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Message from President-University policy for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)-

Message from the President for the Start of the 2022 Academic Year Posted on April 1st, 2022

Dear all new students, current students, and parents/guardians of the 2022 academic year

Our third new school year under the COVID-19 pandemic has begun. I am sure that the past two years have been a stressful time of high school and college life for you, as you have had to constantly struggle with the coronavirus. Iwate University had to take unusual measures as well, such as the introduction of remote classes and the cancellation of various ceremonies.
In 2022, while continuing to fight COVID-19, we will resume normal university activities while implementing infection control measures.

First of all, we plan to hold the entrance ceremony on April 7 for the first time in three years. Unfortunately, parents and guardians will not be allowed to enter the venue, but we are very happy to be able to provide a place to welcome all new students to a fresh start.

Today marks the start of the 2022 academic year, but the new coronavirus has changed its form and continues to spread. I ask that each of you continue to take care of your health on a daily basis and take thorough precautions against infection. The actions of each and every one of you are very important. Iwate University will continue to actively support you so that you can make your student life meaningful. If you have any problems, please do not hesitate to contact the university. We will work together with you to make Iwate University a better university.


Ogawa Satoshi
President, Iwate University

Message from the President for the Start of Face-to-Face Classes in Second Semester 2021 Posted on September 10th, 2021

All students

Due to the new coronavirus infection, this year's summer vacation has been a time of refrain as last year, and the number of infected people, which increased significantly from late July to August, has shown signs of decreasing nationwide in September. In order to further reduce the number of infections, I would like to ask everyone to continue to take the necessary basic infection control measures during the rest of the summer holidays, and continue to take actions to prevent infection and transmission.

Classes for the second semester of the 2021 academic year will begin on October 7th. Iwate University will continue to hold classes in the second semester face-to-face in accordance with thorough measures to prevent the spread of infection. If you are living away from Iwate Prefecture, please return to your residence to commute to the university at least 14 days prior to the start of classes, and make sure to monitor your health daily and keep yourself in good physical condition before attending classes.

At Iwate University, we would like to support your growth by face-to-face university education, where you can have real experiences that are not possible in remote classes. We will conduct face-to-face classes with full consideration for safety and security while taking measures to prevent the spread of infection.

We will continue to provide support to our students. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to consult with the university.

Ogawa Satoshi
President, Iwate University

Message from President Posted on July 30th, 2021 For the summer vacation period

Dear Students

With the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the achievements of Japanese athletes have been making headlines every day, and we continue to be moved by their success. I sincerely hope that all of the athletes who have been working hard day in and day out will be able to demonstrate all of their abilities.

Now, the first semester of the 2021 school year is almost over, and we are about to enter the long summer vacation period. The COVID-19 epidemic that has been going on since last year continues to spread, especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and I am sure that students have seen the news that the number of infected people nationwide has reached a record high. Looking at the breakdown of the number of infected people, the number of people in their 60s and above is decreasing due to the progress in vaccinating the elderly, while the number of infected people in the younger generation is increasing due to the lack of vaccination. In particular, people in their twenties, the same age as you, account for a large part of the infected population.


I would like to ask all students to be aware of the fact that young people of the same generation account for a large part of the infected population, and to continue to take basic infection control measures such as hand washing and disinfection, wearing masks, and not stopping by places where infection control measures are not sufficiently implemented during the summer vacation. It has already been more than a year since I asked everyone to take infection control measures, and I know that many of you are tired of doing so. However, the virus continues to spread rapidly. Once again, please keep your own infection control measures in mind. Please make sure that you are not infected and do not spread the virus to others.

I sincerely hope that you will be able to attend the second semester of classes in good health.

Ogawa Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on May 6, 2021 Outbreak of a New Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection

To all students, faculty and staff members

On May 2nd, it was discovered that one of our students was infected with COVID-19, and we have already notified university members through our website and e-mail.
I understand that students, faculty and staff are worried about this situation. I apologize for the inconvenience to those who have been asked to stay home. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Iwate University continues to verify the route of infection and take appropriate measures in cooperation with the public health center, Iwate Prefecture and Morioka City to prevent the spread of the infection.

There are no changes to the academic schedule at this time, but please check the website, "InAssistant", and university e-mails daily for the latest information including classes.

