The situation is dynamic, decisions are made on a regular basis, according to the changing situation. We recommend you to follow our website and websites of UW units.
1. Will the academic year be extended? (11th March 2020)
The 2019/2020 academic year lasts until 30th September 2020 and will not be extended. However, the scenario of extending the period of didactic classes is being considered. At the same time, the University is working on launching online lectures and classes suspended until 14th April. By 20th March, faculties and other teaching units will publish a list of lectures and classes that will be conducted in this form from 23rd March.
UPDATE: (1st April 2020) Online classes are conducted by all faculties. They are conducted on the Campus e-learning platform and through other available online tools. All detailed information is available on the websites of individual faculties and units as well as doctoral schools. Since some of the classes, e.g. laboratories, cannot be carried out remotely, UW considers postponing the date of the summer exam session. The organizational matters regarding this academic year and possible changes to the entry admissions timeline, resulted by the extraordinary situation, are raised by Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching. Watch the video>>
UPDATE: (6th May 2020) Prof. Marcin Pałys, the rector of the University of Warsaw, introduced changes to the current academic schedule. They particularly refer to educational classes of the summer semester, and the summer examination session.
The exam session has been extended until 23rd August and divided into 3 blocks, lasting the same amount of days. More information >>
2. Do the cancelled classes also include those intended for UW employees (PE, training, language classes)? (11th March 2020)
Training and sports activities for UW employees are canceled until 14th April (except for training conducted in individual form).
UPDATE: (17th March 2020) UW employees, who signed up for a language course at UW, will receive an email with information on online classes if their language teacher agrees to conduct them in this form. Those who will do their exercises, given by their teacher, and send them back to the teacher. These employees’ attendance will be accepted.
3. Does closing the University of Warsaw Library also mean closing faculty libraries? (11th March 2020)
Heads of educational units make decisions regarding the functioning of these libraries. We encourage you to follow the websites of individual units in order to read current information on this topic.
UPDATE: (16th March 2020) Most of the libraries at the UW faculties are closed. Please check information on the opening times of libraries on their and faculty websites.
UPDATE: (17th March 2020) There is a possibility to order scans of materials from the University of Warsaw Library collections which are not available online. Students, doctoral candidates and employees can do this free of charge. We encourage you to use a wide range of electronic resources of the University of Warsaw and the University of Warsaw Library: e-journals, e-books and databases. More >>
If it comes to the faculty libraries, please check websites of UW units.
UPDATE: (18th March 2020) Due to the Rector’s order on the temporary limitation on the obligation to work on the university campuses, the service of scanning books and articles for readers is suspended.
UPDATE: (15th May 2020) As a result of easing of restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic, readers can partly use the University of Warsaw Library (BUW) resources. As of 18th May, BUW resumes lending, free scanning services, and individual appointments with readers.
4. Will resit examinations, individual consultations and thesis defense take place from 11th March to 14th April? (11th March 2020)
Individual (non-group) resit examinations, individual consultations, defense of diploma thesis and diploma exams may take place normally. Open (public) doctoral dissertations should be moved to the second half of April.
UPDATE: (18th March 2020) Most of UW units operate remotely. In the case of individual consultations, we recommend the use of electronic tools, e.g. Cisco Webex.
5. If the dean’s offices will not function normally, where and when can the student ID be extended? (11th March 2020)
Dean’s offices may have different opening hours. Please check information on the website of a particular unit. The extension of the ID card is possible.
UPDATE: (12th March 2020) The announcement published on the website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education says that steps to extend the validity of the student ID cards until 31st May by law are currently being taken.
UPDATE: (16th March 2020) Most of the dean offices are not open for inquiries and administrative staff work remotely. For detailed information on their working arrangements, visit the websites of particular units.
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) Due to the rector’s order as of 21st May 2020, UW administrative employees can work remotely, according to a duty system or flexible working hours. Please check the opening hours of a individual unit on its website.
6. Should part-time students pay monthly fees at a regular price, even though classes do not take place in the second half of March and in the first half of April? (11th March 2020)
Yes, part-time students should pay fees normally. Their study programme will be completed.
UPDATE: (1st April 2020) UW students are entitled to submit applications for changing the date of payment or reducing tuition fees. Decisions regarding their applications will be examined by heads of particular units.
