FAQ coronavirus and PThU

Like all Dutch higher education institutions we have been forced to offer in principle all our courses online. However, as a small institution and stressing the importance of face-to-face meetings for academic and professional formation, the Protestant Theological University has decided to invest in offering part of its lectures and classes on-site (some at our own facilities, others at alternative locations). This concerns the professional training and – for each year group – a limited number of classes.

Working from home and conducting research from home will remain the norm for the time being. Counseling interviews will take place online.

Because the reading rooms are closed, the physical library collections of the PThU are not available. Study workplaces are available only upon reservation. For questions about library services during the corona crisis, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

I will soon be travelling abroad for PThU. Are there restrictions due to corona virus, should I cancel my trip?

Travelling abroad as part of the study or internship must be postponed or cancelled.

I am currently in an orange area, what should I do?

• Students: If you are in an orange or a red area, please return to the Netherlands. Contact Albert Nijboer. He can assist you and support you with your return to the Netherlands.
• Employees: If you are in an orange or a red area, you should return. It is possible that flights will be cancelled or other restrictive measures will be taken, should the situation at your location deteriorate. To prevent trouble, our advice is to return while it is still possible. Contact your direct manager to discuss when you will be travelling back.

Does this apply to private travel as well?

We discourage both students and employees to travel to orange and red areas for private matters. 

I have just returned from a country with corona virus infections. What should I do?

If you have no symptoms after your travels, you are allowed to work and study.

PThU is following the advice of RIVM for public health and the advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Dutch) for travel abroad. PThU keeps a close eye on these advices, together with VU, RUG and other Dutch universities. We will communicate all changes for students, employees and visitors via this page. 

Should I be worried about contact with students or employees who just arrived from China or Italy, for example? Should they stay home?

No, if they have no symptoms, there is no reason for them to stay home. If there is cause to quarantine someone, the government (RIVM, GGD or safety region) will indicate this. 

What should I do if I think someone might be infected with corona virus?

Recommend to this person to seek contact with his or her general physician by phone, as soon as possible.

What should I do if I have been in contact with someone who might be infected?

If you have concerns or questions, please contact your general physician by phone as soon as possible.

I'm not sick, but have to stay home to take care of a sick child or sick partner.

Contact your direct manager and explain the situation. Perhaps it is possible to (partly) work from home. Another possibility is to use short-term care leave because of illness of child or partner. Please contact HR for this option.

I am experiencing discriminating behaviour because of the corona virus. What can I do?

PThU does not accept discrimination. Please report discrimination to your direct manager, the director or the board. They will take action. You can also contact our school councelor.