If you have a fever or feel sick, or if you have any concerns about your health, please take a break from the university and make every effort to manage your condition through health monitoring.

The risk of infection is everywhere. Please continue to be aware of the importance of "not getting infected" and "not letting others get infected". The most important thing is for each and every one of us to keep this in mind.

Also, please be considerate of those who have been unintentionally infected and those around them. I also ask for your understanding and consideration for their human rights.

May 6, 2021
Ogawa Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on January 18, 2021 Iwate University Graduation and Commencement Ceremony 2021

To Year 2021 Graduates and Parents

Since the beginning of 2020, due to the efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you could not have a normal university life, and your research and research thesis for graduation may have been carried out in unprecedented way. Iwate University has been searching for a way to hold a graduation and commencement ceremony to celebrate everyone.

However, the outbreak of COVID-19 never stopped, thousands of infected people were confirmed every day nationwide, and the situation worsened to the point where the government declared a state of emergency for 11 prefectures. In view of the current social situation, we have decided to hold the event with the participation of only the representatives of graduates. Even though the decision was made with a heavy heart, Iwate University must give top priority to the health of everyone.

I understand how students and parents are looking forward to the graduation and commencement ceremony and disappointed by our decision, but sincerely hope for your understanding.

January 18 ,2021
OGAWA, Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on December 15, 2020 Regarding Winter Vacation

To students,

The topic of COVID-19 has remained an important subject since the beginning of the year 2020, and the university has been forced to respond unprecedentedly. Your university life might have been different than normal. We have only a few days left in this unusual year of 2020.

As you know, Iwate Prefecture, which had no cases confirmed until July, has gradual increase of cases since the first case was confirmed. And now, the cases are confirmed on daily basis. However, no cases have been confirmed on campus. This is the result of your efforts. As the president, I would like to thank you for all your effort.

We had face-to-face classes during the second semester and you will have winter vacation soon. I think winter vacation will be different than usual for you.
We are not going to restrict movement to other prefectures for those returning to their family homes during vacation. However, you should carefully judge the necessity of outings and/or visiting to the areas where the infection is widespread. Anyone could get COVID-19 at any time without realizing it. You should always keep in mind that you are at risk of infection at any time. Please continue to take measures to prevent the spread of infection in line with the "New Lifestyle". It is the most important for each one of you to try to live a life consciously by avoiding "getting COVID-19" and "spreading COVID-19".

I sincerely hope that you will stay healthy and have a happy New Year. I am looking forward to seeing you all in the coming new year.

December 15,2020
OGAWA, Satoshi
President

The following URLs summarize our responses to new coronavirus infections.

Message from President Posted on August 27, 2020 Face-to-face style classes for second semester

Students and their families,

Iwate University has conducted all classes remotely during the first semester due to COVID-19 affecting many people's life. As we announced on July 15th, we will have face-to-face style classes in the second semester.

There have been calls for continuing remote learning classes for the second semester, considering of the number of infected people in Japan and situation in which infected people are confirmed sporadically in Iwate. However, Iwate University believes that meeting teachers and friends in person helps students grow by gaining knowledge and experience.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 will continue to exist. Vaccines and treatments for COIVD-19 are under development, but it seems it will take years to put them into practical use. One year for university students is very precious time, and we think that universities need to make that time as fruitful for them as possible.

Iwate University will thoroughly implement infection measures in order to conduct face-to-face classes for second semester. We would like to ask all students to continue to take measures to prevent themselves from being infected and to prevent spreading infection to others. I also hope that you will have compassion for those who have unexpectedly become infected.

In order to conduct face-to-face classes, I want all of you to do the followings. If you are out of town to meet your families, etc., please come back to a place where you can attend the school 14 days before the first day of class. Then please measure your body temperature every day and pay attention to your health condition.

These 14 days will be an important period to make sure to have our classes free of infected students. In addition, please install and use the "COVID-19 contact confirmation App (COCOA)" recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in order to know the possibility of close contact with infected people. It is also used to provide information to others.

The "new normal" of living with COVID-19 is inescapable, therefore we must all strive to do our best by avoiding the spread of infection or becoming sick ourselves. We can only overcome this hardship with the cooperation of all of you.