7. Is mobility of students and doctoral candidates limited? The announcements and the rector’s order mention restrictions on employee mobility. What should a person who had a planned travel, e.g. as part of the Erasmus+ programme do in the coming days? (11th March 2020)
The suspension of business trips (business, not private) concerns students, doctoral candidates and employees. We encourage you to follow updated information published on the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate website and the websites of ministries.
UPDATE: (19th March 2020) As of 19th March, LOT Polish Airlines offers additional flights to Paris. Those who would like to go there are asked to contact the embassy by e-mail: consulat(at)ambafrance-pl.org. There is no possibility to make arrangements by phone. One needs to provide the following data: name, surname, date and place of birth, passport number and e-mail address. A representative of LOT will contact the person directly. Payment for the ticket will be made directly with the airlines.
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) Business travels abroad of employees, doctoral candidates, students and post-diploma learners of the university are suspended until 30th June.
8. Will faculty libraries charge penalties for failure to return books by 14th April? Are the loan limits the same as for the University of Warsaw Library (20 books)? (11th March 2020)
In the case of faculty libraries, the same rules apply as the University of Warsaw Library (BUW) – no penalties will be charged, deadlines will be extended.
UPDATE: (18th March 2020) Most of the libraries at the UW faculties are closed. Look at the question no. 3.
9. Will the date of the summer examination session be moved due to the cancellation of classes until 14th April? (11th March 2020)
The end date of the academic year will not be moved. The scenario of shifting the period of didactic classes, and thus the exam session, is being considered.
UPDATE: (30th March 2020) Since some of the classes, e.g. laboratories, cannot be carried out remotely, UW considers postponing the date of the summer exam session. The organizational matters regarding this academic year and possible changes to the entry admissions timeline, resulted by the extraordinary situation, are raised by Vice-rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching. Watch the video >>
UPDATE: (14th May 2020) The exam session has been extended until 23rd August and divided into 3 blocks, lasting the same amount of days. Take a look at the adjusted timetable >> The UW Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching ensured that the university authorities made it possible to individualise the examination session department by department. The majority of units opt for the first and second block of the exam session. However, the situation varies from department to department. One should follow the information posted on an individual website of a unit. Watch the second video with the Vice-rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching >>
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) Online classes for students, doctoral candidates, post-diploma learners will be extended until the end of 2019/2020 academic year. The exam session has been extended until 23rd August and divided into 3 blocks, lasting the same amount of days. Take a look at the adjusted timetable >>
10. In case of further danger is it planned to hold classes after 14th April? (11th March 2020)
In this case, you should follow the announcements published on the University of Warsaw homepage.
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) Online classes for students, doctoral candidates, post-diploma learners will be extended until the end of 2019/2020 academic year. The exam session has been extended until 23rd August and divided into 3 blocks, lasting the same amount of days. Take a look at the adjusted timetable >>
11. Will the students/doctoral candidates/employees get a refund of airline, train tickets, conference fees, apartment rentals, hotel reservations? (11th March 2020)
A statement of the Rector of the University of Warsaw regarding the costs incurred related to participation in events organized outside the University of Warsaw can be found here: https://www.uw.edu.pl/komunikat-rektora-uw-w-sprawie-poniesionych-kosztow-zwiazanych-z-udzialem-w-wydarzeniach-organizowanych-poza-uniwersytetem-warszawskim/
12. Can classes be resumed before 14th April? (11th March 2020)
Full-time classes have been cancelled until 14th April and will not be resumed earlier. On 20th March, faculties and other teaching units will publish a list of lectures and classes that will be conducted online from 23rd March.
13. In what manner will the classes be conducted online? Will there be video conferences? (11th March 2020)
We are currently working on launching cancelled lectures and classes on-line. Detailed information on this subject will appear on 20th March – then faculties and other teaching units will announce a list of lectures and classes that will be conducted in this form from 23rd March. Information about this will be published on the University’s homepage.
UPDATE: (16th March 2020) The Digital Competence Centre of the University of Warsaw (CKC UW) prepared information regarding the simplification of procedures and instructions on the possibility of conducting online classes, using Kampus, our university e-learning platform. All information was published at zajeciazdalne.ckc.uw.edu.pl.
UPDATE: (16th March 2020) Cisco Webex is one of tools suitable for conducting online lectures. Guidance on how to use it is available on YouTube.
UPDATE: (18th March 2020) Students who will have difficulties in participating in online classes, owing to limited access to the internet, should contact their deputy dean for student affairs who can decide on individual arrangements of teaching. Every case will be treated individually.
