Statements regarding coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Further information about the UPC's plan for ending the lockdown: on the COVID-19 portal
- During the state of alarm the UPC will not suspend student rights in the event of non-payment of enrolment fees or add any late payment charges
- For updated information during the COVID emergency in Catalonia: coronavirus.gencat.cat
Timeline of COVID-19 emergency measures at the UPC (until 12 March 2020)
• 26 February 2020: Information web page on COVID-19 that collects all the communications published regarding the emergency and day-to-day monitoring on the UPC website homepage. Communication Service. Communication with questions and answers and links. Continuous monitoring and support for people in the community who ask for information. Occupational Health and Safety Service.
• 27 February 2020: Approval of the action protocol and the creation of the Emergency Management Committee by the Governing Council with the aim of providing information and establishing the measures that must be taken.
• 3 March 2020: New institutional communication providing further information to the community.
• 6 March 2020: The rector's communication to the directors of academic units informing them of the public health secretary's call for a meeting with the rectors of Catalan universities on Monday 9 March 2020 and of the Catalan Health Service's recommendations. The same communication was sent by the UPC's general manager to all heads of management and service units.
• 9 March 2020: Instructions from the rector after the emergency meeting of the Interuniversity Council of Catalonia (CIC) held on the same day at noon. Restrictions were placed on extracurricular activities, recommendations were made on travel to high-risk areas and measures on student mobility were established. As far as administrative and service staff were concerned, telework was encouraged, in addition to a minimum interpersonal distance, particularly in cases in which more than 10 people gather in the same place.
• 10 March 2020: Communication protocols for external companies and contractors, protocols for rapid action in the event that employees wish to telework or access their work computers remotely, and protocols to ensure the functioning of UPC facilities were prepared.
• 10 March 2020: Extraordinary meeting of the Health and Safety Committee. Regulations set a period of 72 hours.
• 11 March 2020: Suspension of events and conferences at university facilities. Suspension of the Education Exhibition. Suspension of Mathematical Kangaroo tests.
• 11 March 2020: Communication by the general manager in which a registration form for members of the university community who must travel is made available. It is thought to be important that an easily accessible register be available in urgent cases.
• 11 March 2020: Instructions from the Office of the General Manager to the heads of management and support services and heads of service and a request for plans of action for 16 March 2020 to ensure the provision of critical services on the campuses. Again, extraordinarily extending telework is encouraged.
• 12 March 2020: Meeting with school directors and deans to agree on the proposal of measures for face-to-face teaching activities. Communication to administrative and service staff informing them of the situation and providing flexible timetable changes and telework options. Procurement of extraordinary services: cleaning and disinfection; complementary services for reception. Communication to all companies and contractors.
• 12 March 2020: Institutional message from the rector of the UPC and communication from the general manager to the administrative and service staff
This page lists the statements published by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) on the coronavirus (COVID-19) health emergency in reverse chronological order from the beginning of the pandemic until 5 March 2021.
Mar 06, 2021
- Since 6 March 2021, all COVID measures and instructions and the available resources to follow them have been published on the COVID-19 portal.
05/03/2021 Partial attendance to be increased at the UPC over the coming weeks
On 4 March, the Catalan health authorities, through PROCICAT, issued new advice on face-to-face teaching at Catalan universities and authorised up to 30% of attendance at lectures. Specific changes regarding face-to-face teaching will be implemented at the UPC over the coming weeks. Schools will announce attendance increases over the coming weeks given the new measures.
05/02/2021 Lectures for first-year bachelor's degree students are resumed with restricted attendanceorem ipsum
From Monday, 8 February, in accordance with measures approved by PROCICAT, lectures for first-year bachelor's degree students will be resumed with restricted attendance at the UPC. Face-to-face practicals and exams for other students continue as scheduled. Each school will give details of how subjects will be taught, based on the contingency plans adopted in the autumn for these student
05/01/2021 The scheduled conditions for the first semester exams remain unchanged
The PROCICAT, led by the Departments of Health and Interior of catalan Government, has approved the review of the existing prevention and control measures and to carry out new restrictions (RESOLUTION SLT /1/2021, of 4 January), which the personal mobility is limited to the municipal perimeter throughout the week, with the same exceptions as for entering and leaving Catalonia. The new measures approved are effectives since Thursday, January 7, and will be valid for 10 days. This measure also considers the extension of the measures applied since October 13 2020 in relation to university teaching . Given the coincidence with exam dates in many of the UPC centers, the University informs that they will take place following the format established by the coordinator . In order to ensure the inter-municipal mobility necessary for students to take exams or internships, they are urged to provide the traffic authorities with the following documentation: self-responsible certificate; Enrollment document ( e-secretaria ) and the exams calendar.
