FAQ for students
Here you can find the answers to some of the most common questions that students ask right now regarding the corona pandemic.
As the situation regarding the coronavirus changes from day to day, it is important that you as a student stay up to date and read the information published on the activity HB Student in PING PONG or in Canvas, and the information that you receive from your course coordinators (specific information regarding your education). We also update the pages here on the student web with current information.
University-wide meeting, 4 February
Here you can read a summary of the most common questions at the university-wide meeting about the pandemic for students that took place 4 February.
Studies on campus
Can I be on campus at all when the university is in yellow level?
You are encouraged to conduct self-study at home and not be on the university premises more than absolutely necessary. If you have special reasons, for example if you do not have the opportunity to study from home or if you need special equipment or the network in the university's group rooms and computer rooms, the premises are accessible with access cards.
Can I visit the library?
Written examinations
I have yet not received any information about my written exams that are planned on campus.
All teachers have been asked to inform their students regarding the upcoming exams. Please contact your course/programme coordinator if you have not been notified yet.
If teaching is entirely being conducted at a distance, why do we have to go to campus for exams which means we must then have contact with many people with whom we usually do not?
Some examinations have been given exemptions from the requirement to conduct all university activities digitally and remotely. For this to happen, there must be special reasons, for example, the examination is judged to have very high safety demands in relation to individual citizens such as e.g. healthcare recipients
We understand that it can be uncomfortable to have contact with people with whom you usually do not, but we have made major adaptations before, during, and after written examinations conducted on campus. You can read more about this under the heading "Distance education and examinations" here.
How can you guarantee safety when it comes to written examinations?
We have made major adaptations before, during, and after written examinations conducted on campus. You can read more about this under the heading "Distance education and examinations" here.
My partner is infected with COVID-19 so I don't want to go to the written examination, but at the same time I don't want to miss it. What should I do?
Not going to work or school is a rule of conduct for those who are an adult (or go to high school) and share a household with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The code of conduct, together with the duty of protection under the Communicable Diseases Act means, among other things, that you must work or study from home for at least seven days. You can read more at Västra Götaland Region (in Swedish).
If you miss an exam, you may participate the next time the examination is held, in accordance with the university's regular routines.
I'm worried about coming to my written examination; I don't think my classmates will stay home if they just have stuffy nose.
It is very important that everyone takes personal responsibility and follows the recommendations that exist, including staying at home when they have the slightest symptom. Everyone is obliged to comply with the Communicable Diseases Act. The law means that if you know you have symptoms of an infectious disease, you are obliged to protect others from the risk of infection.
In cases where we suspect that a student is participating in a written examination despite illness symptoms, we will encourage them not to participate. We may also take steps to remove students in certain cases.
If you miss an exam because you are ill, you may participate in the next examination opportunity.
Why do we have written examinations in Borås when other universities are conducting everything remotely?
We are in contact with several other universities and are following the developments there. Most colleges and universities are making similar decisions to ours and are implementing written examinations with adaptations based on the current recommendations.
VFU/internships/placements
Am I really going to do my VFU/internship/placement?
All university operations including VFU/internship/placement must, as a general rule, be conducted digitally and remotely throughout the entire spring term of 2021. General exceptions are made for clinical components including VFU/student placements within the Department of Caring Sciences.
If there are special reasons, course/programme coordinators can request exemptions from the requirement to conduct all university activities digitally and remotely. It is the Vice-Chancellor who makes any such decision. Special reasons can e.g. be examinations that contain practical components (including VFU/student placements/internships).
Further information will be provided by the responsible teacher/Director of Studies.
Risk groups
I'm in a risk group and I don't want to come to campus for lectures and exams. What should I do?
We recommend that students in a risk group, in accordance with the advice of the Public Health Agency of Sweden, consult with a doctor about what they can do to reduce their risk of getting sick. The university is making general adjustments in the campus environment to reduce the spread of infection. Students who do not consider the adjustments sufficient can apply for deferment of studies/approved leave from studies. Unfortunately, your situation may mean that you need to weigh the risks for you to participate in campus events under the adapted circumstances and take measures to minimise the risk of infection in general, e.g. when traveling between home and campus. Perhaps healthcare services can give you advice for your situation as well.
We will also carry out a review of the specific adaptations that can be made in different educational programmes to enable those at risk to carry out their studies during the pandemic.
I live with a person who is at risk and I do not want to risk their health by going to campus. Can't we do everything remotely?
We understand and respect for your concern for loved ones. It is a difficult situation we find ourselves in and we are gradually making adjustments to our educational programmes in various ways as the pandemic continues. We recommend that students in a risk group, in accordance with the advice of the Public Health Agency of Sweden, consult with a doctor about what they can do to reduce their risk of becoming ill. The university is making general adjustments to the campus environment to reduce the spread of infection. Students who do not consider the adjustments sufficient can apply for deferment of studies/approved leave from studies. Unfortunately, the family situation you describe may mean that you and your loved one need to weigh the risks of your participating in a written examination on campus, with the adaptations made, and take measures to minimise the risk of infection in general, e.g. when travelling between home and campus. Perhaps healthcare services can give you advice for your situation as well.
IT, softwares and apps
I do not have my own printer, is there an open computer hall at the university where I can use the printer?
If you need to print a document you can do that in the Media Lab (the computer hall opposite to Sparbankssalen and M204). Use your access card to enter the computer hall.
I have problems with the app for PING PONG, where can I get help?
Contact the PING PONG support.
I have problems with Zoom, where can I get help?
Here you can find information about Zoom that might help you.
I have forgot the password to my student account, what should I do?
You can change your password thru the Self Service Portal
I do not have a computer, can I borrow one from the university?
Unfortunately, the university does not have the opportunity to provide computers to students. You can enter the university's premises and use the computers here. Just remember to follow the strict advices on reducing the spread of infection.
Certificates, forms and compendiums
I want a certificate that shows that I study at the University of Borås or a certificate with all my grades. Who can help me?
If you're an active student at the university you can create different certificates in Ladok for students. If you don't have the opportunity to print them, you can save them as a pdf. These certificates are verifiable, as stated on the certificate created in Ladok for students. Go to Ladok for students (external link)
You can also email the Student Reception at studentexpeditionen@hb.se
In the email you have to specify:
- what kind of certificate you need
- your first name, surname and student ID
If you want the certificate in paper foramt, we can send it to you by post. If so, please state your home adress as well.
I need a form to request for reassessment of examination. Where can I find it?
You can submit your form in two different ways:
- Print the form directly from the website or get a form from the Student Reception. Fill in the form and leave it in the postbox outside the Student Reception.
- You can also print the form and send it to the Student Reception, either by email (studentexpeditionen@hb.se) or post (Högskolan i Borås, Student Reception, 501 90 Borås).
I need to buy a compendium but the Student Reception is closed.
Questions?
Student administrative issues
If you have questions regarding exams, study transcripts, basic student administrative issues etc. please contact the Student Reception. Contact information to the Student Reception.
Questions regarding your course or programme
Specific information regarding your education is provided directly from your teachers.
Questions regarding the university and the corona situation
Do you have a question that you can't find an answer to on this webpage, please contact us by email: corona@hb.se
Support in general
The university can offer you help and support in study related matters. Read more about the support offered.