Haaga-Helia will continue using the blended model until the end of autumn semester

The main rule is that less than half of the personnel and students can work on our campuses simultaneously. However, each department and campus is free to decide on the appropriate implementation of how they work. Priority will be given to those courses and work tasks that require presence, for example, due to the nature of the work or work equipment. In principle, it’s still recommended to work and study remotely if the work arrangements and tasks allow it.

Considering studying on-campus, priority will be given to 1st-year students whose immediate support is believed to be greatest. Continuing students can also study on campus, given that the safety regulations are followed (safe distances, enhanced hygiene). Events can be arranged on campuses on a case-by-case basis, if safety distances and other safety instructions are followed. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences has stated that it strives to normalize its operations to the best of its ability, taking into account national regulations and the regulations and instructions of the authorities. 

The blended model is here to guarantee that we all can keep at least one meter (1) of safety distance to the others. Haaga-Helia requires that everyone follows this rule in elevators, in classrooms and offices as well as in break rooms and restaurants. Maintaining safety distance is primarily the responsibility of each individual, but if repeated violations are to be detected, the matter may need to be addressed.

The students will be instructed mainly through Mynet, which is why we recommend everybody to actively monitor our site.

Haaga-Helia policies for the autumn semester

Board of Haaga-Helia has made the following guidelines for the autumn semester. Please note that this news will be updated when changes occur.

• As the COVID19 situation has not eased in Finland, we will continue implementing the blended model during the entire autumn semester (1.8.-31.12.2020).
• People at increased risks should avoid working on Haaga-Helia’s campuses and discuss their situation with their closest supervisor. The recommendation also applies to persons who live together with a person at risk or who have frequent contact with a person at risk. Read more about risk groups from here.
• Some restaurants and cafeterias at Haaga-Helia’s campuses will be opened by following safety regulations. Restaurant seats have been halved and some of the restaurants may stay closed during the autumn. There is no common policy for lunch, as every restaurant can decide about their operations. More information can be found from the restaurant's official websites.
• In the autumn, study priority will be given to 1st-year students, whose immediate support is believed to be greatest.
• Haaga-Helia is committed to supporting its students by all possible means so that the exceptional situation does not make studying too overwhelming.

Haaga-Helia has formed a crisis team led by Service Director Kari Salmi. The team includes HR Director Hanna Ilmonen, Vice President Minna Hiillos, and the campus managers, who represent the campuses. The corona crisis team is prepared for rapid changes in the situation.

Hygiene and enhanced cleaning

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences will continue intensified cleaning, in connection with which cleaners will wipe the tables daily in both work and study spaces. Enhanced cleaning of sanitary facilities on campuses will also continue throughout the fall.

However, everyone should keep in mind that the responsibility for our safety lies first and foremost with ourselves. This means, among other things, that each of us must keep our tools clean and to avoid fluctuations in workstations during working hours, to minimize the risk of infection and thereby prevent the possible spread of the virus.

Travelling and exchange studies

Haaga-Helia has stated that trips abroad for the work or study of staff and/or students may be considered, taking into account national and international safety regulations. As for the self-isolation and quarantine, you should check out the current instruction and recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

If you come to Finland from a country classified by THL as a risk area, you must remain in voluntary quarantine for 14 days. This applies to staff, students and guests alike. Passengers coming from the countries approved as safe by THL do not need to be quarantined.

Check out THL's updated list and travel instructions behind this link.

Haaga-Helia has also decided that it will send students for international exchange and placements starting 1.8.2020. Exchanges and placements will take place if the COVID19 situation allows it. Haaga-Helia will also receive incoming exchange students, paying attention to possible quarantine regulations.

Students from outside EU/ETA area, are advised to postpone their exchange to spring semester 2021, due to Migri’s suspension of granting residence permits. These students will be offered a possibility to participate in Haaga-Helian online offering.

When can you study at campuses?

It should be clear for everyone that you have no business on campuses unless you’re fit and healthy. Even a runny nose should be treated with the seriousness required by the situation.

Please follow the instructions below before coming to campuses:

• No less than seven days after you have been infected with a respiratory infection or suspected of COVID-19 infection and you have had no symptoms during the last three days.
• 14 days after you (or a person living in the same household) have been ill due to diagnosed coronavirus disease and you (or the other person) have had no symptoms during the last three days.
• You have not been in the same space with a person diagnosed with coronavirus disease during the last 14 days.
• In case of illness or any case mentioned above, we recommend you to follow the instructions from the Finnish institute for health and welfare (THL).

Information about the Coronavirus during the fall semester will be provided through MyNet.