Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
Urgent Campus Updates: Protest action
Author: Corporate Marketing/Korporatiewe Bemarking
Published: 01/11/2016
WEDNESDAY 2 NOVEMBER

 

  • Students who cannot enter an exam venue due to protest action, should remain near the venue and contact tel 0218082333 for assistance and alternative arrangements.
  • Groups of protesters convened on the Stellenbosch Campus today (about 70 in total). Management is aware of the situation and additional security arrangements have been made. Apart from contracted security staff, the Public Order Police is also on the campus. SU Campus Security is monitoring the situation via cameras and staff spread over the campus. The normal security arrangements for buildings where exams are written are applicable. Reaction teams are prepared for disruption attempts. With regard to buildings where exams are not written, all entrance doors are locked, and access to the building is controlled at one dedicated entrance only.
  • Management is aware of potential protest action, that may include students from other universitities, on the Stellenbosch campus today. Contingency measures are in place and the situation is being monitored.
  • Exams will continue as scheduled.  All Stellenbosch campus students are reminded of the following exam arrangements:
    • Strict access control will apply at all buildings and exam venues throughout the exam period

    • All students will be expected to identify themselves with a valid SU student card, or if this is not possible, with a valid identity document or driver’s license

    • Students without a SU student card and only an identity document or driver’s license, will have to wait until they can be identified by staff on duty or until their names can be marked off on the class list

    • Students are requested to arrive at exam venues at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam

    • Students are also reminded that in accordance with the Disciplinary Code they will be guilty of misconduct if their actions should in any way disrupt academic activities or the general functioning of SU  

  • Students who feel that they are being harassed by security staff, or that security staff members act inappropriately, should report incidents to unfair@sun.ac.za. Full details are essential to enable SU to investigate: date, time, location of incident, what transpired and the names and contact details of witnesses. Photographs or video clips are also helpful. It is important to note that legally SU’s permanent Campus Security staff are not permitted to provide security services related to protest action. 
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details, to report@sun.ac.za.

Important numbers:

  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents: Stellenbosch Campus 0218082333, Tygerberg Campus 0219389507
  • Crisis service 0825570880
  • Academic queries/assistance: 0218084707
  • Counselling service: 0218084994

 

INFO AS AT TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER


  • Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, announced ad hoc arrangements with regard to the loss of academic time and the final examinations for 2016. Read his letter to staff and students.
  • All Stellenbosch campus students are reminded of the following exam arrangements:
    • Strict access control will apply at all buildings and exam venues throughout the exam period
    • All students will be expected to identify themselves with a valid SU student card, or if this is not possible, with a valid identity document or driver’s license
    • Students without a SU student card and only an identity document or driver’s license, will have to wait until they can be identified by staff on duty or until their names can be marked off on the class list
    • Students are requested to arrive at exam venues at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam
    • Students are also reminded that in accordance with the Disciplinary Code they will be guilty of misconduct if their actions should in any way disrupt academic activities or the general functioning of SU  
  • The library is open.  The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation or disruption that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za. 
  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents:
    • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
    • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507

 

INFO AS AT TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER


With the final exams starting today, all Stellenbosch campus students are reminded of the following arrangements:
 
  • Strict access control will apply at all buildings and exam venues throughout the exam period
  • All students will be expected to identify themselves with a valid SU student card, or if this is not possible, with a valid identity document or driver’s license
  • Students without a SU student card and only an identity document or driver’s license, will have to wait until they can be identified by staff on duty or until their names can be marked off on the class list
  • Students are requested to arrive at exam venues at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam
  • Students are also reminded that in accordance with the Disciplinary Code they will be guilty of misconduct if their actions should in any way disrupt academic activities or the general functioning of SU  

Important contact details:
24-hour Crisis Service: 0825570880
Campus Security’s emergency numbers: Stellenbosch 0218082333, Tygerberg 0219389507
 
The Rector’s management team wishes all students success with their final exam of 2016.

