Bergamo, 1 October 2021
Dear students,
the first semester of the 2021-2022 academic year has begun on October 4th. Like the start of every academic year, it is a special moment, not only for freshmen embarking on a new study course that is certainly different from their previous educational experiences, but for all students in general, because it represents a fresh start, full of expectations, optimism and potential.
This year, after a long time, classes will once again be held in person, and this is great news: but it is also a new form of in-person presence because, in addition to the strong symbolism of rebirth, on a practical level our classrooms have been set up for a combination of in-person and distance learning, so courses can be followed in both ways. As a result, both us lecturers and you students will be required to work together and experiment, building new forms of learning and teaching: it's going to be quite a challenge! In any case, like last year, classes will be recorded and made available to you for 15 days, at least for the first part of the semester.
Remember that if you have any problems accessing Microsoft Teams or remote lessons, you can open a ticket at https://helpdesk.unibg.it/helpdesksegrestud/ by selecting "eLearning Students".
It goes without saying that for all university activities you will need to comply with the safety rules established by the competent Authorities: therefore, as you already know, in order to access university buildings you will need to have the "Green Pass". In this regard, spot checks will be carried out at the entrances to each site in order to avoid crowding, and throughout the day, other checks may be carried out randomly in any classroom, in order to be sure of guaranteeing you the safest possible environment. Remember that those found on-site without the Green Pass will have to face penalties.
As usual, you will also be asked to check your body temperature at entrances: if it is above 37.5°C, you will not be allowed to access the site. It will also still be necessary for everyone to wear a mask that protects nose and mouth, with the exception of those who are exempt due to particular conditions or disabilities. Every university site is equipped with various hand sanitiser dispensers positioned in strategic locations: don't forget to use them.
Access to classrooms for in-presence lessons is regulated by the EasyLesson online booking system and through the EasyUniBg app available in Android and Apple stores (for information on how to use the EasyUniBg app, write to [email protected]). From the section "Reserve your place in class", you can book your seat in the classroom up to 5 days before the class takes place. It is also possible to make last minute bookings within 24 hours of the start of the lesson.
In order to ensure rotation and allow everyone to reserve their places in the different classes, every day a specific algorithm will calculate the maximum number of hours that can be booked for each activity. This value depends on the capacity of the classroom, on how many students have chosen that particular activity in their profile, and on booking trends. When a student reaches the maximum number of hours that can be booked, he/she can still make last minute reservations within 24 hours of the start of the lesson if there are still places available. Each reservation will generate an access card with a QR Code, which will also be sent via email to the student’s university email address ([email protected]) and which must be shown at the entrance to the site.
For now, 50% of the seats in classrooms, identified by a yellow sticker, can be used: please pay particular attention to the notices and warnings you will find in each classroom.
From Monday 4 October, the study rooms of the Caniana, S. Agostino and Dalmine sites will also gradually reopen: access is only permitted to students who reserve a workstation through the EasyUnibg app (from our university website).
With regard to services, as well as in Via dei Caniana, the canteen service will also resume at the Via San Lorenzo (Bergamo) and at the Via Pasubio (Dalmine) sites. The take away service will remain accessible at all times, while those wishing to eat on-site will need to have the Green Pass. Again, please remember that for the optimal management of sittings, reservations must be made via the Fresh & Natural app. In this regard, in order to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy their meal at the table, please do not remain seated for more than 20 minutes. If you would like more information on how to use the Fresh&Natural app, write to [email protected].
Self-service printing will also resume at the following sites:
For information on the functions of the Printing Centres, you can write to [email protected].
From Monday 11 October, the computer rooms dedicated to producing free print-outs for students will also reopen, but you will receive more detailed communications on this in the coming days.
I think I have covered everything you need to know: even if many of you already know what to do and how to behave properly, it is always a good thing to provide a general summary, in order to ensure that we are all on the same page.
As I have already said, this is a new beginning: if we prepare properly and remain attentive, I am convinced that from now on we will be able to see each other in person both on campus and in a social context. At the end of the day it is these little, everyday things that, alongside studying, lectures and the dialogue between you students and us lecturers, embody the essence of our university community. I recently read, almost by chance, a quote by a contemporary writer, Stephen Littleword, who says that "everyday life can give sensations stronger than any special effect. Everyday life is made up of extraordinary little things that, if captured in their beauty, can provide lasting serenity."
My wish for all of you is that the University of Bergamo will once again become an integral and concrete part of your daily lives.
Good luck, dear students. Have a great start to the academic year!
Your Rector,
Prof. Remo Morzenti Pellegrini