CSN. More information on CSN's website
- Forms of examination may change.
- Resources will be channelled to where they are most needed in accordance with the new recommendations
Travel
Read more about restrictions for traveling:
- 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 Ministry of Justice)
Personal Hygiene
- Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water; hand sanitisers are also effective
- Avoid touching your face if your hands are not clean
Public toilets at the University are cleaned twice a day instead of once a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get information about taking my course online (web-based learning)?
Answer:You can find this information in your Learn course room(s).
Will I be able to access university premises and the library?
Answer: Yes, Dalarna University buildings and library will remain open so that students have somewhere to work individually in well-ventilated places with Internet connection and access to computers. 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 library
Can I get extra help and support from Student Counselling Services in the current situation?
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 Corona virus. You can meet them on campus or contact them by phone, Skype or Connect. Note that Student Counselling Services cannot test your for coronavirus nor provide any other medical interventions.
Question: I need to submit documentation to CSN stating that my course could not be completed because of 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 coronavirus. After that, we will send documentation to you.
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 Dalarna County Council or the municipality or region where you are to complete your VFU (clinical training/internship). If you have further questions, contact your programme coordinator.
I had planned to take a work experience position in another country. What should I do?
Answer: Dalarna University complies with the recommendations of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (March 13, 2020) regarding travel abroad and the Swedish Government’s decision to halt all non-essential travel to Sweden (March 17, 2020). The Government decided on 2 July to extend the entry ban until 31 August 2020.
Read more about restrictions for traveling:
- 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 Ministry of Justice)
Dalarna University has decided that no work-related or study-related trips abroad are to be made. If there are special reasons to make such a trip, then approval must be sought from the Vice-Chancellor. This advice applies to both employees and students.
In the case of private journeys, consult Chapter 2, Section 2 of the Swedish Communicable Diseases Act: https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/smittskyddslag-2004168_sfs-2004-168
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 in these restrictions during 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 on the Dalarna University campuses?
Answer: The total number of individuals who have tested positive for the Coronavirus in Sweden is being tracked at the Public Health Agency of Sweden’s website, which is updated daily. Numbers change every day, as testing proceeds 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 Swedish Public Health Agency's website for information about the spread of the Coronavirus
About Healthcare:
Question: Will I be able to get healthcare in Sweden? Will I have to pay for it?
Answer: Yes, incoming international degree students and exchange students will have insurance provided by Dalarna University. In addition, students who are staying in Sweden for more than one year, will be able to get a Swedish 'personal number' and with this they have the same access to the national healthcare system as other Swedish residents. Visits to a health clinic generally cost from SEK 120 to SEK 400.
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 which foresees the closure of the external borders of the territory, for a period of at least 30 days, as the most extreme measure taken by the block to halt the further spreading of the Covid-19.
Due to uncertainty both globally and locally, we recommend that you wait as long as possible with booking your trip to Dalarna University. When booking any tickets, we encourage you to select rebookable/refundable tickets, as 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 the requirements to obtain a residence permit on their website:
The Swedish Migration Agency, Higher Education
If your studies are conducted online (distance studies) instead of on campus, your application for a residence permit may be denied since, 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 their website regularly or contact them directly for updated information.
Information from the Migration Agency regarding the 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.
The Government decided on 2 July to extend the entry ban until 31 August 2020. Exemptions may be made for people who travel for the purpose of studying. It still requires that they have a residence permit.
Read more about restrictions for traveling:
- 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 Ministry of Justice)
How the travel restrictions will affect students arriving for the autumn term is currently unknown. We recommend all students to keep themselves updated by frequently visiting: www.krisinformation.se/en
About Study:
Question: If I begin studying online, what support will be available to me?
Answer: Dalarna University has been conducting interactive online education for over 15 years and has many support services to ensure that students have a successful learning experience. We provide live technical and pedagogical support to teachers and students during the hours we teach online free of charge. Student support services, including language and writing support as well as counseling and health services are also available to all students, regardless if they study online or on-campus. Read more about web-based studies.
Question: Will you be arranging the Introduction Day as per normal?
Answer: Our current plan is to arrange our Introduction Day for international students as per normal. It is too early to confirm details at this time due to rapid changes of the Coronavirus development. We will finalise details during the summer and keep you updated.
Question: I am not sure if I can or want to come to Sweden now due to the risks. When is the deadline to pay tuition fee? Can I pay later if I need more time to think?
Answer: While there is no formal deadline to pay the tuition fee, you must pay your tuition fees before you can receive a residence permit in Sweden. Also note that your admission to Dalarna University is conditional until you have paid your tuition fees in full. If you pay later your application for residence permit won't be processed until you pay, so there is a risk that you won't 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 not able to come to Dalarna due to the risks related to the Coronavirus?
Answer: Yes, students beginning their studies at Dalarna University autumn semester 2020 will be eligible to receive a full refund, regardless of the reason you are requesting a refund. 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 in all places where you are around other people, we recommend social distancing for as long as the virus continues to spread. This applies both when you live in student housing and anywhere else where people may gather. Anyone who has any symptoms, such as cold, fever, cough or any respiratory problems, should self-quarantine, regardless of their living arrangements.
Question: What happens if I cannot come to Dalarna on time at the start of the semester?
Answer: Make sure to stay in contact with your programme coordinator about your situation. Some programmes may be able to accept students arriving slightly late and some programmes may temporarily switch to providing interactive online education; this depends both on the structure of the programme and on whether or not Dalarna University will have fully returned to in-classroom teaching at that point.
