After thoughtful consideration of the most recent events of violence, intimidation and destruction on our campuses, the national situation, and our concern for the safety of students, staff and visitors on our campuses, we have convened an urgent Special Meeting of the Senate Executive Committee to consider the way forward that will allow us to complete the 2016 academic year.
Unfortunately we had to concede that the situation on campus has deteriorated to such an extent that it is impossible to continue with face-to-face academic engagement without compromising the safety of students and staff.
We had several fruitful engagements with leaders from the student community and decided more than once on a date to resume classes. Unfortunately this has not realized until now, quite often due to circumstances beyond our control.
We have now reached the point of no return to save the 2016 academic year. We are aware that the extent of completion of the formal teaching programme varies from completed to nearly completed modules. Faculties indicated that they are in a position to start preparing for formal examinations and set credible assessments depending on the extent of completion.
After careful consideration of all the above-mentioned facts, the Senate Executive Committee, at a meeting held yesterday afternoon, took the following decisions regarding the completion of the 2016 academic year:
- All face-to-face classes on campusses are suspended for 2016.
- The modalities of the completion of the academic programme, where needed, will be faculty and discipline-specific and managed by Deans and Heads of Departments.
- All departments and modules that are ready will continue with final integrated summative assessments during November/ December 2016. Students will be advised shortly of the new assessment timetable and venues. Priority will be given to exit level modules.
- Where significant portions of the delivery of the modules are still outstanding, the final integrated summative assessment will be in the second half of January 2017. Faculties will communicate the assessment timetable in due time. Deans and Heads of Departments will decide on the completion of the outstanding work.
- Deferred, outstanding and re-assessments will all take place in January 2017.
- Options for postgraduate student assessment and completion will be considered by the Senate Higher Degrees Committee and will be communicated to students via their respective Faculties.
- Students that do not write their final assessments in November/ December are encouraged to go home for their own safety.
Whilst we recognise that this is not ideal, we need to appreciate that this is the only viable option to complete the academic year. We therefore ask for the understanding and support of students, parents and staff.
Faculties, via the Deans’ offices, will communicate with students and staff regarding the completion of programmes and the continuation of faculty operations. If students have any queries they are welcome to contact their respective faculties via e-mail.
Further information will be provided to residence students via Residence Administration and for students with disabilities via the Disability Unit.
International students who have enquiries are encouraged to contact the International Affairs Office via e-mail.
During this period we are committed to our engagement with student leadership and student structures in an attempt to stabilise the situation at CPUT and to find solutions going forward.
We thank all our students, parents and staff for their patience as we try to resolve the situation on campus.
Thank you
Prof Louis Fourie
Acting Vice Chancellor
Written by CPUT News
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