COVID-19 MEASURES

The “Guide for the Development of Healthy and Clean Environments in Higher Education Institutions in the Context of the Global Pandemic” has been prepared in cooperation with the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) regarding the measures to be implemented on university campuses within the scope of combating the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the new type of coronavirus, that is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In parallel, our University has created an action plan in line with the said guide, and has taken the necessary measures within the scope of this plan.

With the decision to switch to face-to-face education in formal programs at universities as of the fall semester of the 2021-2022 academic year, YÖK updated the said guide dividing it into two separate guides, which are “Guide to Practices for Education and Training Processes in the Context of the Global Pandemic”[1] and “Guide to Practices for the Campus Environment in the Context of the Global Pandemic”[2], and shared these guides with the universities on September 3^rd, 2021.

Our University has evaluated these guides, which include information on the education process and the precautions to be taken on campuses, within the scope of its Kov-Kom (COVID-19 Committee) meetings, and thereafter determined the COVID-19 measures recommended to be implemented on our campuses.

COVID-19 MEASURES RECOMMENDED TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON OUR CAMPUSES

The COVID-19 measures that are recommended to be implemented in Istanbul Ticaret University, with a view to ensure protection from the COVID-19 disease, implementation of hygiene practices aimed at protection from the COVID-19 disease, and the prevention and control of contamination, are listed below. It is of utmost importance that the COVID-19 measures recommended by our University are complied with to ensure the continuation of the education life of our students through the prevention of the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

• In order to control the pandemic at our University, a “COVID-19 Protection Team” was formed by the “Occupational Health and Safety Board” for each campus. The COVID-19 Protection Teams have been tasked with the implementation of the relevant procedures in case of detection of suspected COVID-19 cases on our campuses.
• It is recommended for your health that you complete your COVID-19 vaccination by having two doses of vaccine at least 15 days before the start of classes and/or your entry to the campus.
• Vaccine ID cards have been mandated for academic and administrative staff. Staff who have not completed their COVID-19 vaccination are required to show a negative PCR test result once a week at campus entrances.
• It is obligatory to wear a mask across the campus (including closed and semi-closed areas) and during the classes held face-to-face, and to observe the social distancing rule. Additionally, HES (Life Fits Into Home) codes are continued to checked at the campus entrances.
• All national and international meetings and events will be held with limited participation or online.
• Campuses and shuttle service vehicles are regularly disinfected. It is obligatory to wear a mask in the shuttle services, as well. Air conditioners in shuttle services will be turned on only under suitable conditions.
• In accordance with the decisions taken by the Senate of our University on conducting classes in the English Preparatory program and in the Associate’s Degree, Undergraduate Degree and Graduate Degree programs regarding the conduct of education in the fall semester of the 2021-2022 academic year, it has been announced that 40% of the classes in the respective education program will be taught through distance education, whereas that 60% of the classes will be taught through face-to-face education. Additionally, the classes to be taught through face-to-face education will be simultaneously broadcasted online, providing the students with the opportunity to follow all the classes online, if desired.
• It was decided with the decision of our University Senate dated September 10^th, 2021 and numbered 2021/240-2, that the duration of the classes in the English Preparatory Program and in the Associate’s Degree, Undergraduate Degree and Graduate Degree programs is to be planned as 40 minutes instead of 50 minutes, that the classrooms are evacuated for 20 minutes after each class, and that no block classes are to be held when holding classes face-to-face, in the fall semester of the 2021-2022 academic year.
• Information on the classroom capacities in the context of COVID-19 measures, and the document which includes the COVID-19 precautions recommended to be implemented in our Campuses have been posted on the classroom doors.
• In the event that more than one positive COVID-19 case is detected in the same class, the respective class will be continued to be taught online and the face-to-face classes in respect of the said class will be suspended for two weeks.
• It is recommended that academic counseling processes, office hours, activities of the student societies&clubs are structured using online tools, and, if online tools are deemed not to be sufficient, are continued using an appointment system.
• The gym will only be open to staff and students who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination by getting two doses.
• Cross seating arrangement has been introduced in the cafes. Accordingly, it is recommended that everybody sits by leaving at least one empty seat in between. In addition, salt and pepper shakers, napkins, glasses, bread holders and toothpicks were removed from the tables.
• Cross seating (seating by leaving at least one empty seat in between) is recommended also in libraries. Attention should be paid to observe social distancing while in the library. A limited number of people will be allowed inside the libraries at any given time during the pandemic period. In the mean time, our libraries will continue to serve online.