On Thursday, 3 September 2020, the College of Europe in Natolin celebrated the start of the academic year 2020/2021 with the students of the Mário Soares Promotion in the Natolin Gardens.
The students were welcomed and greeted by the Vice-Rector, Mrs Ewa OŚNIECKA-TAMECKA. The Vice-Rector highlighted in her opening address that students are at the centre of the College’s actions and that is why the staff of the College of Europe in Natolin spent the entire summer planning their safety during the academic year while making sure they could profit from the study curriculum and enjoy the extracurricular offer.
The event continued with a presentation by Mr Tomáš TATINEC, Head of the Academic Administration, who explained the design of the new academic year. The students were introduced to the European Interdisciplinary Studies programme by Professor Pascaline WINAND, Director of Studies, Professor Georges MINK, the new Chairholder of the European Civilization Chair, and Professor Tobias SCHUMACHER, Chairholder of the European Neighbourhood Policy Chair.
Moreover, the students had the opportunity to become acquainted with the very rich extracurricular offer of the College of Europe in Natolin by Dr Marta WOJAKOWSKA, Head of Languages and Intercultural Dialogue, Mr Mattia FILIPPIN, Head of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment, Mr Łukasz DOBROMIRSKI, Head of Professional Development, Ms Aleksandra BRODOWSKA, Student Affairs Coordinator, and Dr Barbara BOBROWICZ, Head of Innovation and Development. The extracurricular programme is composed of eight different language courses, careers and professional development workshops, student wellbeing activities, networking opportunities and many other highlights.
Later, students and staff were invited to a lunch held by the Vice-Rector in the Natolin Gardens. In the afternoon, the students were introduced to the community life and digital communication tools.
COVID-19
In line with all relevant public health and safety measures and/or guidelines, registration for the event was mandatory for all Natolin students and staff. Participants were reminded that one could not take part in the “Start of the Academic Year” event if they were: suffering from COVID-19; infected with SARS-CoV-2; in quarantine; in isolation; or manifesting any respiratory symptoms. It was mandatory to maintain at least a 1.5m distance between participants. The use of face masks covering nose and mouth was not compulsory, but participants were asked to be in their possession in case the 1.5m distance could not always be upheld. Hand sanitizers were provided on-site.