UPDATE: (14th May 2020) It is possible and recommended to conduct online classes and exams. However, it is essential to reach a consensus on that. When there is a case of digital exclusion, students or doctoral candidates cannot participate in a given activity, lecturers should attempt to find an appropriate solution and be flexible. All UW academic teachers and students have their Google email accounts, therefore it is possible to use, e.g. Google Meet.
However, there are also practical classes, being part of curricula, that will have to be conducted on-site, e.g. laboratory classes.
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) Online classes for students, doctoral candidates, post-diploma learners will be extended until the end of 2019/2020 academic year.
14. Is the UW canteen operating normally or are subscription lunches issued? If not, do students / staff get a refund? (11th March 2020)
UPDATE: (16th March 2020) The UW canteen is closed until further notice.
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) The UW canteen is closed until further notice.
15. Will the UW residence halls function during the cancellation of classes? (11th March 2020)
Residence halls operate. UW does not accomodate new people as of 11th March. Also, external guests are not allowed to visit that places.
UPDATE: (2nd April 2020) The University of Warsaw made recommendations for students encouraging them to stay temporarily at their homes or alternate locations. More >>
UPDATE: (7th April 2020) The University of Warsaw is continually monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic. On 7th April, the UW rector issued the new orders on studying and working arrangements at the University of Warsaw. There is also information on residence halls. More information >>
UPDATE: (14th May 2020) Those who live in the UW residence halls will pay the reduced accommodation fee. If you face financial problems due to the coronavirus, please note that you can apply for special grants. More information >>
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) Accommodating new students in residence halls and other facilities is suspended. Visiting residence halls is also prohibited. It applies until 30th June.
16. Does the Psychological Counselling Centre of The University of Warsaw work normally during the class cancellation? (11th March 2020)
The Psychological Counselling Centre of The University of Warsaw functions during the class cancellation, but the work of this unit has changed. There are currently no walk-in clinic consultations. Instead of them, online consultations with Szymon Chrząstowski, head of PCC are planned from Monday. Group classes and training sessions have been suspended. For detailed questions, please contact the Psychological Counselling Center directly.
UPDATE: (16th March 2020) On the UW website, one can find an article about the psychological support of CPP during the period of suspension of classes >>
17. Is it possible to visit the University campus in Krakowskie Przedmieście? (12th March 2020)
The buildings on the campus at Krakowskie Przedmieście are currently not available to visitors. Information on the re-opening of buildings for tourists will be given on the University of Warsaw website.
18. Is the University of Warsaw central administration working? (12th March 2020)
Heads of offices and central administration units may introduce a duty system, agree to work remotely or introduce flexible / shortened office / unit working hours. In internal communication, it is recommended to use e-mail correspondence and telephone contacts as well as limit direct contacts.
We strongly recommend email or telephone contact.
UPDATE: (16th March 2020) UW administrative staff work remotely. People are asked to contact administrative officers by e-mail.
In exceptional cases, the head of the office may agree to allow individuals to come to the office, in line with regulations of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate.
UPDATE: (18th March 2020) Due to the Rector’s order on the temporary limitation on the obligation to work on the university campuses, the employees of UW administration units work remotely, except offices enumerated in the annexe to the order.
UPDATE: (30th March 2020) On 17th March, the UW rector issued an order on the temporary limitation on the obligation to work on the university campuses, in connection with preventing the spread of the coronavirus. The order includes information for heads of UW units and university administration. It applied until 27th March. On 26th March, Prof. Marcin Pałys, the UW rector, decided to prolong this time until 10th April.
UPDATE: (7th April 2020) The University of Warsaw is continually monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic. On 7th April, the UW rector issued the new orders on studying and working arrangements at the University of Warsaw. There is also information on work limitations on the UW campuses. More information >>
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) Due to the rector’s order as of 21st May 2020, UW administrative employees can work remotely, according to a duty system or flexible working hours. Please check the opening hours of a individual unit on its website.
19. Will decisions regarding the granting of social scholarships and other benefits offered by the University of Warsaw be considered during the cancellation classes? (12th March 2020)
Matters related to scholarships and financial support for students are dealt with by the Office of Student Affairs. Please, contact by phone first.
