Coronavirus Updates

Are classes still being held? Can I still use the library or independent study zones?

No, starting March 11 all teaching activities on WU Campus are suspended until end of June 2020.

Teaching will continue to be held in distance-learning formats. We expect you to participate actively in these activities and to complete the alternative performance components just as carefully as performance components in classroom teaching. This means that you will have to inform yourself regularly about new performance components, keep up with your courses in independent study, and comply with any assignment deadlines.

Until the shelter-in-place ordinance (pursuant to the current COVID-19 legislation) has been lifted, all libraries, project rooms, independent study zones, and PC labs will remain closed. Currently this date is set for April 13, 2020.

How do I get updates regarding the anounced distance-learning?

Distance learning means that no classes are being held on Campus WU, so all attendance requirements are suspended. It does not mean, however, that all of your classes will be streamed live at their usual scheduled times. Depending on the course, your teacher may provide PowerPoint presentations with comments, lecturecasts, or assignments on LEARN.
Your teachers will be in touch with you by email or via LEARN with further instructions. Please be patient: the transition to distance learning may take a few days or weeks. However, if you have not heard any updates from your teacher until a week after the planned start of your course, please contact her/him for further information.

Are exams being held?

Since Saturday, March 14, no exams are being held on Campus WU. Analogously to distance learning, exams will also be held online. 

Teachers are doing their best to provide alternative performance components to replace those elements that would normally be held in a classroom setting (e.g. presentations). Detailed information on alternative work for individual courses will be provided by your teachers directly. 

Will there still be an exam week at the end of April?

We are still working hard to switch the exams planned for the upcoming exam week to alternative and/or online formats. Detailed information including the new exam schedule and FAQs on the online exams (plus technical information) is expected to be online starting April 8, 2020 on our online exam week web page.

Signing up for exam week examinations is possible via LPIS from April 14  (2 pm) to 23 (12 noon).

Will there be exams at the end of this semester (i.e. in June)?

We are monitoring the situation closely. What this will mean for the exams at the end of this semester will be discussed with our faculty members in the following months (by mid-May at the latest) – you will be informed about the decisions as soon as possible.

What types of online exams will WU be holding?

WU is planning to hold the following types of online exams: 

• Remote take-home exams

• Written exams on MyLEARN

• Oral exams over Microsoft TEAMS

 

What’s a remote take-home exam? 

A remote take-home-exam is a test that has to be taken within a tight timeframe, but with no restrictions on time of day or location. Unlike the written exam on MyLEARN, you will not necessarily be working on the test at the same time as your fellow students and, unlike homework, the time allotted for answering is strictly limited.

How do written exams on MyLEARN work?

When written exams are held on the LEARN platform, all students signed up for the exam take the test at the same time. 

How do oral exams over Microsoft TEAMS work? 

These are video-conferencing-based oral exams which are very similar to the oral exams taken in a classroom or office setting. WU provides the Microsoft TEAMS software that allows these exams to be held. WU students can install and use Microsoft Office 365, including TEAMS, free of charge. 

Which exams are being held in which formats?

Please be patient for a while longer, the transition is still in progress and requires both thoughtful consideration by teachers and exam coordinators as well as careful planning. 

Where and how will I be notified of exam formats?

We’re currently working on an updated examination schedule. It should go online about a week before the sign-up period for the exam week. 

I only need one last exam to graduate and wanted to complete my program before the end of the extended enrollment period. Now this exam isn’t being held, what should I do? 

You definitely need to re-register for the 2020 summer semester to make sure that you are still enrolled after the end of the extended enrollment period. Tuition fees and/or ÖH Students’ Union dues need to be paid by April 30, 2020, and can be paid online – see here for more information.

Does the no-show rule still apply?

The no-show rule for the exam weeks in March and April 2020 was lifted, which applies to these course examinations. This means no forms have to be submitted and no one will be blocked from signing up for exams in the next exam week.

Where can I find further information on grants or study law issues in the current situation?

Please use the collection of FAQs of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (currently only available in german language).

Where can I find further information for users of WU's library?

Please visit the website of WU's library for further information on the extended lending period of borrowed books, returning of books, and how to access electronic ressorces (as databases, ebooks, journals) from off campus.