Question: Can I defer my admission and start my studies later, in spring 2021 for example?
Answer: You can apply to defer your studies, but you will still need to pay the first tuition fee instalment (if applicable), in order to not lose your place for autumn 2021 studies. Please note that if an application to defer admission is approved that you must reapply for admission during the application period (June 1st- August 15th for courses/programmes starting in spring and October 16th-January 15th for courses and programmes starting in autumn).
Most international programmes at Dalarna University only start once every year, in autumn (except Business Intelligence and Data Science programmes, and the English for Academic Purposes course package). This means that it will not be possible to defer studies to spring in most cases. Please contact your programme coordinator regarding the possibility to defer.
Question: Will the studies be classroom-based or distance learning at the start of the autumn 2020 semester?
Answer: The risks in society related to the Coronavirus are constantly changing, as the spread of the virus goes through different stages globally, in Europe and in Sweden. Dalarna University is following the Government’s and Public Health Authority’s recommendations regarding measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, as they are announced. From 18 March 2020, Dalarna University has temporarily switched to distance education. As of now, we cannot predict what the situation will be like in autumn 2020.
Question: I don’t feel safe to travel to Dalarna yet, can I start my programme via distance education?
Answer: This may be possible and we ask that you please contact your programme coordinator with this question closer to the start of the school year. At this point, Dalarna University is only offering distance learning temporarily, and due to the recommendations put in place by the Swedish Government. Students are still expected to be in Dalarna and to be able to return to in-classroom studies as soon as this is considered safe and the Swedish Government changes their recommendations. We will keep you updated about this as soon as we have more information.
Question: Due to the coronavirus, I will not be/was not able to complete my upper secondary / Bachelor’s studies on time. Can I still start my Bachelor´s / Master’s studies at Dalarna in autumn and finish my current studies in parallel online?
Answer: To start your studies at Dalarna University in autumn 2020, in principle, you must have completed your previous studies by the time the programme starts. You must also be able to submit proof of graduation. However, in some cases, alternatives on an individual basis may be possible. Please contact study@du.se for advice regarding your situation.
Question: I have been granted a scholarship, but I cannot come because I´m quarantined/borders are closed/etc. What will happen with my scholarship?
Answer: If you get a deferment of your studies, you will most likely have to re-apply for your scholarship. You are, however, welcome to apply for the scholarship again in the future.
I have to move my course and/or examination from campus to online: what should I do?
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) now have emergency powers to diverge from official programme syllabi and course syllabi and, in consultation with the Head of School (Akademichef), to decide on changed forms of education and examination formats for course(s)/programme(s). You can find information about procedures under 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
Will I be able to access university premises and the library?
Answer: Yes, university premises will remain open to ensure there is access to computers and internet. 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 library.
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.
Can I work from home?
Answer: Dalarna University complies with the recommendations of the Public Health Agency. If you are ill, you should be home. You can work from home if your immediate manager approves this.
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): Tips gällande Virusskydd Forticlient. Tips gällande VPN-Klient.
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 superior has approved your working from home.
If we find out that a colleague has or may have become infected by coronavirus, how do we deal with that knowledge 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 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.
Should I go to work if we have been travelling and my partner or 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 who can help me?
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.
Can I get extra support and help from the occupational health service (företagshälsovården) right now?
Answer: If you are a member of staff and require Previa's services, you should always contact your immediate manager first. Note that Previa does not conduct any sampling or other medical measures in connection with COVID-19.
Can the University stop me from making a work-related trip? Private trip?
Answer: Dalarna University complies with the recommendations of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (March 13, 2020) regarding travel abroad and the Swedish Government’s decision to halt all non-essential travel to Sweden (March 17, 2020). Accordingly, Dalarna University has decided that no work-related trips abroad are to be made. 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.
In the case of private journeys, consult Chapter 2, Section 2 of the Swedish Communicable Diseases Act: www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/smittskyddslag-2004168_sfs-2004-168
What if I want to cancel my flight – will I get my money back?
Answer: Always contact the University´s purchased travel agency Lingmerths for information on what applies in each case and for detailed information on current regulations.
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.
Should we not adapt our work environments to the risk of infection? For example, is it appropriate to have open-plan office areas? What about departmental meetings? Other measures?
Answer: Dalarna University complies with the recommendations of the Public Health Agency.
What about the restaurants/cafés on campus?
Answer: All restaurants/cafés on campus are closed until further notice.
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) until June 15. 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.
folkhalsomyndigheten.se
1177.se
krisinformation.se
11313.se
If you have general questions.
11313 (National Information Number)
Phone if you have general questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) that are not related to symptoms or health (if you cannot find information on the web yourself).
1177 (Medical Advice)
Phone if you need help assessing symptoms or help with where to seek care. If you need to seek care, it is important to phone first and not go straight to a doctor's office. This is to avoid infecting others if you have been infected with coronavirus (COVID-19). There are special routines for how you will be taken care of.
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
Further Information
For further information and advice about the outbreak, we refer you to the following:
- National information number 113 13 for general questions about Coronavirus (covid-19)
- Public Health Agency of Sweden: FAQ
- Ministry for Foreign Affairs travel advice/warnings (in Swedish)
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak (WHO) (in English)
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (in English)
If you have any questions, please contact your immediate manager (staff) or your programme coordinator (students).