In the past few months, as the Rector of the University pointed out, “we learned so much in a short time”, bringing to light unimaginable potential combined with “unforeseen proximity between teachers and students in virtual classrooms.” At the same time, however, “our conviction that no technological device can replace the dynamics of onsite learning has grown stronger; a conviction that is not due to nostalgia, in fact it is the result of long and consolidated experience.”

For this reason, in its Norms for the next academic year the Congregation for Catholic Education recommends “to teach in the ordinary way, with the lectures held in the presence of students and teachers.”

Constantly “going forth” and “open to the world” with its joys and sorrows, the University is not a self-contained bubble nor a place marked by barriers or closures. However, the new circumstances have further evidenced the importance of ensuring the safety of the Gregorian’s educational and working spaces. In view of the new academic year, thermal cameras with temperature control systems will be set up at the university’s entrances, recording incoming and outgoing flow to protect everyone’s health.

Having carefully assessed the appropriate occupancy density to ensure compliance with physical distancing, the Pontifical Gregorian University has rearranged its classroom spaces to guarantee onsite learning in accordance with the recommendations and measures established by the competent local authorities. Its 51 classrooms with WI-FI connection, located in four historical buildings (Centrale, Lucchesi, Traspontina, Frascara), offer a variety of learning spaces.

Distance education “may be used to a limited extent and for specific situations” in connection with the ongoing health emergency (CEC Rules, 2). Having successfully experimented distance learning, online exams, online and mixed-mode doctoral thesis defences in recent months, the Pontifical Gregorian University has activated a learning platform widely used by the academic community worldwide, with the support of a consolidated team of developers.

La The Library of the Pontifical Gregorian University reopened to the public on 18 May 2020, the first day of Italy’s restart program (Phase 2). The Library has a patrimony of approximately 500,000 volumes, 150,000 items from the Periodicals Collection and five reading rooms. The Library is equipped with a user identification system to allow access to electronic resources including remote access. Over the last few months its patrimony has been further enriched by new databases and e-book collections.

A new live chat service offers assistance on the Library’s services and resources. Additionally, each semester the Library offers in-person and online User Education sessions for students and teachers so as to enhance the user-friendliness of its research tools.