What are the modalities for the start of the upcoming 2020-21 academic year?

The first day of school has been set for September 14, 2020. During the fall semester 2020, all Sciences Po students will have access to a dual campus:

• A digital campus, providing all course content in a variety of formats, adapted to each class. Any student will be able to complete their entire course remotely.
• A physical campus, in the seven cities where Sciences Po is present, will be open and will focus on student activities in small groups: course sessions, tutorials, group projects, small group work, supervised community activities, etc. This physical campus will, of course, remain connected to the rest of the community in order to guarantee the participation of students unable to reach our premises.

> Find out more about the modalities for the Autumn 2020 semester

Are classes still taking place?

Classes were suspended from Monday, March 16 to Saturday, March 21, 2020. From Monday 23 March and until the end of the semester, classes are taught entirely online, according to the methods that each of your teachers will communicate to you. Common core classes (Master's) will resume on 6 April 2020.

The main objective is to guarantee academic continuity to preserve the quality of education and the quality of the degree, which will be achieved via various tools and innovative methods supported by the Institute of Skills and Innovation. Academic continuity is based upon three principles that we guarantee to all Sciences Po students: 

• Maintaining the quality of teaching leading to the validation of your semester;
• Reducing the weekly course load in order to leave more time for independent study and for the organisational constraints you are faced with;
• Reinforce follow-ups and communication with all our students on an individual basis.

In addition, we decided to make teaching time and evaluation methods more flexible.

Subject to compliance with the new educational framework, the validation of the spring semester 2020 is in no way called into question.

Are Executive Education courses taking place? 

Executive education (or continuing education) classes will resume starting 8 June, in compliance with the provisions provided by the French government. Students will be welcomed on the site of 28, rue des Saints-Pères.

On what platform do remote classes take place?

All students received a connection to the ZOOM platform, which should facilitate these new pedagogical exchanges. This tool is in addition to a variety of educational materials which should help you to maintain your living and working routines, while still taking into account the variable conditions of internet access.

Is attendance mandatory for remote classes?

Starting March 23, 2020, classes will resume remotely. Attendance continues to be noted by teachers to identify any students who may have situational difficulties, but it is not sanctioned. It is strongly advised to follow remote classes available to you in order to acquire university credits.

How are students being evaluated?

It all depends on the type of course:

• All classes which have continued remotely will keep their initial validation framework.
• For courses suspended until the end of the semester and common core courses (Master's students), a principle of compensation applies: the marks of the first mid-semester will validate (or not) half of the credits. The other half of the credits will be validated automatically, in light of these exceptional circumstances.
• Language course credits will be validated for all students. The level change remains at the discretion of instructors. Language courses will resume for Master's students starting 6 April.

In order to balance out the workload during this unprecedented period, alongside the consolidation of the curriculum, the period from 28 April to 17 May will be reserved, as needed, for the submission of all student work.

For classes that are maintained, are evaluation methods going to change? 

Classes that were maintained and are currently being taught will be evaluated according to the format most adapted to the working conditions of their students. We invite instructors to be attentive to all of the various constraints and special circumstances students face and to systematically provide them with 48 hours to submit any assignment that would otherwise have been time-limited. These assignments are to be graded according to the typical grading scale. The end-of-year juries will, of course, be particularly understanding of, and attentive to, grades situated near the minimal passing average.

What happens if I fail a class?

Students having earned a grade below the passing average (at least 10 out of 20), in one or multiple classes, will nonetheless validate the semester on a conditional basis regardless of the actual grade(s) received. No student will be required to repeat a year at the end of this current semester. Two online makeup sessions for the spring semester will be organised during the coming academic year. An online tutorial programme will also be put into place for each of your programmes in order to best support and prepare you for the forthcoming makeup sessions.
 
Students in their final year of graduate study will have the ability to make up any non-validated coursework at the end of the current semester in order to ensure on-time graduation.

Will the grades obtained this spring semester 2020 be taken into account for the 3rd year abroad or the diploma?

