- NEWS
- Change in the Activity Restriction Policy due to the State of Emergency (Jan. 7, 2021)
2021/01/07
Change in the Activity Restriction Policy due to the State of Emergency (Jan. 7, 2021)
On Thursday, January 7, the government declared a “State of Emergency”. In response to this declaration, we will raise the level of the “Soka University Activity Restriction Policy” from the current “Level 1.5 (Partial Restriction)” to “Level 4 (Large Scale Restriction).”
However, unlike the measures taken during the previous emergency declaration, research activities and classes will be conducted at “Level 2 (Small restriction),” as shown in the attached table below, until January 25 (Monday) when classes and the semester examinations are held. This is taking into consideration the fact that elementary, junior high, and high schools will not be closed. This also addresses the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT)’s January 5th notice entitled “Thorough countermeasures against COVID-19 at universities and other institutions and securing learning opportunities for students (notification)” which states that, “In light of the spread of COVID-19, we ask that each university and other institutions take measures to both prevent infection and ensure students’ learning opportunities.”
*The details of classes and examinations held between January 7 to 25 will be announced on the student portal site PLAS.
For classes conducted on January 7 (Thu.) and 8 (Fri.), there will be no changes from the notice we have announced on Friday, December 25, 2020. Please refer to “Important announcement from the University President” Practices to follow during winter break, and about class attendance for January 7 (Thu.) and January 8 (Fri.).”
A new announcement will be made around January 22nd regarding the policies for the spring break (from January 26 to the end of the State of Emergency).
Depending on the situation, exceptional measures may be taken for the restrictions as indicated for the specific level. In such cases, we will post notifications on the university website and the student portal site PLAS as needed.
The scope of activities for each category is as follows.
January 7th (Thurs) ~ January 25th (Mon)
| Level | Scope of Activities | |
|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | In principle, classes are conducted online. Only some experimental or practicum courses have in-person classes while paying the utmost attention to prevent infection. *Courses that will meet in-person between January 7 and January 25 will be announced on the lecture bulletin through the student portal site PLAS. Courses that will change the way how the final exam will be conducted will be announced on the lecture bulletin and on the news bulletin of the student portal site PLAS. |
| Research Activities | 2 |
In principle, participating in or hosting a research conference is prohibited. Conducting research activities on campus is allowed while paying the utmost attention to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the time spent in a laboratory by research personnel (students and staff members). Where possible, consider having personnel work from their homes. |
| Use of Facilities | 2 | While paying the utmost attention to prevent "Three Cs (Closed spaces with poor ventilation, Crowded places with many people nearby, and Close-contact settings such as close-range conversations)," some facilities including libraries, pc rooms are available. *All campus facilities will close at 18:30. Please head home and be off-campus by 18:30. |
| Entry on Campus for Students, etc. | 2 | In principle, entry to campus should be avoided. While paying the utmost attention to prevent “Three Cs”, only some facilities approved by the university can be used. |
| Extracurricular Activities | 3 | In principle, extra-curricular activities are prohibited. However, if approved by the Student Affairs Office or the Executive Director for University Administration due to special circumstances, activities may be held with the utmost attention to prevent infection. |
| University Related Meetings | 4 | In principle, meetings are conducted online. |
| Staff Work Schedule | 2 | While paying the utmost attention to prevent infection, counter services are available for a shortened period of time, and in principle, all consultations are to be conducted via e-mail or phone. In-person communications including consultations and submission of documents are allowed only when approval is given in advance. *The counter service hours will be announced separately on the student portal site PLAS. |