At the beginning of this year, the Eduroam network was implemented to provide safer and more secure WiFi to staff and students on campuses. Eduroam replaced the less secure MatiesWiFi which did not support data encryption. By encrypting data, Eduroam provides a safer and more secure connection.

(Updated 8 June 2021)

As more students and staff return to campus and WiFi usage increases, the Information Technology Division is receiving more complaints about WiFi connectivity. These connectivity issues are not necessarily due to the change to the Eduroam network, but can also be attributed to the following:

1. WiFi is unstable and unreliable by nature
   Although a device might pick up or receive an Eduroam signal, it might not be able to transmit a signal to this distant access point resulting in an unstable and unreliable connection. WiFi in its nature is much more unstable and unreliable than a stable cable-based network because it uses radio networks and signals which is easily blocked by thick walls and other barriers. It can be compared with a cell phone call which can sometimes be quite a frustrating experience and to rectify it you have to move to a different location for an improved signal and experience.
2. WiFi congestion due to limited coverage
   Often staff and students have multiple devices connecting to the WiFi network which might cause congestion on some access points. To ensure effective connectivity to WiFi on campus, you first need to determine if there is coverage in your area. If not, it means new infrastructure will have to be created. We have very old buildings on campus that were not designed for modern technology, and therefore it is not always possible to provide WiFi in every corner of every building. Facilities Management’s interactive map can be used to ascertain whether there is WiFi coverage in your building.
   In cooperation with Facilities Management, connectivity issues are continuously addressed through the campus renewal master plan which includes increasing the number of WiFi access points in SU buildings. Major issues are addressed as far as possible, but in some cases, it is impossible due to obsolete data cabling infrastructure. In these cases, large projects need to be undertaken to replace the cabling infrastructure. Even WiFi access points need a cable to connect to the network and internet.
3. Different device configurations cause delay
   The hardware configuration of mobile devices differ. Subsequently some devices might take longer to connect to Eduroam and time-out. This is due to the device itself and not an unreliable WiFi connection. Because mobile devices are so different, it is important that our staff and students ensure their devices are registered on the University’s network and that it is properly set up to receive and send WiFi signals. The support team at the IT Hub and service desk can assist you with this.

(Updated 8 June 2021)

To ensure that you connect correctly to Eduroam, follow this procedure. More information is also available on the IT blog.

(Updated 8 June 2021)

The significant decline in the COVID-19 infection rates in the country has allowed for the resumption of most activities, including teaching and learning. Prof Stan Du Plessis, in his capacity as the chairperson of the Institutional Committee for Business Continuity (ICBC), indicated in his communication of 26 February 2021 that the decision was made to recall all students for the start of the first semester. He highlighted the Augmented Remote Learning, Teaching and Assessment model that will be implemented in line with the restrictions imposed on class sizes and activities in terms of legislation.

The learning and teaching model which has been adopted will require academic and professional academic support staff to return to a higher extent to our campuses. Line managers will liaise with staff regarding their return to campuses, and how this will take place. The return of staff will be managed in terms of Health and Safety directives issued by government that guide employers on the reintegration of staff to the workplace. These directions include social distancing measures and special measures to accommodate staff with comorbidities. These directives also provide for a process to deal with situations where staff refuse to return to the workplace.

We encourage you to visit the Human Resources website for a copy of the following documents:

The Occupational Health and Safety Directions of October 2020; and
the SU protocol which explains the procedure for dealing with a situation where an employee refuses to return to the workplace.

It is important that you familiarise yourself with these documents as it relates to health and safety in the workplace. Please do not hesitate to talk to line managers and our colleagues at Human Resources and Campus Health Services should you need more clarification.

(Updated 15 March 2021)

Campus Health Service is providing various support services to staff during the lockdown period. Please contact the following numbers:

Campus Health Service
Anneke van Heerden
021 808 3496
acvanheerden@sun.ac.za
After hour’s emergency number: 076 431 0305

Human Resources: Wellness
Shibu Mamabolo
079 011 836
shibu@sun.ac.za

External Counsellor
Dr David Fourie
082 852 1305
dpfourie@telkomsa.net