In an effort to avoid penalizing any student and to maintain balance across the various cohorts, we have decided to exclude the grades earned this semester from the calculation of class rankings, from the attribution of any honors to figure on your diplomas, and from the assignment of the third year abroad (3A) destinations.

Are evaluations still taking place?

Subject to compliance with the new educational framework, the validation of the spring semester 2020 is not called into question. See above for course evaluation methods.

All gallops (mid-term exams) for the Spring semester have been cancelled, including those planned to take place on Moodle (updated on 15 March 2020).

The Grand Oral will be transformed into a new written format. The required elements, as well as the rules of validation, are maintained. The submission date is delayed until 17 May at the latest. Each Graduate School will communicate specific instructions and modalities to students.

What is happening in terms of the Civic Learning Programme (undergraduate students)?

For first-year students: the civic engagement internship is transformed into a “civic engagement experience” involving 20 hours of community service, for one public community group, within one (or more) public body(/ies) or non-profit association(s).

Remote work is highly recommended, but more flexibility is being introduced in the current context. Depending on the location of your mission and the possibilities within the organisation that welcomes you, your first-year civic engagement experiences can be carried out partially or completely on-site provided that the Covid-19-related health, safety and distancing regulations are strictly implemented by the host organisation.

We invite you to get in touch with the manager or the contact person of your host organisation, in order to specify with them the modalities of your work: remote, remote + on-site, or - if this is feasible in practice - on site.

Should you have any doubts about the conditions of the work that you will complete or for any other question, we invite you to contact as soon as possible your Civic Learning Programme advisor, who will help you find solutions.

For second-year students: second-year Independent Projects have been interrupted since 17 March 2020. Students are required to submit the evaluation form completed by the host organisation as well as their Critical Reflection on the Civic Learning Programme online workspace starting 4 May and until 1 September 2020.

Will the graduation ceremony take place?

The graduation ceremonies cannot take place as originally planned on June 26 and 27, 2020 at the Philharmonie de Paris. Alternatives are however being studied and will be communicated to students concerned as soon as possible.

Can we access library resources?

Starting 2 June, the library located at 30, rue Saint-Guillaume will welcome researchers and doctoral students, in relay from the library of 25, rue Saint-Guillaume, which was open since 18 May but is now closed for construction.

All readers registered with the library will be able to access loan services and make online requests as of 3 June. A collection counter will be open at the entrance of 30, rue Saint Guillaume. Document returns will only be made via a return box so that they can be disinfected before being put back on the shelf. See details here.

The library's online resources remain accessible to its readers (except external readers) via the Digital Resources page or the catalogue. To find out all about the services and resources available during confinement, consult the dedicated page on the library's website.

Are events still happening?

Access to all Sciences Po sites, in Paris and on regional campuses, is closed for students and the public from March 16, 2020, and until further notice. In the meantime, virtual events and online webinars are scheduled; consult the list of upcoming events on our Events page.

Is travel permitted?

Starting from 2 June, all trips within France are authorised.

Can I still pursue an internship during this time?

Given the current health situation and as of May 11th, 2020, internships and professional experiences taking place REMOTELY (via telework) are highly recommended. Depending on your employer’s recommendations and location, it is possible to carry out internships totally or partially at the company’s office if distancing measures are implemented.

We invite you to get in touch with your internship supervisor to discuss the modalities of your internship (telework, face-to-face, mixed). If in doubt about the conditions of your internship, do not hesitate to contact Sciences Po Careers.

This information is valid for all current or future requests.

> For all questions relating to internships and professional opportunities, visit the dedicated Frequently Asked Questions page on the Sciences Po Careers website.

How do I know if my host university is letting me go ahead with my semester abroad? 

The list of host universities’ campus modalities and arrangements can be accessed via Sciences Po’s Drive and will be regularly updated.

My university is allowing me to go ahead with the exchange semester (semester 5), either in-person or online. What are the implications of my choice?

Students with an offer for an exchange semester (either in-person or online) from their host university may carry out the semester according to the arrangements proposed by their host university. 

The possibility of carrying out the semester abroad in person will depend entirely on the possibility of travelling to and staying in the host country.

