April 30, 2020
Sophia University

Sophia University previously announced that entry to all campuses would be prohibited until Wednesday, May 6, in accordance with the declaration of a state of emergency by the Japanese government due to the coronavirus. However, we are now extending the campus entry prohibition period to Sunday, May 31.

Regardless of whether or not the declaration of a state of emergency is lifted or extended by the Japanese government, we will prohibit entry to all campuses until Sunday, May 31. Entry to campus will be permitted only to those with special permission.

Due to this measure, our response to various issues will continue as follows (In general, there are no changes to the previous response posted on April 7). We ask for your continued understanding and cooperation in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

Furthermore, due to the current circumstances some procedure changes may occur. We will publish any changes on the university homepage, Loyola and the Bulletin Board for Staff and Faculty Members (Sophia Bulletin Board) .

Procedures regarding prohibition of campus entry

Affected Campuses

Yotsuya Campus, Mejiro Seibo Campus and Hadano Campus
*Includes: Sophia University, Sophia University Junior College Division, Sophia School of Social Welfare

Period of Effect

Until Sunday, May 31 (The schedule is subject to change)
＊Online classes will begin on May 25 as scheduled.

Campus Entry Restrictions

(1) Current Students

• Students are prohibited from entering all campuses
  
• All research activities being held on-campus will be suspended
  
• Classrooms, libraries, COM classrooms, cafeterias, and other on-campus facilities will be closed
  

＊When required, some exceptions may be made, an announcement will be made separately.
＊In the event that the State of Emergency is lifted on May 6, Medical Health Check for students participating in practical training will be held as planned on May 10. Eligible students have already been notified and are asked to bring their Student ID to enter the campus. (If the State of Emergency is not lifted, the Medical Health Check will be cancelled. Please See Loyola for information.)

(2) Staff and Faculty Members

Essential work will be prioritized, in general all employees will telecommute so the number of on-campus employees will be kept to a minimum. (Please check details on Sophia Bulletin Board)

Borrowing Materials from Libraries

For the Central Library, Law School Library, Mejiro Seibo Campus Library, and Sophia University Junior College Division Library

Fourth year undergraduate students (including second year Junior College students) and Graduate School students that are working on a graduation thesis or research papers, etc., may now borrow materials by mail through their professor.

Please see the library homepage for details.

Closure of on-campus offices and contact information

In general, all staff and faculty members will telecommute/work from home, therefore counter services will continue to be suspended. In order to limit the amount of staff on campus we ask that you make any inquiries by e-mail, not by telephone.

Contact information during the period of prohibition of campus entry

Please note that it may take some time to respond to your inquiry.
Staff and Faculty members, please see Sophia Bulletin Board for details.

Cancellation of University Events and Extracurricular Activities

• All Sophia School Organization (including Sophia University) planned events：
  Lectures, Seminars, etc. will be cancelled until Sunday May 31
  
  
• Student led extracurricular activities:
  All extracurricular activities both on-campus and off-campus are also cancelled until Sunday May 31
  

Changes to opening hours of the Yotsuya Campus gates (for Staff and Faculty members)

• All entry or exit must be done through the Main Gate
  
  
• The East Gate will be closed and will only open for vehicles
• All other gates will be closed (Building 13 entrance will be open)