To New Students Entering the University in April 2022
Table of Contents
Dear new students and their families
Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome to Osaka University.
Currently, quasi-emergency measures are in effect for Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo Prefectures, with no end in sight for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Osaka University is planning to bring students back to in-person classes in the coming spring and summer terms in combination with protective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will do our best to provide students with opportunities to communicate among both themselves and faculty members in order to inspire students to cultivate their humanity through face-to-face interaction.
Since the university will reduce classroom capacity to 2/3 that of normal capacity, it may have no choice but to provide online classes as well.
To be ready for classes in the spring and summer terms of the 2022-23 academic year, the university asks of you the following:
1. Requests from Osaka University to new students and their families
⇒ Prepare a personal computer (with a camera and microphone).
It may be difficulty to enjoy the benefits of online education on a tiny smartphone screen.
⇒ Make sure you have adequate internet access from home.
The university currently plans to hold courses both in-person and online, but the university may shift all of its classes online due to the spread of COVID-19.
⇒ Check your syllabus and notices regarding classes from your school and department.
Lecture format (in-person, online, or a combination of the two) and systems used vary by subject and class. Check these details beforehand.
⇒ Familiarize yourself with KOAN and CLE.
KOAN (Knowledge of Osaka University Academic Nucleus) is a student affairs information system in which you can check your syllabus and grades, register for courses, information about course cancellations and supplementary courses, and receive notices from your teachers about classes.
CLE (Collaboration and Learning Environment) is a web system in which course materials and videos for each class are saved for viewing. Your teachers may also provide information on classes over CLE.
In order to use these systems, you will need an Osaka University student ID, which will be assigned to you by your school/graduate school after entering the university. Log in and familiarize yourself with these systems before classes begin.
Providing classes that utilize various methods and techniques and building systems that allow students to check course materials at any given time is important for students to cultivate their sense of independent learning. Thus, moving forward, the university will promote "blended learning," the effective combination of face-to-face instruction and online education specifically tailored to lecture content, year in school, and instruction methods.
The university asks for your cooperation and understanding as we strive to provide students with even better environments for learning and research.
*Please wear a nonwoven mask when coming to the university and while on campus in accordance with the Osaka University Guidelines for Social Distancing in the COVID-19 Era.
March 15, 2022
TANAKA Toshihiro
Executive Vice President, Osaka University
2. Entrance Ceremony
Click here for details.
3. New Student Online Orientation [updated March 30, 2022]
New Student Online Orientation is now available on MyHandai, Osaka University's web portal. (The link for this online orientation will be posted at a later date.)*
To log in to the portal, you will need an Osaka University student ID and password. Your student ID will be assigned to you after entering the university.
This orientation will give you the knowledge you need to have a successful start to your first year as an OU student. Make sure to view it before classes begin.
*Note: New Student Online Orientation is a university-wide orientation separate from the Orientation by Undergraduate School (学部別履修指導) listed on page 3 of the pamphlet entitled "Events Scheduled after Enrollment in April 2022 (令和４年度入学当初の行事)."
Be aware that this Orientation by Undergraduate School will not be held online.
4. OU Welcome Channel
OU Welcome Channel 2022, a welcome video for new students, will be unveiled on the Osaka University Official YouTube Channel on Tuesday, March 15. Click here for more information. (This content is in Japanese only.)
5. Wi-Fi router rentals
As classes are held both in the classroom and online, the university provides rental mobile Wi-Fi routers free of charge to students who have difficulties accessing the internet due to financial circumstances.
For more information, view the Regarding mobile Wi-Fi router rentals section of this page.
6. Special arrangements for students who feel anxious about attending in-person classes
Osaka University will provide special arrangements to prevent detrimental impacts on schooling attainment and learning of students who do not wish to attend in-person classes for valid reasons during the spring and summer terms of the 2022-23 academic year.
Students who wish to receive these special arrangements should apply through the KOAN bulletin board. Your student ID, which will be given from your school after entering, is necessary to access KOAN.
Application period for new students: April 1 ~ August 31, 2022
*Eligible students include: Students who are at high risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as pregnant women, the elderly, those with an underlying condition (diabetes, heart failure, respiratory disease (COPD etc.)), those receiving dialysis, immunosuppressants, or anticancer drugs, or those who feel an overwhelming anxiety about commuting to the university to take in-person classes.
Contact
Special Arrangements Counter, Education Planning Division, Department of Education and Student Affairs
covid-19_hairyo[at]office.osaka-u.ac.jp
*Replace [at] with @ when contacting this address.
7. Measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Osaka University has made efforts to keep the campus community safe through campus-wide and OU community members’ personal COVID-19 prevention practices.
We ask incoming students to cooperate in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 on campus. All are reminded of the following:
- Wear a face mask (nonwoven) in indoor public spaces and when talking and coming into close contact with others outside.
- Use hand sanitizer when entering a building or room.
- Avoid the three C’s (closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people, and close-contact).
- During dining with others, wear a mask when not eating or drinking.
- If you're not well, do not attend class or extracurricular activities.
- If you contract COVID-19 or are identified as being a close contact with someone who has, contact the administrative division of your school.
For information regarding measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at Osaka University, click here.
8. Related webpages
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- Overseas Safety
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Regarding measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- Regarding COVID-19
