Católica prepares phased reactivation
The Universidade Católica Portuguesa has developed a set of measures aimed at the phased resumption of teaching and non-teaching activities, presented in the "Campus Reactivation Plan", available in the COVID-19 area.
The actions outlined in this document, which follow the conclusion of the state of emergency and the recommendation of the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education (MCTES), ensure the necessary conditions for a safe return to the four campuses.
In view of the situation experienced in the country, UCP continues to privilege teleworking and learning in a remote model, maintaining the teaching activities in a distance learning format until the end of the academic year.
The plan drawn up by the Universidade Católica foresees three phases of resumption of activities, the first of which is already underway. Between May 4 and 8, the University put into practice hygiene measures on the premises of all the campuses.
The second stage of the plan foresees the reinstatement of minimum services on each campus, such as on-site services that cannot be provided remotely, which will operate by appointment by e-mail or telephone.
Aiming at the return of the students to the UCP campuses, to take place in the third stage starting on May 22, the University is implementing the measures that will allow the return of the teaching and non-teaching activities with the presence of students. The spaces destined to the on-site classes will be reopened in courses that are considered necessary, on-site exams will be carried out, upon the decision of each Academic Unit, and the use of the laboratories for curricular activities will be resumed.
In order to ensure the protection of students and employees, UCP will make available the necessary conditions for the implementation of the measures provided in the plan of resumption of activities, ensuring social distance and the use of personal protection equipment by all. The University will provide masks, gloves, visors and disinfectant. Plans for cleaning and disinfecting the spaces will also be established.
The measures outlined in the phased resumption plan of the activities of UCP will be subject to constant evaluation in the light of the evolution of the country's situation and the recommendations of the health authorities.
PRESIDENT OF UCP IS THANKFUL TO ALL
In a statement to the academic community, Isabel Capeloa Gil, President of UCP, thanked the professors, university support services and students for their contribution during this period, stating that "Together, we came out stronger from this huge challenge".
Católica in the fight against COVID-19
The Universidade Católica Portuguesa has also been developing a set of actions through its Teaching Units in order to help in the fight against COVID-19. Among several initiatives are the production of visors for health professionals and means of transportation for diagnostic swabs, the CovTec project and the e-book Guide to good practices in online education for deaf students in pandemic.
In addition, UCP also launched the COVID Solidarity Fund which aims to support university students affected by the economic crisis resulting from COVID-19.