In either case, the continuation of your studies will be ensured by your host university according to the pedagogical arrangements that they propose. Provided that all conditions are met for both semesters, you will be able to validate your 3rd year having completed two exchange semesters at that university. On the Sciences Po side, you will remain under the tutelage of the geographic programme manager responsible for your host university’s country within the Direction of International Affairs.

Even if it is possible, can I choose not to go ahead with the next semester (semester 5) at my host university?

Throughout these unprecedented circumstances, Sciences Po is dedicated to upholding the academic project of the third year abroad. We intend for the greatest possible number of third-year students to have the opportunity to experience a semester of international teaching, even in adapted circumstances (online or in-person).

However, under exceptional circumstances for the next semester, students will be given the option to not carry out their exchange semester (in-person or remotely). Students who choose to decline the opportunity will be enrolled in a dedicated semester 5 at the Sciences Po Undergraduate College. This choice must be made by 2 June 2020 at the very latest by submitting the form for change of situation, in order to make the necessary arrangements with your host university, and will therein be definitive. Students who make this choice will not be given alternative options.

Above all, we ask that you consider very carefully any decisions regarding exchange programmes taking place in-person abroad. There will most likely continue to be limitations on international travel next semester, and we recommend that students choose to carry out the 5th semester at Sciences Po if they have any doubts regarding their ability to travel. To help you in your decision, please do not hesitate to contact the geographic programme manager responsible for your exchange country; you can find more information and their contact details here.

My exchange university is not offering the possibility to pursue the exchange semester, neither in person nor online. What are the implications of this for me?

If the situation does not evolve by the beginning of June, the exchange programme with the partner university will be cancelled. Affected students will validate their 5th semester via the semester being offered by the Undergraduate College at Sciences Po. 

Provided all requirements and conditions are met, undertaking an exchange during the 6th semester at the host university remains a possibility at this time.

What does the 5th semester taking place at the Sciences Po Undergraduate College consist of?

The Undergraduate College is fully aware that some third-year students will not be able to undertake an international exchange next semester.

During the autumn 2020 semester, we will offer classes equalling a total of 30 ECTS, according to the following layout:

• a lecture (cours magistral) with workshop (conférence de méthode);
• a Master’s level core course;
• the choice between: 2 seminars + 1 language course linked with your exchange project, or 3 seminars, either based on diversified academic themes or on specialised themes (ex: planetary transformations, media/media literacy, gender studies, European Union, etc.);
• and finally, it will be possible to undertake the Grand écrit during S5.

The class schedules and specific academic modalities will be communicated at the beginning of June, before class registrations, as for all Sciences Po programmes.

If my host university is no longer offering the possibility for an exchange next semester, am I able to change to another university?

Despite the restrictions on international travel, Sciences Po’s European Centre is making arrangements to increase the number of spaces for Sciences Po students at partner universities. Students who wish to apply for reassignment may be able to, after a review of their application and provided they are able to travel, change their destination to a university within the Schengen area or in the UK. 

The reassignment will be possible only for students whose exchange university has not confirmed either the possibility of attending the semester in person or following the semester remotely. Reassignments will only be considered if they are to last the whole year. Students who decide to change their destination for the 5th semester will, therefore, lose the place at their original exchange university and will spend both semesters (S5 and S6) at their newly assigned university. This late in the year, the list of possible universities will be limited and obligatory (students will be able to submit a maximum of 3 choices) and reassignment will not be guaranteed.

Students wishing to request a reassignment should make this known by 26 May 2020 using the request form for change of situation. Decisions to reassign students will be made by a joint committee of the Direction of International Affairs and the Undergraduate College, and will be made on the basis of the request made and on academic performance.

Students who are not offered a reassignment at the end of this process will pursue semester 5 at Sciences Po in the frame of the dedicated semester implemented by the University College.

Do we have the option to take part in an internship next semester, alongside or instead of the planned semester? 

Although it will not be possible to replace a semester of study with a semester of internship, requests for optional internships that would be carried out in parallel with the S5 at the Undergraduate College may be examined and authorised, if necessary. Such internships will not give additional credits.

