Campuses to Become Accessible to Students

As you know, since March 16, 2020, access to our University campuses has been limited to academic staff, administrative staff, students who continue to stay in dormitories, students working in laboratories and university personnel living in on-campus housing. As of June 15, 2020, our campuses will be open to all students every day of the week between 10:00 and 16:00.

1.     Partial opening of campuses:

a.     In the period mentioned, students will be granted access to the campuses during the times specified. While on campus, they are required to maintain social distancing at all times and wear face masks, which they will need to obtain themselves. At campus entrances, if deemed necessary, security staff will be able to take people’s temperatures using a non-contact thermometer.

b.     As was the case according to the previously determined rules and regulations, students who work in laboratories or are involved in research projects, etc. will be able to enter campuses and buildings, provided that the supervising faculty has been informed and permission of the department chair has been granted. Those students are also required to maintain physical distance and wear masks at all times.

c.     In accordance with the academic calendar, as of June 15, 2020, it will be possible for faculty members and students to convene on campus for courses with applied components and to practice face-to-face education between 10:00 and 16:00.

d.     The computer labs on campus will be open between 10:00 and 16:00 on the condition that the rules concerning masks and social distancing are followed strictly.

e.     Guests and graduates are not yet permitted to enter the campuses except for those who are visiting academic/administrative staff residing in on-campus housing.

2.     Opening of the university library:

a.     As of June 15, 2020, the university library will be open between 10:00 and 16:00, provided that the following conditions are strictly followed.

b.     The number of users in the library will be limited and wearing a mask will be mandatory.

c.     In order to enable physical distancing in the use of library desks, the number of users per desk will be limited. Two users will be able to sit at partitioned tables, 1 user at round tables, and 2 users at tables for 4-6 people. Furthermore, capacities for people performing computer searches and watching movies will be determined on the basis of the need for social distancing. Similarly, the library and study hall will be limited to serving up to 350 people at a time.

3.     Study halls:

a.        As of 15 June 2020, the study hall located next to the library of our University will be open between 10:00 and 16:00.

b.        In study areas, restrictions will be imposed on the number of users, and special seating arrangement rules will be applied to ensure social distancing. Wearing a mask will be mandatory.

c.        The study halls in other areas of our University will be closed.

4.     Student dormitories:

a.     Due to force majeure, student dormitories are currently not available for use except for a limited number of students residing there; students who do not reside in the dormitories are not allowed to enter them. However, as previously announced, by getting permission and making an appointment, students will be able to retrieve their belongings from dormitory rooms.

b.     Students who have left their belongings in the dormitories are required to make an appointment with their dormitory supervisors and empty their dormitory rooms by 20 July 2020. Students who come to take their belongings should do so within the specified times allocated to them and leave the dorms afterwards.

c.     Students who are currently living in student dormitories must leave their dormitories by 20 July 2020 at the latest.

5.     Sports Facilities:

a.     As of June 15, 2020, only the outdoor part of the Uçaksavar Sports Complex will be open to use between 09:00 and 17:00.

b.     Other sports areas and pools in our University will remain closed for a while.

6.     Dining halls and canteens:

a.     Those dining halls that currently serve food will continue to serve all students who visit the campus.

b.     A limited number of students and staff will be allowed into the dining halls, and rules concerning masks and physical distancing will be applied.

c.     In those canteens that will be open, seating areas will be closed. Customers will only be able to purchase products and will not be allowed to sit and eat in closed areas.

d.     In the customer service areas of the canteens that will be open, everyone will be required to use masks and maintain physical distancing while ordering and during payment.

7.     Incubation Center:

a.     As of June 15, 2020, the Incubation Centre located in the South Campus will be open from 10:00 to 16:00.

b.     It is mandatory to wear a mask and follow physical distancing rules in the Incubation Centre.

8.     Places of worship:

a.     Starting 15 June 2020, the places of worship on our campuses will be open from 10:00 to 16:00.

b.     Individuals are allowed to enter places of worship provided that they use masks and follow social distancing rules strictly.  It is essential that these places are only used for the purpose of individual worship.  

9.     Activities:

a.     Until further notice, it will not be possible to organize sports and social activities that require classroom/room/indoor use.

b.     It is not yet possible for student clubs to organize activities on campus and use club rooms.

We wish you good health!

The Boğaziçi University Rectorate