25/11/2020 Measures adopted on 13 October for face-to-face teaching at the UPC extended until further notice
The UPC extends the measures adopted on 13 October until further notice and therefore teaching will continue to be conducted remotely. This does not affect research or practical activities. Mid-term assessments and exams will be done on site or online as determined by each school. From 23 November the libraries are open by appointment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 30 opening hours will be extended (visit the Bibliotècnica website).
27/10/2020 Statement from the rector of the UPC, Francesc Torres, to the university communitye
The rector of the UPC, Francesc Torres, issued a statement on 27 October on the meeting of the University’s emergency committee to assess the current COVID-19 situation that was held earlier that day. In the statement, which can be read below, the Rector also reports on changes in the Executive Council and the Office of the General Manager in his fourth year in office.
24/10/2020 Instructions from the Office of the General Manager to administrative and service staff on the new measures to contain the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Cataloniorem ipsum
These instructions (document in Catalan) replace those issued on 16 October 2020 and will be applicable while the conditions described in Decision SLT/2546/2020, of 15 October, are in effect or the instructions are expressly revoked.
16/10/2020 Instructions from the UPC’s general manager to administrative and service staff on adapting the working day
Following the measures and restrictions imposed by the Government of Catalonia because of the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UPC’s general manager, Xavier Massó, has issued instructions (catalan version) on adapting the working day while these measures are in place.
13/10/2020 Communication on the instructions of CatSalut
Given the latest instructions of the Interuniversity Council of Catalonia and the Ministry of Health as regards taking temporary measures on university campuses to contain the rate of coronavirus infections, the UPC informs of new measures .
11/10/2020 UPC statement regarding the latest public information on COVID-19
The UPC states that it is in constant contact with the Secretariat for Universities and Research of the Government of Catalonia and the other Catalan public universities to decide on the most appropriate actions to protect everyone’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic.08/09/2020 The UPC approves a range of additional measures to ensure a safe start to the new academic yearpsum
These additional measures complement the measures set out by the Governing Council on 2 July on the reopening stage of the lockdown easing plan and have been approved by the Standing Committee of the Governing Council at an online meeting on 8 September.
07/09/2020 Message from the rector, Francesc Torres, to UPC students on the ocassion of the new academic year
One step away from welcoming the new academic year, the rector of the UPC, Francesc Torres, explains that safety measures are being updated to safely start academic activities on a video aimed at students and published on the University’s YouTube channel.
Video statement by the rector (15 July 2020)
Coinciding with the closing of the academic year, the Rector of the UPC, Francesc Torres, has thanked the response to the profound challenge posed by COVID-19 in a new video statement addressed to the university community published on 15 July 2020 on YouTube .'Reopening stage of the lockdown easing plan' approved by the Governing Council (2 July 2020)
The UPC's Governing Council approves the Reopening stage of the lockdown easing plan . The purpose of this document is to establish specific measures to be applied during the reopening stage, regulated by Decision SLT 1429/2020 on the adoption of basic protective and organisational measures to prevent the risk of transmission and help contain the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2.
- Further information about the Reopening stage of the lockdown easing plan : on the COVID-19 portal
Resuming Normality (19 June 2020)
From 19 June, all UPC campuses are in the stage of Resuming Normality. In this stage, it is expected that social and economic constraints will end, and that epidemiological surveillance, the enhanced capacity of the health system and the self-protection of citizens will be maintained. In the case of the UPC, the measures and instructions for Stage 3 are in force at the moment and work is being done to define action plans for this new scenario.
