An online working meeting of Council of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions Authorized in Georgia was held under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli. The Council considered two key issues: ensuring the safety of university premises in accordance with health recommendations, including laboratories and internal examination centers and discussed the tuition fee concession policy.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli thanked the rectors for their successful mobilization of resources during the crisis in the shortest possible time and for the effective implementation of distance learning. Additionally, the Minister stated, that some preparatory work has been carried out for the phase VI restriction relief plan, which follows the recommendations developed and approved by the Ministry of Health of Georgia.

Furthermore, the Minister noted that universities are given the opportunity to conduct intensive training courses, including: a practical component and laboratory work, in an intensive mode until the phase VI relief plan occurs. However, all laboratories must confirm preparedness individually. Subsequently, all universities should register on the official website of the Ministry of Health: https://www.moh.gov.ge/ka/740/. As soon as the facility is registered, the laboratory will be a subject of distinct examination, to obtain a special permission to restore the educational process. 

Moreover, Mikheil Chkhenkeli emphasized, that the final exams will be held during the phase VI of the restriction relief plan. If higher education institutions decide to conduct final exams in their respective internal examination centers, a safe environment must be provided in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. Also, the format and date for bachelor's and master's theses submission must be determined by the universities themselves based on the agreement between the student and the supervisor.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli also thanked the council members for considering the Ministry recommendations with regards to tuition fee concession policy and expressed hope that such an approach will continue in the future.

To access general recommendations regarding the new coronavirus (COVID-19) for higher education laboratories and internal examination centers, please follow the link: http://mes.gov.ge/s/UDPPi.