LET OP: PLEASE NOTE: these updates may contain outdated information. Please read the latest information.

Update #32, 15 April 2020 15:45 hrs

Alternative for INKOM 2020

One of the government measures in the fight against the coronavirus crisis is a – temporary - ban on large-scale events. Maastricht University is taking into account that the Dutch government will also extend this ban after 1 June. But above all, UM also wants to take its own responsibility in regards to the safety and health of our current and incoming students.

For this reason, UM has decided, in close consultation with partners Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the municipality of Maastricht, to look for an alternative for this year's large-scale introduction programme INKOM - a different approach that on the one hand 'fits' with the current situation and on the other hand introduces new students to the university and the city in a creative and interesting way. This could be, for example, a 'mix' of small-scale meetings and new interactive, digital events.

The alternative will be further outlined in the coming period. Stay tuned for more news!

University Emergency Fund - SWOL gets started

This week, the University Fund - SWOL is starting to provide support for students in need. The crowdfunding campaign held for this purpose has yielded sufficient funds to be able to go ahead and start assessing the submitted applications. At the moment, there are about 60 of them.

The starting point is that students who submit a request to the emergency fund are not eligible for other, already existing (Dutch government) regulations that can offer relief in their emergency situation, such as the expanded possibilities for taking out a loan from DUO, which the Minister has been promoting.

An initial 'check' on applications is carried out by experts from Maastricht University (Student Services Centre). After this screening, any remaining applications are forwarded to an advisory committee of the University Fund - SWOL. This committee takes a final decision on the granting of support and on the amount of funding. The maximum amount is 1500 euros.

Students who are helped will initially receive an interest-free loan via UM, somewhat analogous to the national government's offer. The idea behind this set-up is that with some of the funds that the University Fund - SWOL has received from donors, students in distress can again be helped in the future, if necessary.

In order to support students in their study progress even in these difficult times, the loan will be converted into a gift upon re-enrolment or upon obtaining a diploma at Maastricht University.

Requests for support can be submitted to: info@ufl-swol.nl. The University Fund - SWOL aims to process each application within two weeks.

Leniency committee

The Executive Board has decided to use the so-called 'leniency committee' that was set up during the cyber attack to also combat the consequences of the coronavirus crisis.

Students who have experienced delays in their studies as a result of measures taken by UM to combat the coronavirus crisis can submit a request for compensation to this committee. Additional information will follow as soon as possible.

(Psychological) guidance for employees

UM employees can reach out to various contact points during this difficult and stressful period, all of which are freely accessible and completely confidential:

• A coach from Human Capital Care, specialised in stress-related issues
• Chaplains from InnBetween, which is affiliated with UM, with whom questions regarding meaning and life that may arise during the coronavirus pandemic can be discussed
• The company doctors of Human Capital Care, also when a referral to a psychologist, for example, may be necessary
• UM's confidential counsellor and/or ombudsman when uncomfortable situations occur in working relationships

Please visit the UM website for the contact details of these resources.

Research into COVID-19: UM conducts nationwide GP research into untested COVID-19 deaths

Studies into COVID-19 and (the consequences of) the coronavirus are booming worldwide. Many UM scientists, often in collaboration with international colleagues, have also shifted their focus to coronavirus-related research. We regularly bring attention to this on the UM website. This week, we report on the project of UM professor Jochen Cals who, together with all general practice departments at Dutch universities, will register the national numbers of untested COVID-19 patients receiving intensive and palliative care from general practitioners outside the hospital.

We’re open! Students to the rescue

In this time of crisis, our students are also doing their part. For example, in the new article from the story series ‘We’re open!', we shine a spotlight on to two new student initiatives—law students giving free legal advice to small entrepreneurs and employees regarding the consequences of the coronavirus crisis, and Connect & Support, a platform for connecting people online.