We will continue to support students. If you have any problem, feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

August 27, 2020
OGAWA, Satoshi
President

Iwate University case of infection control measures (some examples)

Install non-contact temperature measuring system
Install non-contact temperature measuring system
Place hand sanitizers at entrance of the lecture room
Place hand sanitizers at entrance of the lecture room
Infection control posters in the classroom
Infection control posters in the classroom
Use management of seating position
Use management of seating position
Use face shields
Use face shields
Place hand sanitizers at library
Place hand sanitizers at library
Sharing information related to COVID-19
Sharing information related to COVID-19
Install splash prevention sheets at the counter
Install splash prevention sheets at the counter
Install partitions in the cafeteria
Install partitions in the cafeteria

Message from President Posted on August 6, 2020 President's Message before Summer Vacation

Dear Students

First semester will be over soon. COVID-19 infected people were confirmed in Iwate, and unfortunately now all prefectures have infected people. The fact that no infected person has been confirmed at Iwate University under the current conditions is the result of everyone's autonomous action to prevent the spread of infection. Thank you so much for your cooperation.

As summer vacation will begin soon, I believe that you will want to have a wonderful time. However, COVID-19 is spread throughout Japan, and the number of infected people is increasing. The situation remains unpredictable. I would like to ask you to follow the "New Lifestyle" during your summer vacation. Be careful not to become infected and make a conscious effort not to infect others in your daily life.It is the most important thing for each of us to keep "New Lifestyle" in mind

Please take good care of yourselves, and I am looking forward to seeing you again in second semester.

August 6 , 2020
OGAWA, Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on July31, 2020 Measures of Iwate University concerning confirmation of COVID-19 infected people in Iwate

Students,

Three new COVID-19 infected people were confirmed in Iwate on July 30th. We understand that you may feel worried.

Iwate University has taken measures based on the Iwate University alert level policy for coronavirus infections (BCP). Some students may wonder why it isn't raised to "Level 2".

The alert level will be judged by the Iwate University Crisis Management Committee based on the occurrence of infected people. We believe that it is necessary to make a careful judgment on raising the alert level under the current conditions of infected people all over Japan including Iwate. The alert level will stay "LEVEL 1", due to the fact that there are no people in Iwate University who had close contact with infected people and it is unlikely that the number of infected people will rapidly increase in Iwate.

We will have face-to-face exams in some classes starting August 6th. As we announced before, we will carry out face-to-face exams through various measures to prevent the COVID-19 infection, such as body temperature screening with a thermal camera, having distance between seats, wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and securing lecture rooms for remote lectures.

We will continue paying close attention to the number of infected people in Iwate, the route of infection, and the specific situation of people in close contact with the virus. When we determine that it is necessary to have new measures, we will make a decision promptly and inform you through the University website and I-Assistant. Please check them every day. We take the infection confirmation in Iwate very seriously. There is no change in the basic policy of Iwate University, which is that students' health and safety is top priority.

Please continue to follow the "new lifestyle" such as daily health observation and infection prevention, etc. If you have any problem, feel free to contact us.

July 31, 2020
OGAWA, Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on July15, 2020 Face-to-face style classes for second semester

Students,

Iwate University has conducted all classes remotely since the first day of class on May 7th in order to give priority to your health and safety. We understand that the transition to remote methods of learning and not being able to have regular university life can be stressful for everyone. Especially, new students may have felt uneasy about their new university life.


The spread of the COVID-19 is still confirmed mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and currently the signs of virus transition ceasing soon cannot be foreseen. However, we have to proceed with the "new normal" based on a "new lifestyle" which is different from the "normal" before the spread of the COVID-19.

We will take infection prevention measures and have face-to-face style classes in the second semester as a process of the "new normal". Please prepare to take face-to-face style classes on the first day of second semester. If you are currently outside of Iwate Prefecture, such as your hometown, please give yourself extra time to come back to Iwate before the second semester starts and pay attention to your health condition. Also, please continue monitoring your health, washing your hands, wearing a mask, etc., in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Iwate University will make preparation possible to ensure that students can have a nice university life with peace of mind.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the first day of second semester.

