Campus updates

Posted on October 18, 2016

 

Please see below answers to questions regarding the academic programme and arrangements around the current situation on campus. We invite you to be on the lookout for regular updates on the university's official communication channels. Send any questions you may have to [email protected] or contact your respective faculty using the details provided below. 

 

31 October 2016

Updates for parents are posted regularly on the Parents section of the UP web page. A direct link is available on the homepage of the UP website or visit www.up.ac.za/parents.
 
We also send email updates to parents and guardians. If you are not receiving email updates and would like to, please send your email address to the following address: [email protected] and we will add your email address to our database.
 
 

28 October 2016

A free shuttle service will be implemented between the Gautrain Hatfield station and the Hatfield Campus of the University for students and staff who make use of the train. This service will be available from Friday, 28 October.

The shuttle will leave the Gautrain station on the corner of Arcadia and Grosvenor Street daily at 07:00 from Monday to Friday and stop at H29 (the parking lot on the corner of Harold and Duxbury Road). It will then return to the Gautrain station half an hour later. The shuttle will leave the Gautrain station every hour and the last shuttle will leave the station at 16:00. The shuttle will be marked clearly with posters in the windows. 

Staff and/or students wishing to make use of the service will have to present a student or staff card.

 

27 October 2016

As we approach the end of the year, the University has received some questions regarding the 2017 academic year. The following plans are in place:

Welcoming Day for first-year students will take place on Saturday, 28 January 2017, followed by the Orientation Week (Programme for Registration and Start of the Academic Year) from Monday, 30 January 2017 to Thursday, 2 February 2017. Lectures will commence on Monday, 6 February 2016.

The academic calendar for 2017 will be published on the website as soon as its finalised.  For more information, go to www.up.ac.za.

 

19 October 2016

The University of Pretoria will reopen computer labs for students from 08:00 on Thursday, 20 October. 

The ITS labs in the Technical Services Building will be available. Access will be via the Burnett Street entrance.

Students will be able to spend up to three hours per day in the lab, so that we are able to accommodate everyone who needs computer access. Students should understand that they may not always be able to enter the labs at the time of their choice.

Printing facilities will be available, and IT staff will be present to assist students.

The sessions will run as follows:

08:00 to 11:00

11:30 to 14:30

15:00 to 18:00.

The labs will be emptied between sessions.

Students, please be aware that security measures will be in place, and we appeal to everyone to help us maintain a safe environment. Bags will be searched and physical searches may be conducted if deemed necessary. Remember to bring your student card in order to gain access.

 

18 October 2016

The University of Pretoria has made arrangements with several service providers to provide students with the option of accessing the University website and clickUP free of charge.

Currently the options below are available. Please click on the hyperlink to access the full instructions of how to make use of the service.

More services will be added to the list as they become available.

Please note that the free service is only applicable to the official University website and clickUP. It is not applicable to other sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or a general Google search.

Tshwane Wi-Fi

AlwaysOn

Telkom

Cell C and MTN

 

17 October 2016

The University of Pretoria is working hard to finalise an agreement with internet service providers to make internet available to students who currently don't have access. We hope to make an announcement tomorrow morning.

We apologise for the inconvenience of the delay.

 

12 October 2016

  1. Why is the University using clickUP and not considering other online platforms like YouTube?

    Lecturers are using YouTube. YouTube videos are integrated into clickUP. These videos are unlisted videos in YouTube and not available to the public. This is to protect the intellectual property of the University.

    ​Students are already familiar with the clickUP portal where academic information is communicated. clickUP is the University's official education platform and best positioned to be a centralised point for all lecture and study material. Lecturers might supplement material on clickUP through alternative channels, but that will be communicated to students by the individual lecturers.

  2. Now that we are relying more on the online platform, what progress has the University made in providing for students who do not have access to the internet or computer facilities? Will we have to pay for internet access?

    We recognise that there are many students who do not have easy internet availability to allow them to access clickUP, and we are in the process of making the necessary arrangements to provide for students who need internet access.  We are also making arrangements for students who need access to computers, and these plans will also be announced as soon as possible.

    These facilities will be provided free of charge.

    In the meantime, we are advising students to make use of the free Tshwane Wi-Fi service in Tshwane area, as an interim measure. Further announcements regarding internet access and computer facilities will follow.

  3. Will I be allowed in if I show up at the UP campus today?

You will only be allowed on campus if your faculty has made prior arrangements for you to attend specific academic activities. Go to clickUP or contact your faculty to find out if you are required to be on campus.

  1. Will classes resume today?

Classes will only resume for students who have been notified by their faculties. Go to clickUP or contact your faculty for more information on the programmes for your modules, as alternative arrangements are being made which may involve amended schedules and online interaction rather than lectures on the campus.

  1. Will the campus be open today?

The campus will only be open to those students who are required by their faculties to attend academic activities. Go to clickUP or contact your faculty for more information. 

 

11 October 2016

  1. How will the new arrangements affect students who do not have access to the internet?

The University will arrange for additional venues with Wi-fi available for students who need it. Details regarding this will be communicated as soon as possible.