The UPC plan for progressively reinstating face-to-face activities presents the criteria for doing so on UPC campuses once it is authorised by the competent authorities. In the current exceptional circumstances, this roadmap is subject to any changes that the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic requires. The following are the general criteria that are applicable during the various stages of the plan, as approved by the Governing Council on 14 May 2020 (in Catalan).
- Further information about the UPC's plan for ending the lockdown: on the COVID-19 portal
A new video statement from the Rector's addressed to the university community (3 June 2020)
A new video statement from the Rector's has been posted (with English subtitles) at the UPC’s YouTube channel addressed to the university community. It is expected that the face-to-face teaching will gradually be resumed , as the health regions where our campuses are located enter Stage 2. This new stage allows, from next week, to begin processing permits to join placements on Monday 8 June . We are planning the activities and timetables for the coming academic year with a face-to-face scenario in mind . A consultation is currently being made to bachelor's and master's degree students on the exceptional distance teaching situation this semester. The deadline for responding is 7 June .
General provision of the Ministry of Health for regulating the conditions for the mandatory use of masks announced in the Official Gazette of the Spanish Government (19 May 2020)
Order SND/422/2020, of 19 May , which regulates the conditions for the mandatory use of masks during the COVID-19 health emergency.
The UPC enters Stage 1 of the plan for ending the lockdown (18 May 2020)
All UPC campuses and the campuses of the other universities in Catalonia will be able to carry out those activities provided for in Stage 1 of the plan for ending the lockdown from 18 May, according to the ministerial decree published on 16 May by the Ministry of Health. Activities continue to be carried out remotely in general terms, and access must be requested beforehand and is restricted to critical services and some research activities and scientific and technical services with restrictions on access and capacity. Further information on the COVID-19 portal.
The UPC plan for ending the lockdown and the COVID-19 portal published (14 May 2020)
The University published the plan for ending the lockdown and progressively reinstating activities on UPC campuses, approved by the Governing Council on 14 May 2020 (in Catalan), on the website. The four-stage plan will be adapted to the evolution of the pandemic and health authorities’ advice. The general manager of the UPC, Xavier Massó, explained in an interview that the plan for reinstating activities “will evolve according to the evolution of the pandemic.”
The UPC published the COVID-19 portal, which presents all the information about the plan and other content related to the pandemic that may be of interest to students and staff, such as answers to frequently asked questions, services and help for studying and working remotely, and research and social projects launched by the University to fight COVID-19 .
Recommendations for inclusive virtual assessment (15 May 2020)
The University published a document of recommendations for inclusive virtual assessment , which includes a list of potential situations for students with special education needs drafted by the inclusion offices of Catalan universities.
Four aims in the new stage to end the lockdown at the UPC (7 May 2020)
The rector , Francesc Torres , has posted a new video statement (with English subtitles) on the UPC’s YouTube channel to the university community, and inform about the plan to end the lockdown step by step .
Video statement by vice-rector for Teaching and Students, Núria Garrido (5 May 2020)
Due to the ongoing health emergency, vice-rector for Teaching and Students , Núria Garrido , has published a new video statement (in Catalan) on the UPC’s YouTube channel to the students of the UPC.
General directives for adapting course guides (20 April 2020)
New statement about general directives for adapting course guides as a result of the extraordinary measures stemming from the suspensions of face-to-face teaching.
Video statement by the rector (17 April 2020)
Due to the ongoing health emergency, the rector, Francesc Torres, has published a new video statement (with English subtitles) on the UPC’s YouTube channel to the university community. Read the content in this news .
Information on calls and contracts for research staff and the renewal of adjunct professor contracts (14 April 2020)
This document refers to the news regarding contracts and calls for research staff and the renewal of adjunct professor contracts.
FAQs of interest to UPC students during the health emergency (14 April 2020)
Students of the UPC can consult on this website the answers to the most frequently asked questions during the health emergency by COVID-19.
Also, mailbox for inquiries is available: info.coronavirus@upc.edu .
