25 March 2021

Dear colleagues and students

The Institutional Committee for Business Continuity (ICBC) of Stellenbosch University (SU) met yesterday, Wednesday 24 March 2021. We received updates from the seven workstreams (student services; staff; learning and teaching; communications, social impact and external relations; campus operations; finance and legal matters; as well as research) and the medical advisory committee jointly managing SU's response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Please read on for more details.

Academic Year 2021

As communicated after our last meeting on 26 February, SU is moving away from the emergency remote teaching, learning and assessment (ERTLA) followed in 2020 by augmenting online elements with in-person sessions as far as possible (ARTLA) this year.

Accordingly, and in line with the level-1 lockdown currently in place nationwide, SU welcomed all students on campus for the formal beginning of the academic year on 15 March.

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, reported yesterday that the academic year got underway successfully, although there were some teething problems, mostly related to the switch to ARTLA, but that these are being addressed.

Good progress is being made with the identification of suitable additional venues with WiFi where students can access the internet in order to participate in sessions being livestreamed online, and a detailed communication in that regard will follow soon. In the meantime, once-off data bundles have been provided to all students to enable access to streamed lectures while we arrange for suitable venues.

The ICBC clarified that in cases where faculties decided that modules would be fully online, students are free to participate from where-ever they are. However, where there is the expectation that students should be on campus for face-to-face lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, clinical training, assessments, and the like, exceptions can unfortunately not be made. The student will have to decide to either attend, or deregister from the specific module for now. (Click here for more.)

Information about the presentation format of modules – whether face-to-face, fully online or augmented (a combination of both) – has been placed on faculties' websites, with links to be found on a central page on the University's website (click here).

COVID-19 prevention

The ICBC welcomed the news that there are no indications of COVID-19 hotspots or cluster outbreaks on any of the SU campuses, contrary to media claims in this regard. SU has the necessary measures in place, and we again appeal to all staff and students to comply with all protocols.

Anyone with concerns that they may be infected with COVID-19 should contact SU's Campus Health Service (Stellenbosch 021 808 3496/3494; Tygerberg 021 938 9590; after-hours emergency number 076 431 0305). COVID-19 is a notifiable condition, which means it is mandatory to report a positive result (please use the same numbers), making contact tracing possible, which prevents the disease from spreading.

Current numbers are relatively low, but the pandemic remains a high risk, and students and staff are required to wear a mask, maintain a safe physical distance from others and sanitise their hands and surfaces. Anyone intending to come to campus must use Higher Health's daily risk assessment app, HealthCheck (https://healthcheck.higherhealth.ac.za/), to self-screen beforehand.

SU has appointed 60 student safety ambassadors to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols. They started on 15 March, and are stationed at faculties' entrances and also roam campus. They can be identified by their bright green safety caps and jackets. (Click here for more.)

There are concerns that South Africa could experience increased COVID-19 infections if preventative measures are not followed closely enough. I therefore urge everyone to please avoid any behaviour that may lead to you becoming infected, or to you inadvertently contributing to the further spread of COVID-19 infections.

COVID-19 code of conduct for students returning to campus

The ICBC approved a COVID-19 code of conduct for students returning to campus, which makes an appeal for everyone to work together in social solidarity to limit the spread of the virus, prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed, and save lives.

The code is an extension of the rules that bind all registered students. A contravention will constitute disciplinary misconduct, which will be dealt with in terms of the Disciplinary Code for Students of Stellenbosch University.

The COVID-19 code of conduct will be communicated to all students soon, and will also be placed on the SU website.

Leave arrangements

The ICBC approved amendments to the current leave arrangements in place during COVID-19. Detailed communication about this to all staff members will follow soon.

Conclusion

These are uncertain times, and things can change quickly, for instance if stricter lockdown regulations are announced. As an institution we need to remain flexible and responsive to a changing environment; as individuals we have to remain vigilant, considerate and responsible for the common good. Please consult SU's COVID-19 webpage for relevant information, and also contact details should you need technical, academic or emotional support. 

We have made a good start to 2021. Issues are being sorted out, and challenges addressed. If we all adhere to protocols and work together in the spirit of social solidarity, I have no doubt that we can make the most of the opportunity offered by ARTLA and complete this academic year successfully, while we prioritise the health, safety and wellbeing of our students and staff and ensure the sustainability of our University.

Please take care and stay safe.

Prof Stan du Plessis ICBC Chair