  1. How can the University decide to resort to distance learning? That is not what I enrolled for.

We recognise that it is imperative for teaching and learning to continue, and for final assessments and examinations to be concluded this year. The new arrangements represent our commitment to completing the academic year.

  1. Who can I talk to at the different faculties for more detailed information?

Please refer to the table below :

FACULTY

CONTACT NUMBER

CONTACT EMAIL

Law

012 420 4126/012 420 2412

[email protected]

Veterinary Sciences

012 529 8364

[email protected]

Health Sciences

012 319 2207/012 319 2198

[email protected]

[email protected]

Economic and Management Sciences

012 420 3330

[email protected]

Education

012 420 5556

[email protected]

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

012 420 2473/012 420 3093

[email protected]

[email protected]

Humanities

012 420 2360

[email protected]

Theology

012 420 2322/012 420 4053

[email protected]

[email protected]

Engineering, Built Environment and IT

012 420 2676

[email protected]

 

  1. Why is the University using clickUP and not considering other online platforms like YouTube?

Students are already familiar with the clickUP portal where academic information is communicated. clickUP is the University's own education platform and best positioned to be a centralised point for all lecture and study material. Lecturers might supplement material on clickUP through alternative channels, but that will be communicated to students by the individual lecturers.

  1. How are students supposed to access the study material if they do not have access to a laptop or PC?

We are in the process of making arrangements for computer facilities to be made available to students who need it. Details regarding this will be communicated as soon as possible.

  1. Will the library be open?

The library will not be open on Wednesday, 12 October but it is accessible online. Further arrangements regarding access will be communicated as soon as possible.

  1. Will students have access to campus to talk to the lecturer?

From Wednesday, 12 October, faculties will make the necessary arrangements for face-to-face, online and telephonic academic support. Access will be strictly controlled.

  1. Will students have access to the computer laboratories?

The computer labs will not be open on Wednesday, 12 October. Further arrangements regarding access to the computer labs will communicated.

  1. Will students be able to go home and study from there?

Students need to consult clickUp or their faculties to see if this is possible.

  1. What will happen to students who live in remote areas and who don't have access to a laptop or smartphone?

While it may be possible to study from home, depending on the module, students who do not have access to laptops or smartphones are encouraged to remain close to the campus where facilities will be provided.

  1. Will the exams also be written online?

A number of alternative means of assessment might be considered. Details regarding examination arrangements and venues will be communicated closer to the time. Examinations will start on Monday,14 November and continue to Saturday, 3 December 2016.

  1. Will the new arrangements be applicable to all courses?

Students are advised to visit clickUP daily for announcements that relate to the modules they are enrolled for.

  1. How will the new arrangements impact on practical work?

Where applicable, new arrangements for practical modules will be communicated, but please direct this question to the individual lecturer or faculty.

  1. Will the residences remain open?

Yes. Students who are currently residing in UP residences, will be able to stay there until completion of their exams.

  1. Are the exam dates likely to change? I want to make arrangements for the December recess.

At this stage we do not foresee any changes to the approved exam schedule.

  1. Will I be safe if I have to visit campus to write an exam or for academic purposes?

The safety of students and staff remain our first priority. Strict access control will be enforced and additional security measures will be in place to ensure that there are no further disruptions to examinations and the academic programme, and that all students and staff remain safe.

  1. What should I do if someone threatens me because I am committed to finishing the academic year?

The University sees such threats and acts of intimidation in a serious light. Please report all such incidents to 0800 0064 28.

  1. I feel really traumatised by the protest action and the influence it has had on my studies. I am worried that the stress might negatively impact on my preparation for the exams. What can I do?

Please make use of the UP toll free trauma support line on 0800 747 747.

  1. I am a final year student and I have already received a job offer for 2017. Can I accept it?

Yes, we are committed to seeing the academic year through.

 


 

Following the Senate's decision to conduct a process of structured engagement with staff and students on Monday, 10 October, please see below answers to some of the questions that we have received. We invite you to be on the lookout for regular updates on the university's official communication channels. Send any questions you may have to [email protected] or contact your respective faculty using the details provided below. 

 

Frequently asked questions with answers:

 

10 October 2016

  1. Is there a route through which parents can send in suggestions and proposals to the University leadership.

Parents can use the following email: [email protected]

  1. Is the University considering solutions for finishing the academic year that involve distance learning, podcast lectures, online mechanisms etc?

Yes, the academic staff, in all faculties, are working on developing a number of online and distance education approaches to enable students to receive lecture material and to complete assignments and assessments. Information on these systems will be provided by the deans of the respective faculties.  

  1. Why does the University not use the interdict it has in place to prevent the protesters from disrupting activities on the campus?

The University is working closely with the police who have already made a number of arrests.  It is up to the Police to apply the interdict.

  1. Why do the police not intervene in situations where students disrupt classes?

The police have already made a number of arrests on campus and are working closely with campus security to ensure the safety of students and staff. 

