Uudised

University gradually returns to the normal organisation of work. Below, the units have described their organisation of work starting from 18 May. The page will be updated as needed. [collapsed]

According to a Kantar Emor survey conducted in May this year among Estonian residents aged 15–74, representatives of all age groups consider the University of Tartu to be Estonia’s most reputable higher education institution. In addition, 65% of the respondents pointed out the University of Tartu’s contribution to fighting the coronavirus, primarily research studies.

Japanese and Estonian historians plan to write a book about the relations between Japan and Estonia throughout history. The joint book project sought funding via the Japanese crowdfunding platform Academist, where the target amount was raised in just three days.

We all have ideas how one or another situation could be improved. Often we do not think beyond the idea or even if we do, we immediately run into obstacles. But there are always people who have an irresistible desire to find out whether the idea creates value for many and is also a business opportunity. They differ from dreamers in their determination and willingness to risk, and confidence in their success.

The graduation ceremonies of the University of Tartu are held from 15 to 20 June. All ceremonies are held in an online environment, meaning that all who wish can participate. Online graduation ceremonies can be watched live in UTTV at the announced time. Links to recordings will be added to the table below after each ceremony. Read how students can receive their diplomas.

This year, traditional graduation ceremonies bringing together hundreds of people are not held at the University of Tartu, but ceremonies take place online. The university also makes a gift to the graduates: they now have their own tree and a bench in Tartu city centre. Also, the university main building and the sculpture on the Town Hall Square will be decorated.

For the first time, the top 10 teams to compete in the Kaleidoskoop finals were selected based on video pitches. The teams were given a free hand in producing and editing their three-minute video, and as a result, a remarkable number of interesting and engaging videos were submitted. Since As the presentation of an idea in the form of a video pitch is a necessary skill in both studies and at work, Maret Ahonen, the Leader of Starter programme and Startup Lab at the University of Tartu, gives some useful tips for a convincing video pitch.

Estonian 12-year-olds who get enough sleep are more satisfied with their life compared to their peers who sleep less, as was shown by a recent international survey on children’s subjective well-being. Given the recommendation that 12-year-olds should sleep at least nine hours, only about a third of Estonian children get enough sleep. 14% of Estonian 12-year-olds sleep less than seven hours.

On 28 May, the Information Technology Foundation for Education (HITSA) organised the festive online recognition seminar to introduce high-quality e-courses created in Estonian higher education institutions, vocational and general education schools, to acknowledge the authors of e-courses awarded with the quality label and announce the best e-course of the year.

Green mindset is the common feature of the teams S-Kub and Sorter, winners of the 14th Kaleidoskoop business ideas competition. Both have a bigger goal of saving the planet and promoting environmentally friendly behaviour.

The project I.N.T.I.T (Integrated Trauma Informed Therapy for Child Victims of Violence), funded by the European Union's Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, runs from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2022. The project aims to map the best practices in integrated trauma informed therapy for child victims of violence, to develop a training programme for professionals and to teach trainers.

On 13 May, the UT Institute of Psychology and the Estonian start-up Triumf Health started an impact study of a digital health game intended for children. The game aims to support children’s psychosocial well-being and thus prevent mental health issues. Children from 7 to 14 years of age are invited to take part in the study.

In a live interview on Wednesday, 13 May at 13:00, Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser spoke how the university has coped with the crisis. The interview discussed how the University of Tartu scientists have helped the government during the emergency situation, and about the response to the virus outbreak in the Raatuse dormitory. In addition, the rector spoke of the university’s return to its normal rhythm of work. The live interview was held in Estonian. The recording has English subtitles.

Admissions to the University of Tartu take place based on the schedule announced in winter. According to current plans, admission requirements will remain largely unchanged. The application period to Estonian-taught master’s programmes runs until 1 July. From 18 June to 1 July, applications are accepted to bachelor’s, professional higher education and integrated curricula, and from 1 May to 15 June, to doctoral programmes.

Teaching and studies at the university continue in online environments until the end of semester. To minimise the movement of students, we ask that all exams and pass/fail assessments be conducted online. If online classes are not enough for students to pass the course, face-to-face sessions are planned. In planning face-to-face learning, the following should be kept in mind:

On Tuesday, 5 May at 13:00, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Aune Valk talked in a live webcast about when and how the university could resume regular teaching and studies, and what lies ahead of us before the end of the academic year. Among other issues, she discussed everything related to graduations; for example, graduation ceremonies, exams and theses. Watch the video with English subtitles:

The University of Tartu Startup Lab is inviting all student teams to participate in the pre-selection round of the students’ business ideas competition Kaleidoskoop on 14 May. To participate, the teams have to send a three-minute video pitch of their business idea. Ten best teams will be selected to the finals.

At the beginning of April, research integrity counsellors started work at each faculty of the University of Tartu. They offer advice and support for university members who have questions about adhering to the principles of research integrity or suspect that research integrity has been violated.

The current emergency situation has brought both major changes and inspiration to the University of Tartu Startup Lab’s Starter Tartu business idea development programme. Teams formed in the University of Tartu Delta Centre in February continue to develop ideas virtually, also offering solutions to alleviate the corona crisis.

According to the latest information, no further positive coronavirus tests have been detected at the Tartu Raatuse dormitory. Separate zones have been created in the dormitory for those infected, those who have had contact with the infected, and those who are well. Residents whose test results were negative and who had not had any contact with infected residents were relieved of the restriction on movement today.