Discussions between NTNU and other Norwegian universities are on-going to come up with a common policies on how to address research delays and extensions of temporary contract. Several unions have been advocating a universal extension policy financially supported by the Norwegian state. If this position is unsuccessful, universities would most likely adopt a case-by-case approach to extension.
DION strongly advise PhDs, postdocs and temporary staff to start preparing for such an eventuality and start logging their work, their activity/inactivity, delays and difficulties in their research faced due to the situation, including issues related to unsuitable working conditions, anxiety, etc. Such a log will be helpful to argue for an extension later on. Unions also advise to continue recording absences due to sickness, child care and other leaves on Paga even during confinement as regular extension rules related to these still apply (new guidelines have been created for recording corona-related absences).
There is no information so far about the criteria that will apply, the process and deadlines to apply for extensions. For temporary staff with urgent matters (e.g. end of contract, residence permit applications) who cannot wait until the end of the confinement period, NTNU has recommended that they get in touch with their supervisors or the PhD contact at their faculties.
In the meantime, here are key updates and guidelines from NTNU:
- Absence and home office (Including absence due to child care and contract extension for PhDs); How to record corona-related absence in Paga
- PhD defense (disputas) during confinement and defense Q&A
- Teaching: Teaching online; Using PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows for teaching; Help preparing Hom exams using Inspera Assessment;
- Reimbursements for corona-canceled travel and events
- Lab work
- Guidelines for working from home
- Guidelines for field work
Follow NTNU Innsida channel on coronavirus for updates. If you have questions about how specific guidelines apply to you, please contact your supervisor, your superior or the PhD contact at their faculties.
For internationals who have questions about their immigration status and procedures, NIRS is putting together a list of useful links for you to check:
- Q&A for non-EU/EEA nationals
- SUA office in Trondheim is closed. Check the SUA website for updates and information
Finally remember that you can still contact Occupational Health Services at NTNU for mental health support. They have also published advice on how to set up a home office.
This post will be updates regularly as more information becomes available.
DION is also collecting information about how this situation will impact PhDs, post-docs and temporary scientific staff’s contracts. If you have any work-related inquiries your department cannot answer, please contact us at post@dion.ntnu.no.