April 20, 2021

UMEHARA Izuru
President
Yokohama National University

Yokohama National University began classes, mainly provided in person, for the 2021 spring semester on April 12. About 80 percent of our classes are conducted in person based on anti-coronavirus measures and the results of the previous academic year’s questionnaire on remote classes, though the availability of in-person classes varies depending on the colleges and course levels. I am happy to see the smiling faces of our students on campus, feeling school life is gradually returning to normal.

However, coronavirus cases, including those caused by new variants, have been on the rise across Japan, with some experts describing the latest surge as a fourth wave. In response, the government has decided to designate several cities, including Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Sagamihara in Kanagawa Prefecture, as areas where stricter anti-coronavirus measures can be imposed without declaring a state of emergency under the Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response. The designation will be in effect for 22 days from April 20 through May 11. Kanagawa Prefecture announced its implementation policy pertaining to the Act’s special measures on April 16 and has asked its residents to continue avoiding non-essential outings, excluding commuting. University students are also urged to refrain from dining together and to take thorough anti-infection steps for club and other group activities.

***

With attending schools, including universities, considered essential in the prefecture’s policy, YNU will conduct high-quality in-person education and research activities as much as possible, as notified in the “Class Conducting Policies for the 2021 Academic Year” on March 16, 2021.

YNU has utilized its knowledge acquired over the past year to prepare for the new academic year, with the aim of maintaining the university’s high-level education with anti-infection measures fully in place. Our efforts include adopting various teaching methods; limiting classroom capacity; adjusting seating arrangements; improving facility ventilation systems (to levels exceeding those required for schools); installing acrylic separation panels; increasing the number of sanitizers; introducing safety measures in libraries, athletic facilities, cafeterias, and dormitories; and offering guidance for people with underlying health conditions. We will advance our education and research activities in this safe and secure on-campus environment while asking YNU students, faculty, and staff members to avoid the “Three Cs” – closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings, take thorough anti-coronavirus precautions, and refrain from dining with others.

In my congratulatory address to our new YNU students for the 2021 academic year, I expressed what I have learned and realized over the past year as follows: “YNU is a robust community with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff members, graduates, and the local community, connected to each other. Research and education play a pivotal role in universities. They are like two indispensable wheels turning on the axel of international-mindedness, community-mindedness, and diversity.”

We call on you to think once again about the importance of not catching or spreading the coronavirus to value your interactions with a variety of people. You are also asked to behave in a socially responsible manner. Infection prevention is not only for your own protection; it is also your responsibility to those who support you. We appreciate your being fully aware of your responsibility as YNU students and acting accordingly.

It is our sincere hope that YNU students, faculty, staff members, graduates, and the local community will overcome the difficulties arising from the global pandemic, and that our university will continue to develop further. Let’s work together to surmount this challenging time.

***

YNU issues its four-tier infection alert level in accordance with the “Yokohama National University Guidelines on Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Infections” based on the infection situation, social needs, and other factors. The current level is stage 1.5.
YNU has also released the “Infection Prevention Guidelines for In-person Classes” (March 16, 2021) on the following website:
/hus/kyomu/26166/38_26166_1_0_210331095345.pdf
Please check the details and take thorough anti-infection precautions.

Please note that our class policy may abruptly change depending on the state of the pandemic, in which case we will post revisions on our website and other media. Changes for specific classes will be notified on the YNU Learning Management System. We encourage everyone to keep updated with the latest information.