Without unnecessary travelling or long queues when you first arrive in Olomouc, you will be able to sign an accommodation contract in the dormitories of Palacký University (UP) from April 14. The UP Administration and Dining Services (SKM) is introducing online signing of the contract, which will simplify the accommodation process for students and dormitories and, at the same time, save thousands of sheets of paper. From the same day, students will be able to apply for dormitory accommodation for the next year.
"We wanted to allow students to sign the accommodation contract electronically so that they do not have to travel to Olomouc around the summer holidays just to physically sign the contract in person. At the same time, this facilitated the accommodation process at the beginning of the semester, when a large number of students left the signing of the contract to the last minute and queues of students waiting for the contract to be printed and signed arose," explained Libor Kolář, the head of the SKM, adding that in exceptional justified cases, the possibility of signing the contract physically remains for the time being.
"To sign the accommodation contract online, students only need access to the internet and the ISKAM system," Kolář said. Detailed instructions on how to book a room and sign an accommodation contract online have been published by the SKM on its website.
In addition to the fact that the contract can be signed from anywhere without the need to personally visit the dormitory officer, the new system brings other advantages. The contract is now available in the system in a few clicks, and can be easily downloaded and printed throughout the accommodation period. Above all, however, the whole process from booking accommodation, paying the deposit and signing the contract has been speeded up.
"Of course, by saving paper and toner, we are also helping sustainability and freeing up space for archiving, as the contracts will be stored electronically in the ISKAM system. We sign about 4,570 accommodation contracts a year," added Kolář. Previously, paper contracts were filed in the SKM archives for 5 years, and even 10 years in case of foreigners.
The possibility of online signing of accommodation contracts was approved last week by the Academic Senate of the University within the framework of the updated Student Accommodation Rules of Palacký University Olomouc. Another modification was made in the payment of accommodation fees, which was previously due by the end of the month, now by the 15th day of the month. The new Dormitory Regulations were also discussed and approved by the UP Dormitory Council.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR ACCOMMODATION
As of Friday, April 14, current students (both accommodated and non-accommodated) can submit applications for dormitory accommodation. Until Sunday, April 23, current students can reserve an existing room on a priority basis, and from Monday, April 24, all other students with a positive application can reserve a free bed until the space is exhausted.
Applications are submitted electronically in the ISKAM accommodation system. More details here. You can also view the location, facilities and capacity of individual dormitories on the SKM website in advance.
For the J. L. Fischer dormitory (Block B), due to the planned reconstruction, it is not possible to make a reservation online, but it is necessary to come to the office of the dormitory officer (Markéta Šmolcová, tel. +420 585 638 025, email: marketa.smolcova@upol.cz).
The earliest date of arrival to the dormitories is Sunday September 17, 2023, before which you must always check in during office hours. The earliest you can check in to E. Rošický and Chválkovice dormitories is September 11, 2023.