Commitment to academic integrity at the UPC (14 April 2020)
All of the UPC community is committed to academic integrity, which involves firm adherence to a set of values. One of the essential values of an academic community is honesty regarding one's own intellectual efforts and those of others. While teaching and research staff, administrative and service staff and students pledge to uphold and promote these values, this document refers specially to the assessment process.
Recommendations on assessment in the context of the exceptional situation of distance teaching motivated by COVID-19 (14 Abril 2020)
Until the competent administrations and, where applicable, the UPC’s governing bodies do not adopt framework regulations regarding teaching and assessment procedures in the current context of distance teaching, the University issue a few recommendations . The document also include frequently asked questions.
Rector's Statement posted (3 April 2020)
Dear members of the UPC community,First, I wish you and your beloved ones to be in good health and spirits.
Since March 12, we have been in close contact with the deans of the diverse Schools, student’s representatives and UPC employees in coordination with the rest of the Catalan Universities and with the Generalitat of Catalonia. The goal is to provide the means to maintain all possible activities on-line and at the same time to inform you, in a clear and objective way, about the diverse changes occurring in a daily basis on the evolution of the health crisis
The recent extension of the alarm status and the data on the evolution of the epidemic in our country, suggests that the situation of confinement will be extended and that resumption of activity will be gradual.
Accordingly, the Executive Board, after consultation with the deans, has resolved to take the necessary measures to ensure a security framework for the members of our community:
1 . Given the uncertainty in the academic calendar and the high probability that normal academic activity will not be resumed during the rest of the semester, suspend any face-to-face learning and teaching activity for the second semester 2019-2020 , starting on March and until at the end of semester. All remaining teaching activity will be carried out on-line.
2. The Governing Council of last April 1st, through Agreement no. CG / 2020/02/05 ratified the Rector's instruction on the provision of the necessary measures to guarantee on-line teaching which, together with Rector's Resolution no. 533/2020 of March 12th, set the action framework for schools to plan all academic activities, adopting them to their own characteristics .
3. In regard to the assessment process and procedures and given the high probability that they may not be face-to-face, teaching staff in charge of the diverse subjects must prepare an assessment proposal to be carried out by the students on-line , in accordance with the guidelines and requirements established by the diverse Schools. However, there is still a possibility to have a face-to-face assessment period for second semester subjects between the end of June and if necessary, in July .
4 . Work is underway to ensure that those practical activities that have been postponed by the alarm status, such as TFG / TFM, etc ..., or some kind of essential fieldwork for awarding the degree could be done during the months of October and/or November . These will be considered within the same academic year, without the need for new registration and with measures of flexibility for the continuation of the studies in the following academic year.
5. Coordination mechanisms with the other Universities and relevant administrations are maintained and intensified in regard to issues that are transversal to the university system, such as the general regulation of the academic calendar and certain aspects related to student assessment .
6. We are also aware that there are students who for different reasons may experience difficulties in pursuing their studies on-line. In order to overcome these difficulties, we are enabling mechanisms to ensure an adequate follow up for all students under these circumstances . To expedite these mechanisms, it is necessary to claim being in this situation and report to the dean of their School as soon as possible .
The main message that we want to convey to UPC students and their families as well as to the public, is a message of peace of mind. The UPC executive board and the School executive teams will continue to work together to ensure the least possible impact of present circumstances on students learning process, in order to guarantee the acquisition of the corresponding competences for a successful completion of the academic year.
Francesc Torres, Rector of the UPC
ICT security and personal data protection criteria in class and/or remote assessment (14 April 2020)
This document establishes the criteria for ICT security and personal data protection for classes and/or assessment using remote working tools, in order to guarantee the right to personal data protection in these actions and exceptional circumstances as a result of the state of alarm.
Video statement by the rector (27 March 2020)
Due to the ongoing health emergency, the rector, Francesc Torres, has published a new video statement (in Catalan) on the UPC’s YouTube channel to the university community.
Restrictions on accessing buildings (21 March 2020)
The Office of the General Manager’s instructions on accessing buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) health emergency set out rigorous restrictions on access to buildings to comply with the measures related to the state of alarm but also to support the intensive cleaning and disinfection of facilities.
