For Students,
Those who wish to apply to our university,
And parents and guardians,

Class Policy for the 2021 Academic Year

　Due to the impact caused by the spread of COVID-19, during the 2021 academic year we have been conducting classes mainly through distance learning. However, we believe that a university is not only a place to offer classes, but also a place where students and faculty can connect and interact with each other.
　In the past year since the emergence of this unknown infectious disease, we have been accumulating a certain amount of knowledge about what is necessary to ensure the safety of our students and faculty members, which is of utmost importance.
　Under these circumstances, we have reviewed our class policies for the 2021 academic year, and as a result, we would like to announce the following changes.
　For students and prospective students, although the frequency of attendance may vary depending on the faculty, graduate school, level, or individual class selection, please be prepared to attend classes this coming April according to the following policy.
　We fully understand that some students may feel anxious or resistant to going to school in an environment where COVID-19 has not yet been resolved. However, the university is taking all possible measures, and we will work together with students to implement infection prevention measures so that you can go to school with peace of mind.

1. Class Policy for the 2021 Academic Year

Classes for the 2021 academic year will be based on face-to-face classes (including mixed classes※), with thorough infection prevention measures in place to ensure ties between students and the university, as well as between students themselves are maintained, and to ensure educational effectiveness is present. Some classes, however, will be held remotely.

※ If the number of face-to-face classes is more than half (ex. 7 of 14 classes) during the term, the classes will become "mixed classes".

〇 Regardless of the type of class (lecture, lab, training, seminar), face-to-face classes (including mixed classes) will be the standard.
〇 When taking face-to-face classes, please pay attention to (2) below.
〇 Examples of remote classes are as follow:
?Considering the number of students from the previous year, classes for which the number of students is less than the examination capacity (approximately two-thirds of the classroom capacity) and classes with a large capacity.
?Classes for which a high educational outcome can be expected from the implementation of remote learning in light of the curriculum content and class characteristics.
〇 Some classes will be conducted as "remote classes" or "mixed classes", so please prepare an environment beforehand that is conducive to online information and communication interaction (computer and internet).
〇 If it is difficult for you to attend face-to-face classes for reason such as you or a family member living with you has an underlying medical condition or you live with an elderly person, before you register for the class, please consult with your faculty or graduate school after the details of each class are announced.
〇 If it becomes difficult to take face-to-face classes (including mixed classes) due to future infectious situations involving COVID-19, there is a possibility of switching to remote classes mid-term.

2. Regarding "face-to-face" classes

〇 In order to prevent the spread of infection, please take your temperature every morning, wear a mask while attending classes, wash/disinfect your hands, and gargle frequently. In addition, please take all possible measures to prevent the spread of infection on university premises, and act in a way that avoids the three Cs (cramped, congested, closed areas).
〇 If you have a cold or fever, or if there is a possibility of close contact with someone who is sick, please do not take any chances by coming to class. Instead, report the situation to your faculty/graduate school as soon as possible. Also, if symptoms such as fever persist, please visit a medical institution.
〇 It is recommended that students carry alcohol disinfectant for hand sanitizing. Empty containers can be replenished at the Safety and Health Management Office (1F, Student Support Center). In addition, alcohol disinfectant for hand sanitizing is available at the entrance of the building, corridors, and classrooms.
〇 A seating management system has been installed in the classrooms for the purpose of quickly identifying those who have come into close contact with infected people in the event of an outbreak. Be sure to scan the QR code attached to the classroom seat each time you attend class.
〇 In order to protect instructors during class, acrylic panels will be installed on the podium in lecture-style classrooms. In addition, ventilation will be provided periodically during classes.
〇 The number of students in the classrooms where face-to-face classes are held will be kept within the examination capacity (approximately two-thirds of the classroom capacity), and social-distancing will be maintained.
〇 We will prepare a certain number of classrooms for remote lessons in case students have remote lessons on campus before or after the face-to-face lessons.

3. Future plans

Details on whether each class will be offered as a remote class, face-to-face class, or mixed class will be announced on OCU UNIPA by March 15 ※ for current students and at the time of enrollment procedures for new students. Please check back later for up-to-date information.
Other information will also be posted on OCU UNIPA and the university website, so please be sure to check back frequently.
※ This date is for undergraduate students. The date may differ for graduate students.

?

February 9, 2021?

Yotaro Suzuki, Executive Director, Headquarters for Education
Yoshiyuki Fukushima, Director, Academic Affairs