Start of the summer semester 2020 at the HfMT Köln

 The Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft NRW announced by its press release on April 7, 2020 that the current summer semester will start by April 20 as an „Online-Semester“.

As a consequence, and, until further notice, there cannot be any classroom teaching at the HfMT Köln. Teaching will start by April 20, exclusively by means of online tools, video tutorials, education and learning platforms or other e-learning formats, which also refers to the artistic one-to-one lessons.

You will receive further information on the possibilities and formats of e-learning and video communication shortly.

In view of the still unknown political strategies of our government regarding possible exit strategies for the lockdown, the Rektorat, unfortunately, cannot make any forecasts on how to develop the teaching and education within the next months. That means, we cannot predict when the HfMT buildings will be re-opened for classroom teaching, and what conditions we will have to consider.
The Rektorat of the HfMT Köln pursues a step-by-step plan without specific timetable, for at least a partial return to university life:

• Step 1: successively enabling a strongly regulated practising in the HfMT buildings, whereas probably only solo music-making will be possible. There will be special agreements for the dance department (ZZT).

• Step 2: start of one-to-one lessons (1 teacher and 1 student), possibly differentiated by high-risk groups (risk of infection) in suitable rooms.

• Step 3: making music and teaching in small groups (chamber music, bands) as well as dancing in small groups – considering the specific spatial aspects and hygiene rules.

Important notice: It depends on the epidemiological development, as well as the political decisions on local, regional and federal state level, when and whether and to what extent we will be able to realise the proposed scenario for re-opening.

From the information available to date, the Rektorat supposes that there won’t be any group events, like classroom teaching, in the current semester. This refers to theoretical classes, seminars, tutorials and lectures, as well as choir and ensemble teaching. In-class teaching, for example music theatre and dancing, where physical contact is inevitable, will probably not possible during this summer semester. In all named departments e-learning concepts will be inevitable, as far as it is reasonable.

Examinations where personal presence is necessary, can only be held, as soon as the necessary class-room teaching will be possible again. For those cases where postponing of examinations would lead to substantial hardship, we will arrange for individual regulations. Here, alternative forms of examination (including online tools) would be possible.

From the information available to date, it will be possible to individually extend the standard period of study, so that there won’t be any disadvantages. The politicians are currently working on an amendment to the BAföG regulations regarding the extended standard period of study.

Last but not least: Although the necessary restrictions to the current university and study life are fundamental and digital formats will encounter their limits in arts like music and dancing, which are based on an analogue presence, we shall take care of a maxium of continuity in teaching and learning.

I am convinced that the aesthetic power of music and dance will not be defeated by the corona virus. And, that we will experience anew and value the immediate inspiration of arts.

Stay healthy!

For the Rektorat of the HfMT Köln
Prof. Dr. Heinz Geuen
Rektor