Can the project rooms in the library be used?

No, all rooms that are entered via the library remain closed and all room bookings are invalid until further notice.

Are the service units on Campus WU open?

The physical offices of the International Office, the Study Service Centers, and the ÖH Students' Union office will be closed from March 16 at least unteil April 14, 2020. You can still reach all of our service units by email, of course. 

How can I get my transcript, enrollment confirmation, etc.?

Many important administrative procedures are accessible from home by using the Online Services for Students. In addition to re-registering for the semester, you can also download digital documents (transcript, enrollment information sheet, enrollment confirmation, etc.).

How can I pay the ÖH dues/tuition fees online?

You can also re-register for this semester via online bank transfer. You need to pay your fees by April 30, 2020. Click here for more information.

Many important administrative procedures are accessible from home by using the Online Services for Students. In addition to re-registering for the semester, you can also download digital documents (enrollment information sheet, enrollment confirmation, transcript, etc.).

Will I get a refund of this semester’s tuition fees?

This is not up to WU to decide. Instead, there will be a regulation for all universities nationwide.

I signed up for graduating in absentia with pick-up on April 14,  2020, how do I get my certificate?

Due to the COVID-19 situation, however, Campus WU and the Study Service Center are closed until further notice. This means that it is currently not possible to issue your certificate and diploma scroll and to make the documents available for collection.

We will notify you immediately as soon as your documents are available for pick-up.

Specific information for incoming and outgoing exchange students can be found on the International Office website.

For questions regarding programs of the WU Executive Academy, please get in touch with the respective Program Managers. Click here for the contact details.

What can I do to help slow down the spread of the coronavirus?

Stay informed using reliable sources on current protective measures, regulations, and recommendations, and follow them. These include personal protective measures (e.g. washing hands frequently and correctly, observing respiratory hygiene, and social distancing) as well as measures affecting our community as a whole (e.g. reducing social contacts, observing traffic restrictions and, if necessary, quarantine measures).

I am uncertain and have questions about the coronavirus. Who can I contact?

If you have general questions about the coronavirus, please call 0800 555 621 – This hotline operates 24/7.

I suspect that I have the coronavirus, what should I do?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay at home and call the 24/7 hotline 1450. 

Links & hotlines (in alphabetical order)

Federal Ministries

• Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research

• Federal Ministry of the Interior

• Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health Care and Consumer Protection

 

Health (Please only call if there is an emergency, not if you have general questions)

AGES Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety- coronavirus hotline	0800 555 621
Ärztefunkdienst Wien (Medical Service Vienna) - plus: link to other Austrian federal states on website	141
Health advice over the phone - if you have symptoms and suspect that you have the coronavirus	1450
Ambulance - for medical emergencies	144
World Health Organization (WHO)

Domestic violence (services are anonymous and free of charge)

Women's Refuge Vienna	057722
Women's hotline against violence	0800 222 555
Police - for acute emergencies	133
Vienna emergency hotline for women (24/7)	01 71 719

General support and mental health

Federal Association of Austrian Psycholgists	01 504 8000	Mon - Fri, 09:00 am - 04:00 pm
Crisis Intervention Center Vienna	01 406 9595	Mon - Fri, 10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Psychosoziale Dienste Wien - Mental health emergency number	01 31330
Austrian Red Cross/O3 counselling on the phone	116 123	Mon - Sun, 04:00 pm - midnight
Psycho-social Services Vienna	01 4000/53060
Psychological Counseling Center Vienna	0664/73 517 125 E-Mail	Office hours and details (in German only)
Team Österreich (If you need help temporarily and do not have neighbors or family to help you)	0800 600 600	Mon - Sun, 07:00 am - 07:00 pm
Pastoral care on the phone	142	24/7
City of Vienna - service number (if you are in a risk group, need help, and do not have family/neighbors/friends to help you)	01 4000 4001

Hotline for voluntary alternative civilian service (for voluntary, former "Zivildiener"): 0800 500 183

Hotline for questions on the Austrian militia or extending your military service: 05 02 01

Federal Student Aid

This information applies only to Austrian citizens and is available only in German. Please see the German version of this page.