 

INFO AS OF MONDAY 24 OCTOBER

  • Universities South Africa issued a call to action to keep our univesities on an even keel. Read more.
  • Stellenbosch University management is committed to engagement with students, and various discussions in a variety of forums are continuing on campus. Due to earlier commitments the full Rector's Management Team (RMT) is not available this week, but a process is well underway to find a suitable date and time for a colloquium of 20 to 30 participants this week. Read more.
  • The library is open.  The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation or disruption that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za
  • To load printing quotas or Inetkey, go to My.Sun.  If you experience any problems with the process, please mail info@sun.ac.za.
  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents:
    • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
    • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507

 

INFO AS OF THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER AND FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER

  • Stellenbosch University management is committed to engagement with students, and various discussions in a variety of forums are continuing on campus. Due to earlier commitments the full Rector's Management Team (RMT) is not available this week, but a process is well underway to find a suitable date and time for a colloquium of 20 to 30 participants next week. Read more.
  • There were social media reports claiming that the SU Rector's Management Team would attend a mass meeting in the Kruiskerk at 13:00 today. This was, however, not confirmed with management.
  • Classes will continue at SU, with visible security presence for safety.  Although the situation is currently calm, the level of vigilance and access control will be maintained.
  • The library is open.  The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation or disruption that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za. 
    Please send a mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 0218089111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C.  
  • To load printing quotas or Inetkey, go to My.Sun.  If you experience any problems with the process, please mail info@sun.ac.za.
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details where available, to report@sun.ac.za.
  • The numbers of additional security staff and their physical appearance as a result of protective gear have been necessitated by the ongoing and escalating national protest action. The University has instructed security service providers to act with the maximum restraint despite provocation and difficult operational circumstances. Protesters are only engaged as a last resort. 
  • Students who feel that they are being harassed by security staff, or that security staff members act inappropriately, should report incidents to unfair@sun.ac.za. Full details are essential to enable SU to investigate: date, time, location of incident, what transpired and the names and contact details of witnesses. Photographs or video clips are also helpful. It is important to note that legally SU’s permanent Campus Security staff are not permitted to provide security services related to protest action. 
  • The University is proceeding with disciplinary action against students who have been involved in assault and/or actions that prevented fellow students from participating in academic activities. These include blocking access to the library, disrupting lectures and tests and tearing up of test papers.  Contrary to social media rumours, no students have been expelled without a hearing.  Read more here.
  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents:
    • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
    • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507

 

INFO AS OF TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER AND WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER

  • Classes will continue at SU, with visible security presence for safety.  Although the situation is currently calm, the level of vigilance and access control will be maintained.
  • The library is open.  The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation or disruption that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za. 
  • Please send a mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 0218089111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C.  
  • To load printing quotas or Inetkey, go to My.Sun.  If you experience any problems with the process, please mail info@sun.ac.za.
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details where available, to report@sun.ac.za.
  • The numbers of additional security staff and their physical appearance as a result of protective gear have been necessitated by the ongoing and escalating national protest action. The University has instructed security service providers to act with the maximum restraint despite provocation and difficult operational circumstances. Protesters are only engaged as a last resort. 
  • Students who feel that they are being harassed by security staff, or that security staff members act inappropriately, should report incidents to unfair@sun.ac.za. Full details are essential to enable SU to investigate: date, time, location of incident, what transpired and the names and contact details of witnesses. Photographs or video clips are also helpful. It is important to note that legally SU’s permanent Campus Security staff are not permitted to provide security services related to protest action. 
  • The University is proceeding with disciplinary action against students who have been involved in assault and/or actions that prevented fellow students from participating in academic activities. These include blocking access to the library, disrupting lectures and tests and tearing up of test papers.  Contrary to social media rumours, no students have been expelled without a hearing.  Read more here.
  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents:
    • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
    • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507


INFO AS OF MONDAY 17 OCTOBER

  • Classes will continue at SU, with visible security presence for safety.  
  • The library is open.  The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation or disruption that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za. 
  • Please send a mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 0218089111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C.  
  • To load printing quotas or Inetkey, go to My.Sun.  If you experience any problems with the process, please mail info@sun.ac.za.
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details where available, to report@sun.ac.za.
  • The numbers of additional security staff and their physical appearance as a result of protective gear have been necessitated by the ongoing and escalating national protest action. The University has instructed security service providers to act with the maximum restraint despite provocation and difficult operational circumstances. Protesters are only engaged as a last resort. 
  • Students who feel that they are being harassed by security staff, or that security staff members act inappropriately, should report incidents to unfair@sun.ac.za. Full details are essential to enable SU to investigate: date, time, location of incident, what transpired and the names and contact details of witnesses. Photographs or video clips are also helpful. It is important to note that legally SU’s permanent Campus Security staff are not permitted to provide security services related to protest action. 
  • The University is proceeding with disciplinary action against students who have been involved in assault and/or actions that prevented fellow students from participating in academic activities. These include blocking access to the library, disrupting lectures and tests and tearing up of test papers.  Contrary to social media rumours, no students have been expelled without a hearing.  Read more here.
  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents:
    • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
    • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507