Instructions on communicating infections or isolation due to COVID-19
The Office of the General Manager published instructions on communicating infections or isolation due to COVID-19 at the University so that the members of the university community who may have been exposed to the virus can notify the University for the purpose of evaluating the impact of the crisis.
ICT tools and services
Following the statement, a specific web page for supporting teaching staff, administrative staff and students working remotely was published: https://serveistic.upc.edu/ca/treballa-en-remot
It completes and reorganises the UPC's ICT Services for teleworking and basic support tools for distance learning available to the university community during the COVID-19 health emergency.
Frequently asked questions on the state of alarm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (24 March 2020)
FAQs for Teaching and Research Staff and FAQs regarding the instructions for PAS staff issued by the Office of the General Manager of the UPC .
Rectors's Stateman to the students (19 March 2020)
Dear students,
First of all, I wish you and your beloved ones to be in good health and spirits.
In light of the uncertainties the coronavirus alarm has produced, I would like to thank you all for your cooperation and understanding these days. Our community is trying hard to make available for you all the tools necessary to follow the courses and to solve the challenges that surely will appear along the way.
Directions and information for dealing with this exceptional situation will be given directly from your Schools, mainly your lecturers, who all together are adapting to the novel situation in a record time. Also from the rectorate, we are available for any need you may have. We know that you are in a key step of your life and we work hard to provide you with the best possible service. We will do our best to have a fluid and constant communication with you. We are working in a coordinated fashion with the deans of the Schools to make it happen.
When we speak about the UPC as a committed university, now more than ever, we can do it thanks to the professional and human quality of our community. I am very proud that you are part of it, that you are aware of the challenges of society and that you give your best in adverse circumstances. The UPC community will be the best to be at the highest level of your expectations.
Kind regards,
Francesc Torres, Rector for the UPC
Rector's Statement Regarding the Alarm Status after the COVID-19 Pandemic (14 March 2020)
Regarding the State of Alarm decreed by the Spanish Government, the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) reports the following exceptional actions for the next 15 days, extendable.
- Stating on Monday 16/3/2020, PAS and PDI of the UPC will carry out their work activities remotely, except for those object of minimum services that will be communicated by management. Travel to any UPC campus will be avoided as far as possible.
The academic and service directors will coordinate organization of the remote work.
- Buildings and facilities of the UPC will be closed until further instruction, except for the Vértex and Rectorate buildings .
Specific channels for the proper management of these measures will be provided through the usual channels. - The permanent communication channel will be the university web portal: www.upc.edu
A mailbox for inquiries is available: info.coronavirus@upc.edu - Instruction for the Contingency Emergency Issued by Coronavirus COVID-19
Emergency committee statement (13 March 2020)
Dear members of the university community,
The UPC’s emergency committee is meeting to evaluate the effects of the declaration of the state of alarm by the Spanish government. Tomorrow, Saturday 14 March, we will evaluate and discuss appropriate measures with university and health authorities.
We thank you for your cooperation and responsibility. We will keep you updated through our communication channels of all the news affecting our university community. In these challenging and changing times, we wish to send you an optimistic message, as we are convinced that we will act correctly and that this will make our society grow stronger.
Sincerely,
Francesc Torres, Rector for the UPC
COVID-19: e-mail address for enquiries and ICT resources for telework (13 March 2020)
The UPC issues the following new communication on measures stemming from the Government of Catalonia's Resolution SLT/719/2020, of 12 March, on the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 infections. This communication gives information on the e-mail account set up to answer queries (info.coronavirus@upc.edu) and ICT resources for telework and for distance teaching. Details are also given to inform the university community of the measures taken so far.
Given the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 emergency, the UPC and all public universities in Catalonia are in regular contact with the health and education authorities so as to closely monitor how the situation evolves.
On 12 March 2020 we announced additional measures stemming from the Government of Catalonia's Resolution SLT/719/2020 , of 12 March, on the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-03 infections.
The UPC has made the following specific e-mail address available to answer questions on the measures taken regarding COVID-19: info.coronavirus@upc.edu .