Given the specific format of this hybrid year, students alternating between studying and internship will be permitted to swap the order of their study and internship semesters. This change will only be possible in certain circumstances outlined by the Undergraduate College, especially relating to the validation of students’ Majors. If you wish to swap the order of your semesters, the request needs to be made using the form for request for change of situation by 2 June 2020. Your application will then be considered by the Undergraduate College alongside the Sciences Po Careers department.

What’s happening with semester 6? 

At the moment, university exchanges in semester 6 are planned to go ahead for all students, regardless of their situation and decision for semester 5 (except in exceptional cases where students are reassigned to a different partner university for the whole year). This is, of course, dependent on the conditions permitting the exchange, which may be subject to changes in sanitary, safety and transport conditions, government guidelines, and any other factors related to the current situation. The status of exchanges for semester 6 will be confirmed during the autumn semester. 

What steps should I take if I want to change my situation? 

You will need to complete the form for a change of situation:

• By midnight on the 26 May if your exchange university has not confirmed the possibility to pursue the semester in person, nor the possibility of pursuing it remotely, and if you wish to request a reassignment. You must first check that the list of universities in the Schengen area is suitable for your year’s project and will allow you to validate your major.
• By midnight on the 2 June if you are pursuing a hybrid year and you wish to switch the order of your study and internship semesters.
• By midnight on the 2 June if your exchange university is allowing you to go ahead with the semester in person or online, but you wish to decline the opportunity and enrol in the semester 5 organised by the Sciences Po Undergraduate College.

In all instances, we will publish the finalised list of assignments for all students by 9 June.

Is Sciences Po making students end their exchange programmes or current internships abroad?

Sciences Po students currently enrolled in exchange programmes or internships abroad are currently located in greatly differing areas of the world, which places them in greatly differing situations. This requires us to act with a lot of flexibility in how we handle the situation. 

Thus, so long as the situation does not require us to ask that students immediately leave the countries they are in, certain students may decide to continue with their exchange programmes or internships. Others may decide - and we permit them to do so - to leave the host country where they have been carrying out such an exchange or internship programme. 

As such, in the context of this global pandemic, we encourage students wherever possible to return to their families and healthcare systems familiar to them.

How will my study continuation plan be communicated to me in terms of my year, and is my situation being followed by Sciences Po’s teams? 

All students have received an email in their Sciences Po inbox indicating their study continuation plan. This information is also available in a secured Drive list, categorised by each study continuation plan, and accessible only to concerned students who received a link in this email. Any anomalies in these lists, or individual constraints, must be reported to your respective geographic programme managers of Sciences Po’s International Affairs Division by no later than 1st April, at 3 pm.

What happens if I am in a position to continue my exchange year abroad or internship abroad? How will my year be validated? 

In this case, the terms previously agreed upon with your host university will continue to apply for validating your semester. This concerns all students who are able to continue their exchange abroad at their host institution (or internship), either face-to-face if they have decided to stay in the country, or online if proposed by the host institution (regardless of whether students have left the country or not). Sciences Po’s International Affairs Division team remains your key point of contact for the 3rd year abroad. 

Under these circumstances, your full exchange year of 2 semesters at your host institution will appear on your transcript.  For students who are in a hybrid year, and in a position to continue their current 2nd semester internship, the complete hybrid year will appear on your transcript (listing your 1st semester of study abroad, and 2nd semester of internship).

What happens if my exchange year abroad or internship has been interrupted? 

In this case, Sciences Po’s academic teams from the Undergraduate College will take over responsibility for pedagogical continuity. The semester’s study continuation plan will be defined by the Undergraduate College, in the form of “individual work” framed and graded on a scale of 20. Further communication outlining terms for this assignment (format, support, timeline, evaluation criteria) will be sent by early April. 

The first semester of your exchange year abroad will appear on your transcript, followed by mention of a second semester of individual work at Sciences Po (with specific mention of interruption of your exchange at the host institution due to force majeure). 

