Updated Sept. 10, 2020, 2:25 p.m. EST

This page contains a list of frequently asked questions regarding the status of Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) amid the COVID-19 outbreak. See the latest communications sent to the TUJ campus community.

TUJ is currently operating under a restricted on-campus scenario for the fall semester; in the case of undergraduate programs, this means approximately 20 percent of classes taught in the classroom and 80 percent taught online. TUJ is currently reviewing the options for class configurations for the start of the undergraduate spring semester on Jan. 12, 2021, and will make that announcement as soon as possible.

Safety measures in place on campus
A number of safety measures have been put into place to ensure the health and safety of TUJ’s students, faculty and staff.

Those entering the building will be required to do the following. 

• Undergo a temperature check upon entering the building via a hand-held device or temperature-sensing camera. If your temperature is over 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit), entry to the building will not be permitted.
• Have your TUid card scanned so that the administration can track who has entered the building.
• Wear a mask. You cannot enter without a mask, and you must continue to wear your mask at all times when inside the building. Masks are also required in outdoor areas on campus. 
• Sanitize hands upon entering the building.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least six feet between people inside the building (including in all offices and other rooms).

Campus Operations
Normal operating hours on campus have resumed, and student-facing offices are open, but may be staffed with a limited capacity to ensure proper physical distancing and safety. Staff who can work remotely are continuing to do so.

For the purposes of ensuring hygiene, cleaning protocols have been put in place. In addition, TUJ will be adopting a more detailed safety protocol that will apply to all employees; this is essentially the same protocol that is being applied at Temple’s Main Campus regarding use of campus facilities and health monitoring.

Protocols
You will find all Temple University and TUJ Protocols by accessing the “Return to Campus” tab on the TUportal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How is TUJ monitoring the COVID-19 situation?
Together with a team of officials at Temple’s Main Campus, TUJ management is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19. To assess risks related to study at TUJ and travel to and from Japan (such as restrictions and/or quarantine requirements), the university uses a number of resources.

TUJ is following university protocols to manage major health and safety issues. We track the advice of relevant Japanese ministries, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and our partner institutions in Japan; we also follow the guidelines of the U.S. Department of State, the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. CDC, and International SOS, the university’s international insurance and assistance provider. 

How will TUJ communicate updates?
TUJ will directly contact currently registered students with updates. Depending on the nature and/or urgency of the communication, or if we cannot reach the student, we may also reach out to students’ designated emergency contacts. All members of the TUJ community can find updates here.

What if I am sick while remotely working or taking classes online?

• Students who cannot participate in their online classes due to illness are encouraged to contact their instructors as soon as possible, to notify them of their illness, and to determine how best to make up class time and assignments. If students are not able to contact their faculty due to their illness (e.g. if they are hospitalized), they can contact the Academic Advising Center (AAC) to assist with the notification process. If students face any additional impacts or concerns due to their time away, AAC staff (who can be contacted at aac@tuj.temple.edu or 03-5441-9800 weekdays from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) are available. Online or in-person class attendance is an individual student responsibility and a matter between you and your professors.
• Faculty and staff who become ill while working remotely should notify their coordinator or supervisor and HR (tujhr@tuj.temple.edu) as soon as possible if they are ill, so that arrangements can be made to cover classes or work, as necessary.

Are there new attendance rules due to the pandemic?
There will be no changes to standard academic policies other than the Attendance Protocol, which is summarized below but can be found on the TUportal.

• If a student is unable to attend an in-person class or course activity as described above, the student should take the following steps.
  • Notify instructors in advance of the absence, if possible.
  • Call Temple’s Student Health Services (215-204-7500). Proof of evaluation will be provided to the student.
  • Keep up with coursework, as much as possible.
  • Participate in class activities and submit assignments electronically, to the extent possible and as directed by the instructor. 
  • Reach out to the instructor if illness will require late submission or other modifications to deadlines or work requirements.
  • If necessary, work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs and other critical academic activities.
• If a student is unable to participate in an online class or course activity, or a portion thereof, as described above, the student should take the following steps.
  • Notify instructors in advance of the inability to participate, if possible.
  • Call Temple’s Student Health Services (215-204-7500). Proof of evaluation will be provided to the student.
  • Keep up with coursework, as much as possible.
  • Reach out to the instructor if illness will require late submission or other modifications to deadlines or work requirements.
  • If necessary, work with their instructors to reschedule any synchronous exams, labs and other critical academic activities.
• If continued active engagement in a course is not possible due to illness or other coronavirus-related circumstances, students may wish to consider options such as withdrawal or an incomplete contract, if circumstances warrant.

Are internship courses available?

• All internships will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Your internship sponsor may agree for you to work remotely; if not, please see if your faculty advisor can accommodate you with other academic material.
• Please reach out to the career development officer for questions: career@tuj.temple.edu or 03-5441-9873.

For more details and the latest updates on Temple University's coronavirus respose, visit the university's COVID-19 information site.