On the Issuing of the State of Emergency

January 5, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty Members, and Staff,

The Japanese Government is to issue a State of Emergency in a few days, according to a recent press release. You may feel anxious about our education from January 6 onwards this semester. Today, we held an emergency meeting (the 42nd) of the Headquarters for Corona Virus Prevention at Waseda University and decided the following policy.

First, we will continue to provide all classes in the same manner that we decided for the second half of autumn semester (or the winter quarter). Even after the State of Emergency is issued by the Japanese Government, we will maintain this policy unless a drastic change in the COVID-19 situation takes place.

Second, we would like to assure you that you will be safe from the corona virus when having classes in person, as we replaced all the older air conditioning systems with new ones that can circulate 30 cubic meters per hour per person in order to maintain a safe environment for teaching. In addition, we are preparing appropriate distancing between seats in classrooms. However, if you feel anxious about your health, please do not hesitate to stay home and learn/teach online.

Third, we have been very careful to prevent spreading the corona virus infection. At the same time, many of our students, particularly freshmen who enrolled in April or September 2020, felt isolated and uneasy, as we had to move all classes online in spring 2020 and many classes online in autumn 2020. We are therefore aiming to provide about 70 percent of classes in person for the new academic year starting April 2021. At the same time, we may have to keep some large classes, which means classes with about 100 students or more, online in order to prevent spreading the corona virus on campus. We are trying our best to ensure a normal campus life insofar as possible.

For class teaching, Library opening hours, working conditions of staff, athletic activities of varsity clubs, and activities of student circles, please stay tuned for further information from each office of Waseda University.

We trust that you will behave with prudence towards yourselves and consideration towards others, with pride as members of the Waseda University community.

Aiji Tanaka, President
Waseda University