Last Friday, the University of Oriente announced its decision to close the student dormitories and transition to a hybrid learning model, amid the ongoing crisis in Cuba.
"Student residences will thus be closed, except for international students and those with specific needs. Each faculty, in collaboration with leading professors and advisors, is exploring viable alternatives for these cases. Additionally, necessary arrangements with local authorities are being made to implement the demobilization of enrollment," stated Freider Santana Lescaille, the institution's First Vice-Rector, to local media.
This announcement comes against the backdrop of a severe national energy crisis, exacerbated by U.S. policies restricting oil supplies to the island, impacting fuel availability across all sectors.
Starting Monday, February 16, the institution will adopt a semi-presential format until conditions allow for a return to regular operations, the official added.
Postgraduate activities will also switch to the semi-presential model, following prior coordination.
"In this context, it is imperative to leverage the advantages of technology, including established WhatsApp groups and virtual platforms. From Monday, February 16 onward, only a doctoral thesis presentation and three master's thesis presentations, which have been scheduled, will be conducted in person. These will take place in spaces with some form of alternative support," he explained.
Santana Lescaille noted that some programs are advancing their practical components, which is beneficial for dispersing enrollments and integrating them into respective professional environments.
Adjustments Across Cuban Universities
Earlier in February, the University of Havana had already implemented several measures to adjust its academic and administrative functions in response to the energy deficit.
According to the official statement, the institution decided to extend the hybrid learning model to all undergraduate and Higher Technical University (TSU) programs for a 30-day period, starting Friday, February 6.
The university's administration explained that these measures align with directives from leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and the Ministry of Higher Education, aiming to ensure the continuity of educational processes amid the fuel crisis.
As part of these adjustments, the University postponed the University 2026 Congress activities and specified that each faculty would assess which events require in-person attendance. The EVEA platform will serve as the primary digital space for accessing and managing academic and scientific materials.
The statement also highlighted that scholarship students would receive differentiated attention until arrangements for their transportation to their provinces can be organized. Faculty and administrative staff will work under hybrid conditions, with on-duty groups maintaining the facilities.
The university emphasized the importance of maintaining communication between professors and students during this period and reiterated the need for study programs to adapt to the current national circumstances.
Similarly, the University of Holguín reportedly suspended its academic activities temporarily due to the country's energy situation, according to messages shared among students in institutional groups.
Impact of Energy Crisis on Cuban Universities
What prompted the University of Oriente to change its learning model?
The University of Oriente shifted to a hybrid learning model due to the severe national energy crisis in Cuba, which has been intensified by U.S. policies restricting oil supplies to the island.
How is the University of Havana addressing the energy deficit?
The University of Havana has extended the hybrid learning model to all programs for 30 days, using digital platforms to continue educational processes and postponing events like the University 2026 Congress.
What measures are in place for international students at the University of Oriente?
International students at the University of Oriente are allowed to remain in student residences while the institution transitions to a hybrid learning model.