In the particular case that your host university has not yet informed us of its educational continuity plan, and, if applicable, of their online transition plan which would allow you to validate your semester, teams from the Department of International Affairs are actively following these cases and will be in contact with you personally.

I have already completed part of my internship but it had to be interrupted: can my internship be validated? 

Yes, provided that you have completed a minimum duration of 8 weeks of your internship (either face-to-face or by telework) and submitted all required elements for validation (evaluation sheet and internship report).

I am having difficulties continuing my internship remotely and/or my internship organisation has decided to cancel my mission. What can I do?

Interns are invited to contact Sciences Po’s Careers Service in order to provide specific information on this particular situation. Sciences Po’s Careers Service team will assess each situation individually.

What about the Capstone project? (Grand écrit)

Naturally, all educational requirements, independent of the 3rd year on exchange abroad or internship, will be maintained under conditions previously communicated to you. This concerns in particular the Capstone project, which is a pillar of the culmination of your studies at Sciences Po’s Undergraduate College.

I am having difficulty continuing my semester online with the course offerings proposed by my host institution, what can I do? 

First and foremost, please contact the respective Department of International Affairs teams whose programme managers may contact your host institution and / or make a personal assessment of your situation.

My host institution has switched to a pass/fail grading system. Will Sciences Po accept credits obtained in this form?

Due to the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19, and if this is a set decision of your host university in the current context, Sciences Po will exceptionally recognise credits obtained by a pass/fail evaluation - corresponding to full course credit and ensuring that you may validate your semester.

My host university where I was on exchange offers online courses, however, the current course offerings will not allow me to validate my major. 

Students are invited to contact their geographic programme manager within the Department of International Affairs in order to provide specific information on this situation. Sciences Po’s teams will assess each situation individually. 

Can I still begin my Master's if international travel does not resume before the start of the autumn semester and I'm unable to leave the country I'm currently in? 

While it is too soon to hypothesise about the situation in the long term, we can still prepare and take precautions. We encourage you, where possible, to ensure that you can be at Sciences Po for the start of next semester, but in the event that this is not possible the Sciences Po teams will do all that they can do to defer or postpone the semester should you find yourself in such a situation. Nonetheless, Students will not in any instance be able to begin a programme any later than two weeks into the semester.

I fear that I will be stuck in my host country due to travel restrictions, and that I will not be able to return to my home country at the end of the semester. What are Sciences Po's guidelines?

Many countries have closed borders and restricted international travel. Whatever your decision for the rest of your semester, we recommend that you keep us informed, in conjunction with the local authorities and your consulate.

Naturally, for those who fear being stuck in the host country against their will, we strongly encourage them to return as soon as possible to their country of permanent residence, where they can continue to pursue their education remotely, according to the instructions of the Sciences Po teaching teams.

The country I am currently in has closed its borders, what should I do?

If you haven’t already, immediately contact the Sciences Po International Affairs (DAI) representative of your host country for assistance. 

Do I have the authorization to leave the country I’m in even if there are no declared cases or measures taken regarding Covid-19?

All Sciences Po students currently on exchange abroad are allowed to leave the country and the university in which they are studying. This authorization is valid for everyone, whatever their particular situation.

What steps need to be taken regarding medical insurance and the MAIF repatriation from Sciences Po?

If you are not affected by Covid-19 yourself, there are no steps to be taken with the MAIF, which does not cover early returns.

If you are sick, you must immediately notify Sciences Po and the MAIF as Sciences Po students benefit from medical and repatriation insurance during their study abroad. Sciences Po's contract number with MAIF is N°4089550K, and the support services can be reached at 0800 875 875 from France and 0033 5 49 77 47 78 from abroad.

My anticipated return incurs additional costs. Is financial aid available for scholarship recipients?

To request possible financial assistance, we ask you to fill out our contact form attaching the necessary documents for your particular case, and informing your host country representative at the Sciences Po Department of International Affairs by email. An individual study of your request will be reviewed for potential support in this early return process.

If I cut short my study abroad semester within the Erasmus+ area, within the European Union, will I lose my scholarship?

The Erasmus + France Agency - Education & Training has just published dedicated information on its site.

