The Vrije Universiteit Brussel wants to use 100% of its campus capacity at the start of the new academic year. The Flemish government has decided that all higher education institutions in Flanders will start the year under code green coronavirus restrictions. In Brussels, this will depend on the epidemiological situation. VUB is calling for a uniform approach in Dutch-speaking education and is taking various initiatives to positively influence vaccination take-up in Brussels.
Thanks to the success of the vaccination campaign in Flanders, colleges and universities will be able to use 100% of their campus capacity and offer full-time contact education to all students at the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. With the Common Community Commission (GGC), VUB is setting up vaccination points on its campuses and encouraging staff, students and visitors to get vaccinated. It is important to note that many students and staff come from Flanders and are already vaccinated. In previous outbreaks, the VUB campuses were never badly affected because the situation was always closely monitored and in case of positive Covid-19 diagnoses, measures were taken quickly.
VUB ventilates all its rooms sufficiently and is planning extra measures to guarantee safety for everyone. The university is looking into the possibility of the Corona Safe Ticket to allow safe access to social, cultural and student activities.
In addition, VUB is committed to “blended learning”, a complementary mix of in-person and digital education. Students receive in-person teaching on our campuses and at locations around the city through weKONEKT.brussels, further supported by digital forms of education.
VUB is grateful for the receptivity and solidarity of its many partners in Brussels. With all authorities and partners, VUB continues to closely monitor the situation in the city and will work hard to start the academic year for all students and staff in the best possible conditions, with an eye on the pedagogical project and maximum well-being.