Management and General Operations During the Easing of Restrictions as a Result of a Decline in Cases Resulting from the COVID-19 Outbreak

Management and General Operations During the Easing of Restrictions as a Result of a Decline in Cases Resulting from the COVID-19 Outbreak
October 27, 2021 Phongsakorn Embangtoei

With reference to the Chulalongkorn University Announcement regarding the Extension of Temporary Closure of Offices, Class Management and General Operations during the Spread of the COVID-19 Outbreak (No.8) dated September 24, 2021 resulting in an extension of the temporary closure of its workplaces in and outside the Bangkok Metropolis until October 31, 2021;

As it appears that the situation concerning the spread of the COVID-19 virus which is now relatively stable and that there is a tendency for the situation to improve and that the government has issued its criteria an guidelines so that activities may be able to proceed along with the implementation of adequate measures, the universities buildings and premises be used for the purpose of holding classes, examinations, training sessions and any other activities with a large number of people participating they shall be able to avail of the university buildings while observing the rules and regulations issued by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Health.  As such the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has issued its guidelines and criteria for the opening of university offices with reference to the circular letter of its Office of the Permanent Secretary marked most urgent (Or Wor 0200.6/wor 11795 dated September 7,2021) to determine the conditions for the opening of university premises, the time period they will be opened and the guidelines for those performing work tasks or taking part in activities on the university premises.  Therefore, to prevent the spread of the virus as well as to lessen the risks of COVID-19 infections for its students and staff members as well as to ensure uninterrupted and efficient operations of the university;

By virtue of Section 27 and Section 32 of the Chulalongkorn University Act B.E. 2551, it is therefore appropriate that this announcement be made regarding the opening of the university premises, class management and work performance during the period when the restrictions during the spread of the COVID-19 show signs of being eased as follows:

Clause 1. That the university workplaces within and outside the Bangkok Metropolis be opened from November 1, 2021 onwards.

Clause 2.  The University permits entry only to those who have been instructed to report for work or those who have received permission to do so.

The section Head or the Vice President in charge for their consideration and permission for a staff member or student to enter the area within their responsibility.  As such, the total number of persons allowed in the area must not exceed 25 percent of the total number of staff or students affiliated with that section or agency.

Outsiders who need to enter the university premises should contact the section or Agency beforehand.

Clause 3.  Persons who have been permitted to enter the University campus area or to be able to reside in a university lodging are required to have received the second vaccination specified by the government or that which has have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, whichever one applies, and that staff member or student in question must have been vaccinated for a duration of no less than 14 days and must make sure to strictly follow to COVID-19 protection measures determined by the government, the university or the work section.

Clause 4.  With regard to instruction, course measurement and evaluation during the said period; matters should proceed according to the Chulalongkorn University Announcement re:  Guidelines for Instructions, Course Measurement and Evaluation for the First Semester, Academic Year 2021 dated July 19, 2021.

As for midterm and final examinations, the work unit shall consider offering its assistance in adjusting the format to accommodate students in such cases where they are unable to take the online examination outside of the premises.

Clause 5.  As for the class management, course evaluation and assessment as well as any activities held within the Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School; the Dean of the Faculty of Education is authorized to instruct or carry out any matter as appropriate by giving the priority and taking into consideration the safety of the students as well as the effective education.  In so doing it should strictly comply with the announcements or directives of the government, related agencies and the university.

Clause 6.  All student activities shall take place via an online platform.

Clause 7. The Section Head or the Vice President in charge shall give their consideration and permission for a staff member or student to enter the area as long as the number does not exceed stipulations in Clause 2.  As such, instructions may be given for staff to take turns reporting for work, performing their tasks at different times or by working from home, whichever is suitable and appropriate for the situation.

Permission for students to enter the area may be considered as necessary in accordance with the educational needs of the students on an individual basis.

Clause 8.  In such cases where it is necessary for university personnel or students to carry out studies, research or perform work tasks outside the campus, the Section Head or the Vice President in charge may consider giving instructions or permissions as needed and appropriate for the situation. As such, the student or personnel must have received the second vaccination specified by the government, or that which has have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, whichever one applies, and that staff member or student in question must have been vaccinated for a duration of no less than 14 days and must make sure to strictly follow orders or measures determined by the government, officials or measures implemented in that area.

Clause 9.  In such cases where students or personnel wish to travel abroad, they are asked to follow the Chulalongkorn Announcement:  Guidelines for Travels to and from Foreign Countries for the Purpose of Studying, Training, Teaching or Researching during the COVID-19 Pandemic in place at that particular time.

Clause 10.  In such cases where it is necessary to organize activities in the university where people will congregate as a group, the number of persons assembling as a group in one particular place shall not exceed fifty persons.

Clause 11.  For cases concerning the operations of an enterprise agency the Vice President in charge may give orders or implement any matters as deemed suitable, this includes the duration of time and number of days a staff member is required to report for work or instructing staff members to work from home or report to work only as necessary or according to what the situation dictates.

Clause 12.  The Section Head or the Vice President in Charge may give orders or implement any matters related to this Announcement or to issue guidelines that does not contradict or conflict with this Announcement.

Clause 13.  In cases where there is a problem or complication in the implementation of this announcement, the Chairman of the COVID-19 Chulalongkorn University committee shall have the final decision in determining the outcome.

This announcement shall be taken into effect from November 1- November 30, 2021 and if the situation changes an announcement will be made by the University.

                        Given on: October 25, 2021.

        (Professor Bundhit Eua-Arporn, Ph.D.)

                                                                              President