Dear students,

I hope you’re all doing as well as you can be under the circumstances.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in our lives. I know that it has not been an easy year for many of us. No one expected the country and the whole world to be affected by this pandemic to such an extent. But, true to THE UP WAY, we have adapted and found innovative solutions to further leverage the online teaching and learning system we have had in place for many years.

As we start the examination season I want to encourage every student to not only study hard during this period, but to also look after yourself. Plan your time carefully and get enough rest so that you can concentrate while you’re studying and writing your exams. Remember, examinations are a test of your understanding and progress. This means that during the semester you should have worked diligently to ensure you have a good module mark so you go into the examinations in a strong position.

Even though we’ve lived with the pandemic for several months, many of us are still anxious and uncertain about the road ahead, our jobs, our health, and our future. I am extremely proud of how far we have come under these uncertain circumstances; all our collaborative efforts to save the academic year have brought us here.

It is natural to feel anxious and stressed during examination periods, but remember your lecturers, friends, a tutor, a lecturer, a Faculty Student Advisor, your residence parents and others are there to support you. Please also seek out additional psychological support at the Department of Student Affairs, or call the UP Student Careline on 0800 747 747.  

I wish you well with the examinations and assure you that we are here to do everything we can to ensure your success. We will continue to provide support and assistance to ensure that no student is disadvantaged as we start the new year. I strongly believe you all are capable of doing well.

I ask that you continue to observe the appropriate regulations while at the same time ensuring the health and well-being of those around you. When you return to campus, remember to adhere to the compulsory safety precautions, including accessing the HealthCheck self-screening tool, wearing a face mask, sanitising your hands regularly, observing cough and sneezing etiquette, and maintaining social distancing practices.  

My hope is that all the efforts to develop a vaccine will bear fruit in the next few months. I look forward to welcoming you back to campus in 2021.

Keep safe, and good luck!

Kind regards,

Prof Tawana Kupe

Vice-Chancellor and Principal