The following ICT services are available for telework : https://serveistic.upc.edu
The following basic tools are available for distance teaching : https://serveistic.upc.edu/ca/atenea/eines-no-presencial-atenea
The UPC suspends face-to-face teaching activities for an extendable two-week period (12 March 2020)
This measure follows the Government of Catalonia's advice within the framework of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The UPC has suspended face-to-face teaching in the coming two weeks. This period may be extended depending on how the situation evolves and the Government of Catalonia’s advice.
Suspension of on-site teaching is accompanied by a series of extraordinary measures that aim to minimise the consequences of the situation for the current academic year. The measure affects classrooms, study rooms, computer rooms, libraries and other facilities at the University. Teaching and administrative staff will continue to work in accordance with authorities’ advice and established protocols.
In this context, the University has planned to offer alternative teaching methods and flexibility measures for teaching to be conducted outside the classroom using tools such as virtual campuses and teaching intranets. Face-to-face assessment activities have also been suspended. Schools will inform students of alternative assessment methods.
All adjustments will be reported to students.
The academic calendar is also expected to be modified. Teaching staff will be provided with support tools to minimise the impact of suspending face-to-face teaching.
The measures will be adapted to the singularities of each school. Schools and general services will provide teaching and research staff with alternatives as soon as possible.
See the video statement by the rector, Francesc Torres, on the UPC’s YouTube channel.
Statement (12 March 2020)
The rector, Francesc Torres, has published the UPC’s protocol of action against coronavirus (COVID-19) on 9 March. The document will be kept under permanent review based on the evolution of the outbreak, the latest information on the disease and health authorities’ advice.The protocol specifies the general lines of action and those academic and extra-curricular activities that are temporarily suspended at the UPC due to the outbreak. The document provides travel advice for the university community members and describes how to act if a COVID-19 case is confirmed at the University.
The document also explains how to act in the hypothetical scenario of extraordinary measures, such as closing buildings, although this is not under consideration at the moment.
A form for teaching and administrative staff to notify of any essential travel
Within the framework of the UPC protocol of action regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert, the University has published a form for its teaching and administrative staff to notify the International Relations Service of any essential travel as long as the health alert persists.
Statement: UPC’s protocol of action against coronavirus (COVID-19) (9 March 2020)
The rector of the UPC, Francesc Torres, has published the UPC’s protocol of action against coronavirus (COVID-19) on 9 March. The document will be kept under permanent review based on the evolution of the outbreak, the latest information on the disease and health authorities’ advice.
The protocol specifies the general lines of action and those academic and extra-curricular activities that are temporarily suspended at the UPC due to the outbreak. The document provides travel advice for the university community members and describes how to act if a COVID-19 case is confirmed at the University.
The document also explains how to act in the hypothetical scenario of extraordinary measures, such as closing buildings, although this is not being considered at the moment.
Statement regarding COVID-19 (3 March 2020)
Due to the number of enquiries received regarding COVID-19, the Office of the Rector of the UPC would like to reassure staff and students that the University is in constant contact with CatSalut and is watchful of any incidents that may affect our university. CatSalut epidemiology services recommend carrying on as normal. Although no exceptional measures are currently planned, it is important to increase hygiene measures and check the latest advice from CatSalut.
If you develop any of the most common symptoms, you should call 061 immediately to ask for instructions.
Information from the Ministry of Health of the Government of Catalonia can be found here: Questions and answers on COVID-19 and Coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 (both in Catalan). Information from the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education can be found here: COVID-19: Specific measures in the framework of the Erasmus+ programme (in Spanish).
The Governing Council approves an action plan for emergencies affecting the university community and creates an emergency management committee (27 February 2020)
The Governing Council, at a meeting held on 27 February, approved an action plan for emergencies affecting the university community , given the spread of COVID-19 in Europe. According to the approved plan, an ad hoc emergency management committee for speeding up decision making and for effectively communicating with the university community was created. The committee is made up of the rector; the general manager; the head of the Rector’s Bureau; the head of the Legal Services and Risk Assessment Area; and the vice-rectors, school directors or members of the Office of the General Manager appointed by the rector and the general manager depending on the kind of emergency.