INFO AS AT FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER

  • A threatening voice note regarding protests today has been circulated to some students.  The voice note has not been validated.  Classes will continue at SU, with visible security presence for safety.  There is an appeal to students, parents/guardians and staff to remain calm.
  • The library is open.  The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation or disruption that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za. 
  • Please send a mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 0218089111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C.  
  • To load printing quotas or Inetkey, go to My.Sun.  If you experience any problems with the process, please mail info@sun.ac.za.
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details where available, to report@sun.ac.za.
  • The numbers of additional security staff and their physical appearance as a result of protective gear have been necessitated by the ongoing and escalating national protest action. The University has instructed security service providers to act with the maximum restraint despite provocation and difficult operational circumstances. Protesters are only engaged as a last resort. 
  • Students who feel that they are being harassed by security staff, or that security staff members act inappropriately, should report incidents to unfair@sun.ac.za. Full details are essential to enable SU to investigate: date, time, location of incident, what transpired and the names and contact details of witnesses. Photographs or video clips are also helpful. It is important to note that legally SU’s permanent Campus Security staff are not permitted to provide security services related to protest action. 
  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents:
    • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
    • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507
 


INFO AS AT THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER

  • A threatening voice note regarding protests tomorrow has been circulated to some students.  The voice note has not been validated.  Classes will continue at SU, with visible security presence for safety.  There is an appeal to students, parents/guardians and staff to remain calm.

  • There were no serious incidents overnight. Currently there are small splinter groups active on campus. Although the situation is currently calm, the level of vigilance and access control will be maintained.
  • The occupation of Huis Russel Botman House was ended late yesterday afternoon and another security company, specialising in crowd control, was deployed on campus.
  • The numbers of additional security staff and their physical appearance as a result of protective gear have been necessitated by the ongoing and escalating national protest action. Since the unsuccessful attempt to hurl a petrol bomb into a building at the Faculty of Engineering, no further devices have been found.
  • Due to the disruption of food services yesterday morning, security staff members have been positioned at residences to ensure that meals will be served to students today. 
  • The University has instructed security service providers to act with the maximum restraint despite provocation and difficult operational circumstances. Protesters are only engaged as a last resort. 
  • The University is proceeding with disciplinary action against students who have been involved in assault and/or actions that prevented fellow students from participating in academic activities. These include blocking access to the library, disrupting lectures and tests and tearing up of test papers.
  • The library is open.  The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation or disruption that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za.  
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details where available, to report@sun.ac.za.
  • All academic activities will continue. Additional measures have been instituted. Read the full statement here.
  • Please send a mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 0218089111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C.  
  • To load printing quotas or Inetkey, go to My.Sun.
  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents:
    • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
    • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507

INFO AS OF WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER

 

  • Security has been sharpened on SU campuses by Campus Security and SAPS to ensure students' safety.  The situation is being monitored continually. Read more. 
  • After serious attempts at damage to property last night, security has been significantly increased for tonight.  Security staff in protective gear will maintain high visibility.
  • Prof Wim de Villiers sent an sms to students, assuring them of full support to complete the academic year: "Our students are entering a busy time & SU lives in challenging period. Be assured of full support to complete 2016 academic year. Prof Wim de Villiers"
  • The library is open.  The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation or disruption that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za.  
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details where available, to report@sun.ac.za.
  • All academic activities will continue. Additional measures have been instituted. Read the full statement here.
  • Please send a mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 0218089111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C.  

  • To load printing quotas or Inetkey, go to My.Sun.

  • Emergency numbers and to report incidents:
    • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
    • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507

 

INFO AS OF TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER

  • All academic activities will continue today and for the rest of the week. Additional measures have been instituted. Read the full statement here.