July 15, 2020
OGAWA, Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on May 26, 2020 Shifting to LEVEL1

To All Students,

The state of emergency throughout Japan was lifted on May 25th. As of today, no infected person has been reported in Iwate prefecture. The fact that no infected person has been confirmed in Iwate is a very unique case because the infection has spread all over the world. Our case has even been featured in the American economic journal. In the journal, it was inferred that the geographical environment such as being surrounded by mountains and heightened awareness of crisis caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake might have been a factor, but I think it is the result of each one's action. There is no doubt that the autonomous behavior of all students contributes significantly to this result. Since the early days of the spread of infection, I have asked all students to "behave autonomously and behave appropriately as a member of society". It can be said that this is the result of everyone's response to my request. I would like to thank you again for your cooperation.

In response to the cancellation of the state of emergency, Iwate University has decided to lower COVID-19 alert level from "LEVEL2" to LEVEL1" as of May 26th. Therefore, self-restraint will be eased and it will be possible to move across the prefectures according to the guidelines indicated by the government. We are also considering that club activities will become gradually available in the future.
However, COVID-19 has not disappeared, nor has a vaccine or a cure been developed. It is necessary to carefully watch for a second wave of the infection due to the cancellation of the state of emergency. Unfortunately, it will be the long battle with COVID-19. We must continue to be vigilant and put efforts towards preventing the spread of infection based on a "new lifestyle". From this point of view, now that the number of new infected people has decreased and the state of emergency has been lifted, it is an opportunity to make essential preparations to prevent the spread of infection.

The face-to-face classes will be resumed after the system has been established to ensure that students can take the classes with confidence, such as classrooms hosting interval lectures. We decided to continue remote learning until the end of the second quarter (Aug. 12). We will provide specific information about the commencement of face-to-face classes once it has been decided. As a reminder, Iwate University also lends out communication devices and computer for free to students in need. Again, please feel free to contact us if you have any problems.

May 26, 2020
Ogawa Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on May 15, 2020 Regarding Iwate University's alert level and the continuation of remote learning at the university

To all students, faculty and staff members

Yesterday, the government decided to cancel the state of emergency in 39 prefectures including Iwate prefecture.

I feel that this is the result of each and every person continuing their self-restrained lives, and above all, I am relieved that Iwate University has passed without any infected people.

It can be said that this is because of individual actions done by each of you. I would like to thank you.

By the way, Iwate University has started remote learning since May 7th.
With regards to the lesson implementation, there may be an option to return to face-to-face lessons by canceling the state of emergency. However, Iwate University wants to maintain the University's alert level (LEVEL2) for a while more and continue with remote learning.

The reluctance to release the state of emergency should not waste your efforts. The "New Lifestyle" presented by the Government Experts Meeting calls for "securing the distance between people" and "wearing masks" as measures to prevent infections in the released areas.

In addition, the National Governor's Association said, "At least during the period when the emergency declaration is issued, even if it is lifted in some areas, unnecessary and unurgent movements across prefectures should not be carried out. We have issued a strong recommendation to "call for self-restraint" so that there are no such movements."

It is a comprehensive judgment based on these circumstances. We understand that it may be stressful for all students, faculty and staff, but we ask for your continued understanding and cooperation.

Furthermore, we will carefully judge future changes in the alert level at Iwate University, taking into consideration of the cancellation of the state of emergency and requests from local governments.


May 15, 2020
Ogawa Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on May 1, 2020 Regarding School Starts

To All Students,

School will start on May 7th.
Per the previous announcement, the classes will be mostly conducted remotely. This is one of measures of the Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19). Not only students who take classes, but also faculty who conduct them, don't have enough time to prepare for it. We understand that each of students have different Internet access and some of you have difficulty in connecting to class content from off campus. All faculty and staff will do their best to provide the most fulfilling classes under the given condition. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
If it is a regular year, you may go visit your family and spend time with them during the Golden Week. Unfortunately, it isn't possible this year.
Recently, the number of infected people in Tokyo seems to be decreasing. I would like to ask you for continued cooperation in order not to waste our efforts and help to prevent outbreak in Iwate Prefecture.

May 1, 2020
Ogawa Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on May 1, 2020 Regarding Financial Support for Students

To All Students,

Some students have experienced great impact on their lives because their parents' financial situation may have worsened, and/or part-time jobs may be decreasing due to the Declaration of a State of Emergency and the requests for self-restraint of various economic activities.
We are considering how Iwate University can create our very own emergency student support measures such as extending the Iwate University Ihatov funds in addition to the emergency support scholarship provided by Jasso, so that every student can engage in their studies with a sense of security. We will provide specific information on Iwate University's website once it has been decided.