UPDATE: (23rd April 2020) On 22nd April, Prof. Jolanta Choińska-Mika, the UW Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching issued a notice, dedicated to students and doctoral candidates, informing them, among other things, how to submit applications for the allowance aid and other benefits such as social scholarships and scholarships for persons with disabilities. The notice also contains information on the rules for granting them. More information >>
20. Does the UW Archive work normally? (12th March 2020)
From 12th March to 14th April, the activity of the University of Warsaw Archive is suspended. The archive continues to carry out scientific and social inquiries, directed by telephone, email and letter.
21. Will lecturers receive information on the possibilities of conducting online classes, conducting individual exams and consultations? (12th March 2020)
Information on the decisions taken is provided on an ongoing basis to heads of teaching units, i.e. deans of faculties and heads of other educational units. We also recommend that employees follow the University of Warsaw homepage, which regularly publishes and updates messages about the functioning of the University.
UPDATE: (20 March 2020) Some of UW faculties, doctoral schools, and other units published lists of online classes which will be conducted as of 23rd March. Information on them will appear regularly on the websites.
UPDATE: (6 May 2020) The UW rector decided on the rules for conducting remote exams. In a new rector’s order, there is information regarding, e.g. IT tools that can be used to control the course of exams and their registration. More information >>
22. Will students who signed up for paid classes, e.g. PE, receive a refund for those classes which did not take place? Maybe the classes will be moved to another date? (12th March 2020)
The University will make every effort to ensure that all paid classes are conducted at a later date. If this is not possible, further decisions will be taken.
23. Will the start date of admissions change due to current events? (12th March 2020)
We are currently not planning any action or decision regarding this matter. If the situation changes, announcements on this topic will be published on the University of Warsaw homepage.
UPDATE: (14th May 2020) The UW timetable is adjusted to the changing situation. The phase of admissions for BA studies is extended. August and September constitute two months when the admissions will be conducted. The University of Warsaw will move deadlines, so BA and MA students will have an opportunity to defend their theses, submit their applications, and become students or doctoral candidates of UW. Watch the second video with the UW Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching, Prof. Jolanta Choińska-Mika >>
24. What should a student, who decided to suspend/end their studies abroad, do when coming back to Poland? (12th March 2020)
In this case, the UW International Relations Office (IRO) advises to:
- Inform your receiving university, UW International Relations Office and your mobility coordinator at the faculty;
- Ask the mobility coordinator at the receiving university to provide you with a document confirming the duration of your stay at the university abroad;
- Send a scan of this document to IRO;
- After your return follows the recommendations and regulations of the Ministry of Health, Chief Sanitary Inspectorate and authorities of your faculty at UW. Recommendations concern, e.g. 14-day quarantine which means staying at home and avoid going out in public;
- Arrange by e-mail with your mobility coordinator the possibility to settle the stage of study (the number of ECTS obtained at a foreign university is important);
- In case of feeling unwell, fever, cough or difficulty breathing and suspect Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 – please follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, Chief Sanitary Inspectorate or local authorities, and seek medical help in the infectious disease ward of the near hospital or contact the National Health Fund hotline +48 800 190 590;
- Avoid using public transport and direct contact with the others, including the employees of the faculty of the University;
- Documents need to be sent by post or as a scan; contact by phone or e-mail.
25. Will scholarships and allowance aid be paid according to a schedule while classes are suspended? (13th March 020)
Scholarships and maintenance grants will be paid following the schedule.
UPDATE: (23rd April 2020) On 22nd April, Prof. Jolanta Choińska-Mika, the UW Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching issued a notice, dedicated to students and doctoral candidates, informing them, among other things, how to submit applications for the allowance aid and other benefits such as social scholarships and scholarships for persons with disabilities. The notice also contains information on the rules for granting them. More information >>
26. How can I return to Poland after closing the borders as of 15th March? (14th March 2020)
On Sunday (15th March), Poland suspended international air and rail services for citizens. Charter flights will be allowed in therefore those Poles who are abroad can return home. Polish citizens returning from abroad will be placed under a 14-day quarantine. Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs opened an info line regarding possibilities of crossing borders: +48 22 523 8880.
27. Is service staff working as usual (16th March 2020)?
Working arrangements of service staff will be changed. They may work in shifts in view of limited access to university buildings. Due to the closure of lecture halls during class cancellation, cleaning of halls and rooms at the university may not take place as usual. Decisions regarding service employees are made by their direct superiors/head of offices.
UPDATE: (22nd May 2020) The health, safety and well-being of members of the UW community remain the university’s priority. Staff responsible for occupational health and safety at the University of Warsaw, the university’s operation, and the protection of the university’s possessions work on-site.