Voluntary, flexible and safe return

We are excited to begin the new academic semester soon. In this new period, our current undergraduate and WA students will have the possibility to enroll in face-to-face and/or non-face-to-face courses, according to their preferences. The return to the UPC facilities will be done through a flexible and voluntary process and by implementing a set of protocols that will offer our university community a biosafe space.

All information about this process will be communicated in a timely manner during the months of February and March through our official communication channels: UPC email and the Mi UPC app.

Additionally, we share questions and answers to clarify doubts that may arise.

The Q&A in this questionnaire may be modified at a later date due to changes in the regulations established by the government and UPC.

PREVENTION

1. How do we prioritize who can and cannot take face-to-face courses?

For the 2022-1 academic semester, all current undergraduate and WA students will have the possibility to choose the delivery method of their courses during the enrollment process, as long as the nature of the course allows it. Enrollment priority allows students to choose their courses and delivery method based on their academic performance in the previous semester. In the case of new students, and as usual, UPC will program all courses and schedules, on-line and face-to-face, as described in the communication sent to the e-mail address registered during the admission process.

2. Do I have to be vaccinated to enroll in face-to-face classes? If I have not been vaccinated and I want to attend classes, will I be able to enroll?

According to current government regulations, all persons must be fully vaccinated to access public and private establishments. For enrollment and the start of classes, the UPC will follow the protocols established by the authorities for universities. Flexibility in choosing how to study will allow everyone to find an enrollment option that suits their particular situation.

3. Will students who belong to an at-risk group have to attend face-to-face classes?

For the 2022-1 academic semester, all current undergraduate and WA students will be able to choose the delivery method of their courses during enrollment. However, we recommend that for the time being students who belong to an at-risk group enroll in non-face-to-face classes in order to protect their integrity and/or that of vulnerable family members with whom they live.

4. Will an access protocol to the institution be established? What are the prevention, sanitation and safety protocols within the campus?

UPC has health and safety protocols as part of the Plan for the Surveillance, Prevention and Control of COVID-19, authorized by the Ministry of Health. You can access these protocols from this link.

5. What is the maximum capacity of classrooms or laboratories?

The capacity of each space within our facilities will be determined according to the norms established by the government in the context of the beginning of classes at universities and the gradual return to face-to-face attendance.

6. How often will classrooms and other spaces be disinfected?

The cleaning and disinfection of different rooms, furniture, tools, and equipment will be carried out prior to the start of daily work in compliance with current regulations. Additionally, the cleaning routine will be carried out during the day prioritizing the disinfection of surfaces that may be in contact with the student. Finally, at the end of class time, the staff will perform a general disinfection of equipment, desks, chairs and common areas used during the day, leaving the environments ready for the next day. Each academic space also considers a cleaning and disinfection protocol revised according to the nature of such space and the way it is used, which is detailed in the specific protocols of each space.

7. What happens if I see someone violating any protocol?

All students, faculty and collaborators must strictly follow the health and safety protocols established in the UPC Plan for the Surveillance, Prevention and Control of COVID-19, authorized by the Ministry of Health. In case of non-compliance, the case must be reported via UPC e-mail to the campus academic director or that of your program, who will follow the process established by both the Student Discipline Regulations and the Faculty Discipline Regulations, as appropriate.

8. When will I know which face-to-face and non-face-to-face courses I will take?

The list of face-to-face and non-face-to-face courses will be made available during the course schedule consultation, according to the 2022-1 academic calendar.

DURING CLASSES

9. If I have a fever or any COVID-19 symptoms, who should I consult?

If you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, you should be evaluated by a doctor (private, health center, hospital or clinic) and avoid going to the campus. If you are in the University facilities, go to the nurse office, where you will be assisted and you will receive all the necessary information to guide you in the steps you should follow.

10. Is attending to face-to-face classes mandatory? Can exceptions be made if I have COVID-19, a symptom or other illness?

For the 2022-1 academic semester, all current undergraduate and WA students will be able to choose the delivery method of their courses during enrollment. Also, during this semester and because we are in a state of health emergency, the regulations regarding class attendance will not apply.

11. If my class is face-to-face or on-line, can I decide when to attend?

For the 2022-1 academic semester, all current undergraduate and WA students will be able to choose the delivery method of their courses during enrollment. Each student is responsible for their attendance to classes and must attend the sessions according to the delivery method selected during their enrollment. However, it is important to note that during this semester, due to the state of health emergency, the regulations regarding class attendance will not apply.

12. Will all campuses offer face-to-face classes?

Yes, all UPC campuses will have face-to-face classes, prioritizing those courses selected by the authorities of the different programs to gradually and flexibly return to face-to-face classes. These courses will also have on-line sections that will allow students to choose how they enroll in each course.

Additionally, a set of courses taught in laboratories and specialized workshops will continue to be offered face-to-face as since the 2020-2 semester.