May 1, 2020
Ogawa Satoshi
President

Message from President Posted on April 24, 2020  How to spend Golden Week

To all Iwate University faculty, staff and students

As the long holiday approaches, please remember the state of emergency issued by the national government and the message from the governor of Iwate prefecture, by refraining from any nonessential and non-urgent outings, such as traveling, visiting family outside of Iwate prefecture, and leaving the Iwate prefecture.

Since infection is spreading all over the world and Japan, it is extremely important for each person to take ownership of problem and help prevent the spread of infection.

Thank you for your continuous understanding and cooperation.

Message from President Posted on April 17, 2020 Postponement of the starting date of classes

Dear Students

Yesterday, it was decided that the "Declaration of a State of Emergency" issued by the Japanese government would cover the whole of Japan.
So far, there are no infected persons at this point in Iwate Prefecture, but Iwate University takes this decision very seriously, and decided to postpone the starting date of classes from Monday, April 20th to Thursday, May 7th.

In addition, as a general rule, we plan to conduct all classes online even when classes start from May 7th. We will provide information to students about the environment preparations to make online classes possible, announcements of specific methods, and support from the university, so please check the Iwate University website regularly.

Previously, I have already requested everyone to start living in Iwate Prefecture by Monday, April 6th, observe your health for 14 days, and refrain from going out unnecessarily. In addition, I am sorry to have caused inconvenience to students but thanks to your cooperation, there has been no infected people in Iwate Prefecture as of now.

On the other hand, the spread of new coronavirus infectious diseases has become a global problem, and your continued cooperation is essential to lead this problem to a conclusion.

You are college students and you are already members of society, so I hope that each person will carefully consider the meaning of this declaration and take proper actions as expected of responsible people in society.

However, you may have anxiety about your daily life and your future academic career. In that case, please feel free to consult with the university. Iwate University will support students to the best of our abilities.

I believe that if the faculty, staff and students of Iwate University come together as a team, we will be able to survive this difficult situation together.

Ogawa Satoshi
President
Iwate University

April 17, 2020

April 7, 2020 Message from President The University policy based on the government's "Declaration of a State of Emergency"

To all concerned

Today, the government has issued a Declaration of a state of Emergency in light of the rapid spread of new coronavirus infections in the Tokyo metropolitan area and other regions.

We have updated our policies based on the Declaration of a State of Emergency.

The updated policy demands further prohibitions and self-restraint than before, which may cause inconveniences to students, faculty, and related parties. But it is extremely important for each person to take action to prevent further the spread of infection. This is due to the increasing numbers of infected people around the world and throughout Japan.

Young people such as university students need to be cautious, because symptoms may not appear even if infected, and they may infect others without noticing.

Lastly, we hope all of you will understand the importance of preventing the spread of infection, and thank you for your cooperation.

April 7, 2020
Ogawa Satoshi
President
Iwate University

Message from President on April 2, 2020

For new students, current students of Iwate University and their parents and families

As reported, new coronavirus infectious diseases is still in an expansion phase, and we do not know the when everything will return to normal.

As we enter the new semester in April, we understand that students, parents and their families have great concerns.

In light of the increasing number of infected people, Iwate University has decided to put the health of the students first and postpone the class start date to April 20th. At the same time, we will request a 14-day health observation and necessary self-restraint after coming to Iwate from other prefectures or foreign countries.

Many new students might have moved to Morioka to prepare for the new semester.

It will be a great burden to start a new life in a land that you are not accustomed to, but I want you to be aware that you are already a member of Iwate University and are responsible for your behavior.

Of course, don't let yourself be infected, and don't forget to keep your eyes on others. Make every effort to prevent the spread of infection, such as thorough cough etiquette. Remember that if you are infected, there are some people who will become seriously sick, and it may be life-threatening for them.


Let's overcome this difficulty together as fellow members of Iwate University.

Lastly, we hope that new students, current students, parents, and their families will understand the importance of preventing the spread of infection, and thank you for your cooperation.


April 2, 2020
Ogawa Satoshi
President
Iwate Universit