  • Staff and students are asked to stay calm and patient and not to respond to provocation. 
  • Staff and students may be asked to stay temporarily in a room or building until it is safe to leave. Please cooperate with security personnel.
  • The library will be open for the rest of the day.  For urgent enquiries: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za.
  • Please send a mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 0218089111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C.
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details where available, to report@sun.ac.za.

Emergency numbers and to report incidents:

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
  • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507


INFO AS OF MONDAY 10 OCTOBER

  • All academic activities will continue on Tuesday, October 11, and the rest of the week. Additional measures have been instituted for tomorrow. Read the full statement here.
  • There is protest action on campus today, but the situation is constantly being monitored and measures are in place.  
  • A group of about 160 people are moving around campus. The group consists of SU students, workers and possibly students from other campuses. 
  • Some lectures have been disrupted, fire extinguishers sprayed and a few doors have been broken.
  • Where possible, academic activities will be continued, but all buildings will be closed and access controlled.  Faculties will communicate with students directly in the event of a change to the academic schedule.
  • Staff and students are asked to stay calm and patient and not to respond to provocation. 
  • Staff and students may be asked to stay temporarily in a room or building until it is safe to leave. Please cooperate with security personnel.
  • The library will be closed for the rest of the day.  For urgent enquiries: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za.
  • Please send a mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 0218089111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C.
  • Staff and students can send images/videos of protest action where violence and/or damage to property has occurred, with details where available, to report@sun.ac.za.

Emergency numbers and to report incidents:

 

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
  • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507
Clarification on interdicted/suspended students

Stellenbosch University obtained an interdict ordering 30 students to end the occupation of the Wilcocks building and to refrain from disrupting academic/administrative functions at Stellenbosch University, or barricading or occupying any buildings. The 19 interdicted students (11 of the 30 have also been suspended) may continue with all their academic activities. They have full access to their faculties, residences, library and computer user areas. 

Twelve students have been suspended from Stellenbosch University pending the outcome of a disciplinary process. These students may not attend lectures or participate in any academic activities until the disciplinary process has been concluded. The suspensions are due to charges of assault and/or preventing fellow students from participating in academic activities, including disrupting tests/tearing up of test papers and/or blocking access to the library so that other students could not use the facilities. All suspended students have been informed of the reasons for their suspensions. 


INFO AS  OF WEDNESDAY 28 September

  • The main Stellenbosch campus library is open.
  • The library may be closed if there is risk of occupation that may prevent long-term access for students. For urgent enquiries when closed: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za.  

Emergency numbers and to report incidents:

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
  • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507
TESTSStudents are reminded that they have to present their student cards at test venues and arrive 15 min early. Unfortunately there will be no access to the venue without a student card. 

INFO AS OF TUESDAY 27 September

 

  • No student meeting has been scheduled in the Library auditorium for today at 13:00 

 

INFO AS OF MONDAY 26 September

 

  • Some classes were disrupted this morning, singular instances where class tests (not semester tests) were being written. 
  • Academic and administrative activities are set to continue.
  • SU appeals to students not to disrupt lectures or tests, and to respect the rights of students and staff who choose to continue their work.
  • TESTS:  Tests are scheduled to continue this week. Strict access control will be applied at buildings, therefore student cards are essential for those who are writing tests.  Please arrive 15 minutes early with your student card.  
  • SU was served with a spoliation order on Friday evening and access to accommodation for some of the suspended students has been restored (not all of them are are in res). Students are still suspended from academic activities and buildings until the disciplinary process has been concluded. The interdicted students who have not also been suspended can continue attending classes, writing tests and utilising all SU facilities, provided that they do not engage in any further disruptive activities.  Read the background here.
  • Watch the Rector's video on student fees and protest (23 September).

Emergency numbers and to report incidents:

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
  • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507

 

INFO AS OF SUNDAY 25 September

  • Academic and administrative activities are set to continue this coming week.  
  • SU appeals to students not to disrupt lectures or tests, and to respect the rights of students and staff who choose to continue their work.
TESTSStudents are reminded that they have to present their student cards at test venues and arrive 15 min early. Unfortunately there will be no access to the venue without a student card. 


