Bar-Ilan University (BIU) has taken the bull by the horns and found various ways to support students, faculty, and staff during this unprecedented time of the Coronavirus. There has also been extensive research conducted within many of the university’s different faculties in order to find ways to beat this indiscriminate virus.
In March, BIU president, Prof. Arie Zaban, sent out a letter to all members of the university’s world-wide community. His words were positive and supportive, while recognizing the extent of the crisis.
“We began a new semester under circumstances that, a few weeks ago, seemed unimaginable,” said Prof. Zaban. “The Corona crisis has changed the reality of daily life as we know it and, naturally, affects all of us at Bar-Ilan.
“Our main objective is to do everything necessary and possible to continue teaching and conducting research, while strictly adhering to the guidelines set forth by the authorities and ensuring the well-being of all faculty members and students.”
Prof. Zaban assured everyone that the university is cooperating fully with government ministries as well as its counterparts at other universities in order to formulate solutions that meet university requirements.
“We transferred to a distance-learning system in order to enable our students to study most courses online. The first few days were definitely encouraging and we are working hard to ensure that the semester progresses as smoothly as possible,” he said.
Prof. Zaban emphasized the efforts being made by BIU’s researchers to find solutions to the crisis.
“I am proud of our researchers’ dedication to the national and global effort to curb this epidemic, and we are all hopeful that the fruits of their efforts will soon be reaped,” Prof. Zaban stated.
In accordance with the latest government guidelines, BIU has moved to emergency format. Detailed announcements to the university’s faculty and students, in Israel and abroad, are being made continuously on a daily basis.
Prof. Zaban ended off with a plea and a promise.
“I urge you all to obey instructions, be as careful as possible, and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. I am well aware that this crisis is taking a heavy economic and personal toll on all of us. I have no doubt that together we will rise to meet the challenges that lie ahead successfully,” he said.
BIU’s International School staff understand that this is an extremely challenging time for all its students, whether olim (immigrants) or international students. Many of the foreign students have returned home to be with their families, but there are some that have remained in their dorms on campus or in their apartments offsite. Some are with friends, while others are alone.
No matter the students’ situation, the International School is here to support them, not only with online studies and academic support, but also with emotional support, regular correspondence, daily Whatsapp chats, discussions, and forums, care packages, assistance with online shopping, and more.
“We are working hard to provide students with accurate, updated information of the changing situation both at Bar-Ilan University and throughout the country,” said Shaindy Davidson, Coordinator of Student Affairs & Well-being.
“We are further expanding our modes of availability for the students as we know this is a trying time. We have opened a new WhatsApp group for students living on campus, along with a general WhatsApp group for all our international students.
“These groups allow students to post questions to various members of the International School’s team, and give us the opportunity to send any relevant updates to everyone. Additionally, we have opened a new page on our website dedicated to the situation,” she said.
“We provide all the information relevant to our students, along with where to reach out for any questions or support. The COVID-19 Update page is constantly updated as the situation and rules change daily.
“Beyond providing our students with information, we are there for them with emotional support and guidance. We recently hosted a Zoom session where we explained different aspects of the Coronavirus situation and had time for questions and concerns,” Davidson said.
Student life activities are continuing to function – virtually! Coffee & Conversation is still functioning over Zoom. Our Adopt-an-Israeli participants are still benefiting from their partnerships, and our Basic Hebrew Workshop will take place on Zoom.
“Most importantly, we are in continuous contact with our students. We are here for them always!” Davidson concluded.
If you’d like to find out more about the current situation at BIU, or learn more about the degree and other programs offered in English by BIU’s International School, please reach out on [email protected] or call +972 3 738 4245/4746. You can also visit our website.
