The position of Commissioner of Administration, and Human Rights Maria Lottidou, on the protocol for the conduct of classes at CUTC, will be subject to careful and thorough study, says Rector of the University, Professor Panagiotis Zafiris.At the same time, he notes that TEPAK is faithfully following the regulations laid down in the decrees and has decided to continue the same protocol for the Spring Semester.
In a written statement, in response to the Commissioner's report yesterday, Prof. Zafiris says that Ms. Lottidou's statement was received on Thursday and has been forwarded to the University's legal advisors for thorough study.
"Therefore, the University does not intend, at this stage, to make any public statement on the contents of Ms Lottidou's report," he adds.
At the same time, it stresses, "the University strictly follows the regulations laid down by the State decrees, in particular the article and the conditions of the decree issued by the Ministry of Health governing the operation with physical presence of public and private Higher and Higher Educational Institutions".
In particular, it recalls that the decree states that "for the occupancy of the classrooms of the institutions beyond two-thirds (2/3) and up to one hundred percent (100%) of their capacity, the health protocols of the Ministries of Health and Education shall be observed, Culture, Sports and Youth and shall require the presentation of either a certificate of completed vaccination for COVID-19 or a valid certificate of recovery from COVID-19.
"Provided," continues the decree quoted by the Rector , "that public and private institutions of higher and higher education, regardless of the conditions set forth in this paragraph, may choose to allow access to their classrooms and/or other areas only to persons who display either a certificate of completed vaccination for COVID-19 disease or a valid certificate of recovery from COVID-19 disease."
With regard to the mode of operation of the University for the next semester, the Rector informs that the Senate, in its recent meeting and taking into consideration the decree of the Ministry of Health published in the Official Gazette on 26 November 2021, has decided that the TEPAK shall continue for the Spring Semester 2021/22 its operation on the basis of the same health protocol that was in force during the Fall Semester 2021/22.
Also, the Senate, he adds reiterates the University's commitment to encourage its university community to opt for vaccination and to this end, steps are being taken to operate a vaccination centre on the premises of the CTCC for those who wish to proceed with vaccination.
It was further resolved that "faculty members are encouraged to pay special attention and ensure that all students have equal access to the educational process and utilize the methods detailed in the protocol."
It was further emphasized that the University will monitor the decrees of the State and revise the protocol where necessary.
Finally, the Rector of the CUT notes that the current epidemiological conditions in the country and internationally are even more difficult compared to the previous period and many European countries as well as Cyprus are forced to take stricter measures to contain the outbreak.
"The Cyprus University of Technology takes decisions which are based on the decrees of the state and the epidemiological situation of the country, with a view to protecting public health, the university community and the wider society," it says, noting that the Rectoral Authorities are aware of their responsibilities and are fully assuming them.
Source: KYPE
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