HoD News - 22 December 2021

Dear colleagues,

Covid-19 restrictions and exams

I had hoped that this year’s Christmas greetings would have been more uplifting. However, given the latest development and abrupt rise in infection numbers, we are once again entering a challenging period. Once again, we must all be prepared to adapt and adjust as necessary.

All employees have been informed about the local implications of the government restrictions announced last week. Many exams in January are now planned to be held online, but still a number of exams are planned to continue to take place physically on campus in accordance with the general approach decided at Aarhus University. However, the final exam format plan awaits approval since it also depends upon its practical implementation. Onsite exams must be held with a sharpened focus on safe conditions and infection prevention measures, including the greatest possible distance between students. We expect the final exam plan to be announced very soon and ask for your patience until then. Having said that, I cannot exclude, however, that the authorities later may change the directions, which can affect the present decision of Aarhus University to schedule some January exams to be onsite.

The decision to reconsider the exam format has been taken with a very short notice. I know that directors of studies and teaching and administrative staff have been working very hard to adapt to this reorganisation of the exams. I am impressed by the speedy action and collaboration of everybody, and I thank you all for your hard work and continued understanding of this difficult situation.

For questions concerning individual details and arrangements regarding the coming January exams, please contact the relevant director of studies.

Junior job openings in 2022

The official call for junior positions (assistant professorships and postdocs) has now been published – the deadline is 17 January 2022. Please see this link: https://econ.au.dk/vacancies. Given the current situation, most job market seminars and interviews are likely to take place online. More information will follow from the sections when relevant.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Despite yet another period of remote working and online exams and meetings, I hope that you will find time to rest and recover over the holidays. I hope that 2022 will bring normalisation and joy to all of you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your families.

Niels