 

7 October 2016

  1. Where can students find information, including venues, about the engagements on Monday, 10 October 2016?

Go to clickUP and the social media platforms of your faculty where details will be available by 08:00 on Monday, 10 October 2016. 

  1. Should students return to the campus on Monday, 10 October 2016?

Students should return, following the end of the recess.

  1. Why should I return to the university if the academic programme will not resume on Monday, 10 October?

We are encouraging students to participate in the engagements that are planned for Monday.

  1. What is the purpose of the engagement?

To restore an environment in which UP can resume its academic programme without endangering its staff and students.

  1. What safety measures are in place?

Campus security is in place and we have asked the police to be available to assist the university, if necessary.

  1. Will classes resume on Tuesday?

We are unable to confirm at this stage that classes will resume on Tuesday. However, we remain fully committed to seeing the academic year through.

  1. Does the suspension of classes on Monday mean students will not be able to complete the academic year?

We are fully committed to completing the academic year. The University recognises the concern of parents and students who are anxious to continue with the academic programme. However, in light of the recent violent incidents at other universities and in the interest of the safety of staff and students, it is important that the University reaches a level of consensus that will help avoid any further disruption. This, we trust, will give us the best chance to complete the current academic year.

  1. What will be the format of the engagements?

It will be in the form of structured meetings with staff and students to address the call for free education. We have already started engagements within faculties during the week of the recess.

  1. Who will lead the engagements?

A number of civic and church organisations have already offered their assistance, and Deans will coordinate the meetings.

  1. Are all students expected to participate in the engagements?

We would encourage students to accept the invitation to participate in order to find the best possible solution to the issues facing tertiary education.

  1. Can parents also attend the engagements on Monday?

Although discussions about the shape of the engagements are still being decided, the Higher Education Parents Dialogue organisation will play a key role in the facilitation process. More dedicated engagement with parents will be explored, but probably not for the Monday engagements.

  1. Why is the university giving in to the demands of protesting students?  

In light of the recent violent incidents at other universities and in interest of the safety of staff and students, it is important that the University reaches a level of consensus that will help avoid any further disruption. This, we trust, will give us the best chance to complete the current academic year.

  1. Will the library be open on Monday?

No, the library will not be open on Monday.

  1. When will classes resume?

While the academic programme remains suspended until further notice to allow for the engagements to take place, the University is committed to seeing the academic year through. We are currently finalising alternative arrangements to ensure students are able to complete the academic year. Students can contact their respective faculties for more information:

FACULTY

CONTACT NUMBER

CONTACT EMAIL

Law

012 420 4126/012 420 2412

[email protected]

Veterinary Sciences

012 529 8364

[email protected]

Health Sciences

012 319 2207/012 319 2198

[email protected]

[email protected]

Economic and Management Sciences

012 420 3330

[email protected]

Education

012 420 5556

[email protected]

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

012 420 2473/012 420 3093

[email protected]

[email protected]

Humanities

012 420 2360

[email protected]

Theology

012 420 2322/012 420 4053

[email protected]

[email protected]

Engineering, Built Environment and IT

012 420 2676

[email protected]

 

  1. When will exams start?

The examinations have been scheduled to start on 14 November 2016. Any further changes and updates will be communicated to students two weeks before the start, as determined by the regulations.

  1. Should I continue to study for my tests?

Yes, we are committed to completing the academic year and will do everything possible to ensure that this happens.

  1. What plans are being made for students to catch up for the time they have lost following the suspension of academic activities?

We are currently finalising alternative arrangements to ensure that students will be able to complete the academic year. We are committed to seeing the academic year through. Students can contact their faculties for more information. Refer to clickUP for more information.

FACULTY

CONTACT NUMBER

CONTACT EMAIL

Law

012 420 4126/012 420 2412

[email protected]

Veterinary Sciences

012 529 8364

[email protected]

Health Sciences

012 319 2207/012 319 2198

[email protected]

[email protected]

Economic and Management Sciences

012 420 3330

[email protected]

Education

012 420 5556

[email protected]

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

012 420 2473/012 420 3093

[email protected]

[email protected]

Humanities

012 420 2360

[email protected]

Theology

012 420 2322/012 420 4053

[email protected]

[email protected]

Engineering, Built Environment and IT

012 420 2676

[email protected]

  1. Will the residences be open?

All student residences will open during this weekend to receive students, following the end of the recess.

  1. Will the University refund the transport cost of students who are being forced to travel up and down during this time?

No, students can contact their respective deans to discuss alternative arrangements.

  1. What will happen on Monday?

Staff and students are invited to attend a series of meetings with their deans in their respective faculties. Details will be provided on clickUP and other communication channels. Students can also contact their respective faculties.

  1. Will lecturers be available to consult with students?

There will be no academic activities taking place on Monday

  1. Will there be post-graduate classes on Monday?

There will be no academic activities taking place on Monday

  1. Should students living outside Pretoria return to campus?

We are encouraging students to participate in the engagements that are planned for Monday.

 

 

- Author Department of University Relations

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

To contact the University during the COVID-19 lockdown, please send an email to [email protected]

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences