IE University has been working vigorously since the onset of the health crisis with the aim of protecting the well-being of the institution’s students, teachers and staff, and guaranteeing the continuity of academic activity. More than 7,000 students from 140 countries continued their training exclusively online during the weeks of confinement.
Since then, the institution has been diligently incorporating new methodologies, interactive solutions, tools and technological platforms, adapting academic programs while maintaining their high standards of excellence and designing remote assessment methods with the utmost rigor.
Now, with the reopening of the campus, IE University is enforcing all the necessary health, academic, technological and logistical protocols. The academic year will commence as usual, #WEAREREADY!
Our facilities have been adapted to welcome you with all the safety measures available:
• Installation of thermal imaging cameras at all campus-building entrances.
• One-way entrances and exits, elevator use, and careful planning of class hours.
• Installation of hand sanitizer dispensers.
• Installation of protective screens for staff members who work with the public.
• Monitoring and adapting ventilation in the facilities.
• Protocol for security and reception staff.
At IE University, we have designed a safety protocol to assure the safety of our students, faculty and staff on their return to campus. The objectives of this protocol are to protect the health of all members of the IE University community, to guarantee the continuity of academic activities at the same high standard of quality, efficiency, and rigor, and to provide timely and transparent information.
In these times, some students will be able to attend classes on campus, while others will join virtually. To this end, we have produced with three possible scenarios:
Scenario A: On campus. This is the scenario for those who can travel to or are already in Spain. These students must have their visas (if applicable) ready. They will attend face-to-face classes with social distancing measures, work on group projects in hybrid mode if needed, and prepare individual work on campus or at an agreed-upon location. They will meet with professors, advisors or tutors in person, following on-campus sanitary recommendations. They may choose to do so virtually if they prefer. They will participate in online or in-person Campus Life gatherings and events, following the sanitary protocol, and participate in online forums, multimedia cases or simulations when required.
Scenario B: Online. This group of students who are not able to be on campus will attend synchronous online sessions and interact with their professors and on-campus classmates by connecting remotely. They will work on group projects in hybrid mode if needed, prepare individual work from home or their desired location, and attend personalized online meetings with professors, advisors or tutors at a convenient time (based on time zones). They will participate in Campus Life gatherings and events online, which will continue to take place despite campus reopening, and participate in online forums, multimedia cases or simulations when required.
Scenario C: Continued crisis over time (if there is a second outbreak or continued situation). Our community’s health and safety will continue to be our top priority. IE University is committed to following all government and health authorities’ recommendations, and will commit to keeping our campus open as long as the situation allows us to, under strict safety measures. Each student will decide what is best for them and their academic performance. Continuity in the program will never be at risk based on the decision to follow the program remotely. The academic content, rigor, and highly interactive approach will continue to be available no matter the format chosen by the student.
PROTOCOL FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO PLAN TO ACCESS CAMPUS (Scenario A)
1. Register with the COVID-19 Tracer Web App 15 days prior to arrival on campus.
2. Complete data regarding health and symptoms status on the Web App, including the daily symptoms questionnaire.
3. Between seven and four days prior to arrival on campus, individuals must take an ELISA test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in a clinical laboratory.
4. If it is impossible to carry out a serological test before arriving in Madrid or Segovia, the IE University Medical Service will obtain an appointment with an accredited laboratory.
5. Day one on campus: We look forward to welcoming you! You are expected to arrive with the following:
· ELISA test results uploaded to the COVID-19 Web App,
· No COVID-19 compatible symptoms, and
· A mask.
The campus is prepared for the whole community to return!
If, by any chance, while on campus in Madrid or Segovia, you have symptoms or test positive, IE University has created the Covid Support Office to assist students who test positive and/or have to quarantine due to symptoms or close contact with someone who has tested positive. The service we provide is not medical; we work in close coordination with the medical and academic teams to ensure that the student feels supported and follows the directions provided by their doctors.