Škrijelj: No coronavirus cases among 27,000 students and 2,800 employees

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – There are no coronavirus cases among the 27,000 students and 2,800 employees of the University of Sarajevo, confirmed the Rector of UNSA Rifat Škrijelj for the Patria News Agency.

At the University of Sarajevo, in accordance with the decision made by the KS Ministry of Education, and according to the measures of the KS and FBiH Crisis Staffs, online classes have been held since March 12. In accordance with the new Order of the KS Minister of Education, Anis Krivić, online classes will continue until further notice.

“Online classes are proceeding as planned, and we are trying to ensure our students receive as much information as possible from their professors. Some faculties already had developed platforms, and all communication channels are being used. I want to emphasize that practical classes at clinics for our students were suspended in a timely manner, and that was a good move. From the beginning, we were committed to supporting the KS Government and the Crisis Staff,” said the Rector, also emphasizing that the work of the Rectorate has been reorganized in a way that everything possible is done electronically.

According to the decision of the UNSA Senate, published today on the UNSA website, April exam periods for pre-Bologna students, as well as partial exams for students studying under the Bologna process, will be organized online.

“Classes that cannot be conducted online must be fully compensated once conditions allow, in cooperation with student associations.”

In his conversation with NAP, Rector Škrijelj confirmed that the Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law has moved out of its former premises within the General Hospital "Prim.dr. Abdulah Nakaš" which will be used as an isolation facility, and has moved into renovated premises in the Student Dormitory in Nedžarići. Also, one wing of the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering building has been allocated for isolation purposes and has been repurposed to accommodate patients infected with coronavirus.

Furthermore, Škrijelj stated that a warehouse space at the University of Sarajevo Campus has also been made available to the KS Government in case of a need to store goods or equipment.

Regarding UNSA students who are at universities in European cities, as well as foreign students undertaking exchange programs at UNSA, the University of Sarajevo's International Cooperation Office maintains records and electronic communication with students.

“According to the records of the International Cooperation Office, the total number of University of Sarajevo students on exchange this semester is 195. Of this number, 133 students remained at universities in European cities even after the declaration of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 20 students have not yet started their mobility programs and are therefore in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 27 students have successfully returned to BiH. A number of students have not yet responded to our inquiry, and we are awaiting confirmation from them,” stated UNSA.

There are a certain number of foreign students at the University of Sarajevo with whom the University of Sarajevo's International Cooperation Office is in constant contact and is trying to provide them with the necessary support.

The University of Sarajevo's International Cooperation Office, in addition to communicating with our and foreign students, also maintains electronic communication with BiH embassies abroad, as well as embassies in BiH.

University of Sarajevo International Cooperation Office: Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the International Cooperation Office recommends that all students who find themselves in host countries respect the rules and do not expose themselves to the virus. We are in daily contact with you via email and social networks, and your data has also been sent to BiH embassies in the country where you are staying. Also, stay in contact with your host university for more information. At this moment, ensure you have enough food and supplies for a smooth life during isolation and respect the rules on restricted movement!