13. If I enroll in a face-to-face course course and then drop it, can I then go on-line?

As in all previous semesters, the courses in which each student enrolls, including the delivery method, are maintained throughout the academic semester. During the complementary enrollment period, changes can be made in their courses, schedules and/or delivery. However, if there is a medical or force majeure reason that requires a complete transfer to on-line, the student must present the case to his/her program director for evaluation and approval.

14. Will I be able to enroll in face-to-face courses at any campus?

All current undergraduate and WA students will have the opportunity to enroll in face-to-face courses at their original campus. Due to logistical issues, it will not be possible to choose face-to-face courses at other campuses.

15. Will I be able to enroll in on-line courses at any campus?

Yes. Currently, the multi-campus option is still available, which allows enrollment in on-line classes at any campus.

16. Where can I connect to my on-line classes if I am on campus?

Since there is the possibility of enrolling in courses in two different delivery methods and that the courses take place one after the other, computers have been set up in the campus libraries, which can be used by students with a previous reservation on the web: https://biblioteca.upc.edu.pe Initially, the opening hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is important to take into consideration that each student should bring their headphones with microphone to connect to their classes without difficulty. Additionally, students will be able to use other facilities on campus if they have a laptop and/or tablet.

17. Will the necessary tools and services be available to perform easily in class?

UPC has adapted its services to support the development of its face-to-face and on-line classes. All students will have the necessary academic services at their disposal, according to the characteristics of each service.

18. Will I be able to use the common areas of the campus during my free time between classes? Example: park, gardens, table areas, etc.

Yes, all students enrolled in on-campus and on-line classes, as well as faculty, will have access to the services and common areas of the campus. The only requirement is to comply with all established biosafety protocols and to be enrolled in the 2022-1 semester. In addition, all academic services and facilities offered on-line will continue to be available.

SERVICES AND WORKSHOPS

19. If I enroll in face-to-face classes, will I be able to access all services on campus?

All undergraduate and WA students enrolled in the 2022-1 semester, whether in face-to-face or on-line courses, will have access to all spaces and services available on campus, as well as to all on-line services.

20. Will the cafeterias be open?

Yes, cafeterias and other campus concessionaires will be open in strict compliance with all biosafety protocols established by government authorities. In addition, there will be vending machines at various locations on the campuses.

21. Can I borrow books from the library?

Yes. Book reservation and loan is done through the catalog, 48 hours in advance. Pick up is done by each student at each campus. Up to 4 books can be borrowed for 7 non-renewable days. The return can be made at any campus. Initially, the opening hours of the loan service will be Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more details, please contact the library staff at https://biblioteca.upc.edu.pe.

22. Can I borrow an iPad?

Yes, iPads will be loaned to students with face-to-face classes. The loan is for 7 non-renewable days. For students enrolled only in on-line classes, the possibility of a loan for the entire semester will be evaluated based on the specific need. They must communicate the need to the Campus Academic Director’s Office and the loan will be made for the entire semester with their approval. The student must pick up the iPad at the campus of his or her choice, after coordination with the library team at https://biblioteca.upc.edu.pe.

23. Will the UPC bus service be available?

Yes. The alternative bus service to travel between UPC campuses is available on the routes and schedules indicated on the website: https://www.upc.edu.pe/servicios/servicio-de-buses/. Remember that routes are subject to evaluation, modification and/or suspension depending on demand. Access to the buses is on a first-come, first-served basis and the capacity on each bus will be defined according to the rules established by the government.

24. Will the University Life workshops that we received on-line until 2021 be available on campus?

During the 2022-1 semester, we will continue to offer all our students and faculty the services and workshops implemented during the last two years; in addition, we will progressively implement face-to-face activities and workshops always aligned with the regulations established by the government. Everything will be communicated through our official channels: UPC mail and the app Mi UPC.

25. Will the University Life Cultural Fridays be offered on-line or will they be carried out on campus?

During the 2022-1 semester, we will continue to offer all our students and faculty an extracurricular activities program and will progressively implement face-to-face activities, always aligned with the regulations established by the government and following the protocols for campus entrance at our university. All calls and agendas will be communicated through our official channels: UPC mail and the app Mi UPC.

26. Will the championships, leagues and sports lightning events of the University Life Sports area take place on-line or will they be available on campus?

During the 2022-1 semester, we will continue to offer all our students and faculty an on-line sports activities and e-sports program. Face-to-face activities will also be progressively implemented, always aligned with the regulations established by the government and following the protocols for campus entrance at our university. All calls and agendas will be communicated through our official channels: UPC mail and the app Mi UPC.

27. Will I be able to reserve shifts in sports facilities? Example: gyms, sports fields, swimming pool, athletic track, etc.

Yes, during the 2022-1 semester, the sports facilities will be available for free reservations through the Intranet and for the development of training sessions for the sports teams, sports workshops and occasional extra-academic activities that may be require it.

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