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Implications of adjusted COVID alert level 4 for SU
Author: Prof Stan du Plessis: ICBC Chair
Published: 27/06/2021

​28 June 2021

Dear colleagues and students

Following this evening's address by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the announcement of the adjusted alert level 4 (from 28 June to 11 July), the Institutional Committee for Business Continuity (ICBC) held an emergency meeting to discuss the implications for staff and students.

The following decisions were taken:

Students:​

  • The current A2 sit-down examinations, as well as all other online assessments have been suspended. All postgraduate assessments are also postponed.
  • The planned recess will move forward and will now commence on 28 June and run until 9 July 2021.
  • The A2 and A3 assessments will resume after the recess and will take place online. More information on the A4 assessment opportunity will be communicated at a later stage.
  • All contact classes on the Tygerberg campus are suspended and will move online. All clinicals will continue.
  • The Computer User Areas are closed, and access to the library is limited. Special arrangements for computer access can be made via your faculty.
  • Student administration services will be available online, and no face-to-face services will be available in Admin A.

These arrangements do not apply to students of Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Military Science. The Dean of Military Science, in consultation with that faculty's stakeholders, will decide on the timing and mode of assessment.

We encourage students to remain in residences during the two-week recess period and to limit their movement. As per the President's address, social gatherings are not permitted, and a curfew is in effect from 21:00–04:00.

Staff:

In light of the President's request, we encourage staff to work from home as far as possible. Only tasks that cannot be fulfilled online, should be fulfilled in person, in line with the existing protocols for returning to campuses.

We understand that the adjusted alert level 4 might have an impact on the leave plans for some staff members. We, however, request that line-managers and staff seek ways of ensuring breaks and leave for staff.

I also acknowledge that the pivot to online assessments when we resume with the A2 assessments will place a heavy burden on staff. These colleagues have repeatedly gone the extra mile to ensure the successful completion of our academic year and I ask for their cooperation again as we face the rising threat posed by the third wave.

Additional items:

Please note that once we receive the published regulations, we will provide additional information related to use of our commercial and sports facilities, travel arrangements and other matters that may impact the Stellenbosch University community. Staff with permits to travel during curfew for business purposes can continue to do so until further notice.

We request staff and students to remain vigilant and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please wear a mask, avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, maintain a safe physical distance from others, and wash or sanitise your hands regularly.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of the urgent nature of these decisions that were taken, bearing in mind the scientific evidence that we have at our disposal at present and our commitment to serve the best interest of our University community.

For updated information, please consult SU's COVID-19 webpage regularly.

With my best wishes to our staff and students.

Prof Stan du Plessis

ICBC Chair​