Emergency numbers and to report incidents: 

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333
  • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507

INFO AS OF FRIDAY 23 September

Stellenbosch Campus: .

  • The Rector & Dean of Students met with group of students on Saterday, 17 September, with the commitment to provide feedback by Friday, 23 September
  • There was an undertaking by group not to disrupt academic activities further. This changed on Monday & Tuesday 19-20 September
  • Due to the situation on campus, the promised feedback was sent to students by email on Tues 20 September
  • SU remains committed to ongoing discussions with students, driven by Student Affairs, including the Dean of Students
  • 12:00 - mass meeting on Rooiplein started
  • Possible protest action today on Stellenbosch campus. Will post updates when available
  • Students from other universities on campus today, blocking streets. SU access control at buildings  
  • Discussions with students ongoing through the Dean of Students
  • Classes and tests to continue as scheduled

TYGERBERG CAMPUS UPDATE: Campus entrance OPEN. All undergraduate academic activities for Friday 23 September still postponed. The rest of the activities of the Faculty will continue. Message of the Dean's Management Team.

TESTSStudents are reminded that they have to present their student cards at test venues and arrive 15 min early. Unfortunately there will be no access to the venue without a student card. 

Emergency numbers and to report incidents: 

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333;
  • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507


INFO AS OF THURSDAY 22 September

TYGERBERG CAMPUS UPDATE: Campus entrance OPEN. All undergraduate academic activities for Thursday 22 September still postponed. The rest of the activities of the Faculty will continue. READ a statement by the Dean's Management Team here. 

Stellenbosch Campus: Classes and tests to continue as scheduled.

Important telephone numbers: 

Emergency numbers and to report incidents: 

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 0218082333;
  • Tygerberg Campus: 0219389507

Crisis Service (counselling)

  • Stellenbosch AND Tygerberg Campus: 082 557 0880

Library: Stellenbosch Campus: OPEN

TESTS: Students are reminded that they have to present student cards at test venues and arrive 15 min early. Unfortunately no access to venue without card.

Recent Stellenbosch University statements:


INFO AS OF WEDNESDAY 21 September

  • Information on the court order and suspension of students:  Info here.
  • Stellenbosch Campus: Classes to continue on 21 September
  • Tygerberg Campus:

    All classes for undergraduate students of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences have been suspended for today. Clinical rotations and Skills Lab activities continue. The Dean’s Management Team will convene with the Tygerberg Student Council this afternoon to confirm contingency arrangements for Thursday and Friday. READ a statement by the Dean's Management Team here.

  • Library on Stellenbosch Campus to open this morning.
  • Read statement by Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor here.
  • See important telephone numbers below.


INFO AS OF TUESDAY 20 September

Contingency plans are in place to manage the protest action at the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Campuses as best possible. 

Stellenbosch campus: Classes and tests on the Stellenbosch campus are not suspended and continue as scheduled.

  • A small group of students have disrupted classes in among others the Arts Building. The University views this as completely unacceptable as it infringes on the rights of students to study. Security staff will intervene where necessary and the University will not hesitate to take disciplinary steps.
  • All classes and tests scheduled for the Wilcocks Building on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday 21 September have been moved to other venues and staff and students advised.
  • Important: Students should please show student cards at test venues and arrive 15 min early. Unfortunately no access to venue without card.  

 

Tygerberg campus: All classes and clinical rotations for undergraduate students of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences have been suspended for today, Tuesday 20 September 2016, and no student will be penalised for missing these responsibilities. Essential services, tests and exams will continue. 

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS:

Emergency numbers:

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 021 808 2333
  • Tygerberg Campus: 021 938 9507

Crisis Service (counselling)

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 082 557 0880
  • Tygerberg Campus: 082 557 0880

Campus Health (medical assistance)

  • Stellenbosch Campus: 076 431 0305
  • Tygerberg: 021 938 9590

STATEMENT ON FEES

LIBRARY

  • The main library on the Stellenbosch Campus is closed today (Tuesday 20 September)
  • Students and researchers who require urgent access, can arrange that via email: libraryhelp@sun.ac.za

ADMIN BUILDINGS

  • Please send mail to info@sun.ac.za or call 021 808 9111 if you need any urgent info/documentation from Admin A&C