The Ministry of Solidarity and Health has issued instructions regarding the COVID-19 epidemic. Additional information is available on the website of the Ministry of National Education and Youth. We invite you to read the recommendations concerning travel to and from risk areas.

As part of the Erasmus+ project, establishments may, as a result of force majeure, request the eligibility of non-recoverable costs linked to the postponement or cancellation of a residence planned in the exhibition areas. Such a request must be documented and sent to the project managers of the National Agency, via the Penelope+ organisation as soon as possible (without exceeding 30 days following the event). The beneficiary will need to prove what means were implemented to try to recover the sums already spent, including insurance policies taken.

How is work being arranged?

Starting 22 June, extended telework remains possible (for eligible roles) until 31 August included. Nevertheless, all employees who can come to work on our sites are encouraged to return in order to strengthen the animation of our work collective. Telework is compulsory for all persons who are at risk or living with people who may be at risk. The Sciences Po Intranet for staff members is available remotely (authentication required with Sciences Po username and password). Read our guidelines for remote work (FR). 

If remote work is not performed at your usual address, colleagues are encouraged to declare their new address to the Human Resources Department in compliance with collective telework agreements (info.drh@sciencespo.fr). 

Am I able to come into work on the Sciences Po sites?

From 2 June, all sites are accessible to employees:

• For staff members whose roles are eligible for telework: in order to guarantee good safety conditions for staff, on-site visits must be previously coordinated with managers.
• For posted staff members whose presence is essential for the operation of our sites, managers will be encouraged to set up an organisation that takes into account everyone's constraints, as much as possible.
• For people at risk, teleworking will be compulsory. This measure concerns pregnant women, people at risk designated by the High Council of Public Health (FR) or those cohabiting with at-risk individuals. For these individuals, if a professional imperative were to impose a visit to one of our sites, this movement will only be possible after medical advice (attending physician or occupational physician).

The library at 199, boulevard Saint-Germain, as well as the library at 25, rue Saint-Guillaume, are currently closed.

What are the rules to follow if I come into work on the Sciences Po sites?

On our sites, compliance with barrier gestures and distancing measures is imperative to limit health risks:

• No meeting or event can gather more than 10 people;
• In all offices, classrooms and convivial spaces, distancing of one meter between people must be respected; these premises must be regularly ventilated and kept in good working order;
• Managers will set up an organisation (staff rotation, etc.) in shared offices; shared offices can only be occupied by one person at this stage. If a professional need requires the simultaneous presence of several employees in a shared office, wearing a mask will be mandatory;
• The use of elevators will be limited to one person per cabin and employees’ crossing in narrow areas will be avoided;
• The exchange of materials between colleagues will be strictly avoided;
• The wearing of a mask when interactions between people are necessary and when distancing of one meter cannot be respected is highly recommended;
• Visits by external guests will be reduced to the strict minimum, upon prior invitation;
• And of course, in all circumstances and on a regular basis, hand washing or the use of a hydroalcoholic gel is highly recommended.

Are masks distributed to staff members and faculty?

Masks will be offered to employees starting May 11 at the reception of 27, rue Saint Guillaume. In addition, hydroalcoholic gel and disinfectant wipes are made available.

What if I have symptoms and I am at work?

Staff members and faculty physically present on our sites who show symptoms of Covid-19 must isolate themselves and contact a rescue worker.

If there is are no serious signs of illness, either the occupational doctor will be contacted or the employee will be invited to contact his or her regular physician without delay.

If the symptoms are severe (e.g. respiratory distress), the ambulance service will be contacted immediately (15).

Once the person has been taken care of, the cleaning of the workstation will be carried out and employees in close contact with the person concerned will be informed.

If the Covid-19 diagnosis is confirmed, the identification and management of contacts will be carried out by French health insurance (assurance maladie), the attending physician and/or the regular physician. Contacts assessed as "at-risk" according to the definition of Public Health France will be dealt with according to the regulations in force.

Is travel permitted?

Travel is permitted within France; EU borders are, for the most part, reopened. For people currently abroad, the regulations in force in their country of residence apply.