The 2021 summer semester, similar to the previous two semesters, will be held digitally for the most part. After a year of living and studying in the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a great desire for normality - which also includes face-to-face teaching. The Extended Rectorate fully understands this desire and hopes that this will be possible again without restrictions in the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, a look at the development of the infection figures clearly shows that in the coming weeks on-site teaching will only be possible in exceptional cases. TU Dresden has a duty of care towards its students and employees. The protection of their health is an absolute priority. As a societal actor and the largest employer in Dresden, TUD is committed to contribute to the abatement of the infection rate in our city and the Free State of Saxony.

"All our efforts are aimed at contributing to the containment of the infection in the community as a whole and, in constant dialogue with those affected - i.e. students and lecturers - to delay the course of studies as little as possible and to minimize disadvantages for students and lecturers as far as possible under the given pandemic conditions," explains the Rector of TU Dresden, Prof. Dr. Ursula M. Staudinger.

The Extended Rectorate is in exchange with students, lecturers as well as the city and state administrations to be able to react quickly to new circumstances. However, reliable planning for the coming semester cannot be based on on-site teaching but must face the realities and offer quality teaching in online formats.

In this context, there will initially be no on-site courses until Pentecost, i.e. until May 21, 2021. Exceptions are - under strict adherence to hygiene regulations and the wearing of protective clothing if necessary - the events that require presence due to the type of competence acquisition (internships, laboratory experiments, etc.). The time until Pentecost and the subsequent Pentecost week without courses will be used for the evaluation of the pandemic situation in order to examine a possible return to face-to-face teaching.

The Extended Rectorate is aware of the fact that another semester under pandemic conditions is a great challenge for everyone. The regulations to compensate for disadvantages or difficulties arising from the pandemic for studies and examination procedures continue to apply.

Even in these difficult times, let us treat each other with understanding and respect. It is important now not to jeopardize the successes achieved in the third wave of the pandemic due to understandable impatience. Safe. United. Digital. We persevere and keep the virus at bay. In this spirit, the Extended Rectorate wishes all TUD employees a successful start to the new semester and thanks you for your great commitment.

Additional information:

• Basic resolution of the TU Dresden Senate of March 10, 2021 on studies and examination procedures
• FAQ with current information about studying and teaching
• Q&A with the Vice-Rector Academic Affairs on our YouTube channel (German language)
• Overview of psychosocial, medical, and organizational counseling, and support services
• #TUDgemeinsam: Tips and support services for optimized work at home, advice, support, networking, sports and much more
• ServiceCenterStudies: Your contact for all questions concerning your studies