The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) adjusted its academic calendar in response to the time lost following the shutdown of its Bellville Campus.
The campus was shut down and student residences were evacuated following violent protests which saw protesters clash with police and several vehicles set alight.
Changes To The CPUT Academic Calendar
CPUT announced that the academic recess period scheduled to take place between 24 June 2023 and 14 July 2023 will now begin on 24 May 2023. The recess period will now end on 2 June 2023.
This will allow teaching and learning activities to take place from 5 June 2023 to conclude the academic programme for the first semester.
Students will now enjoy a recess period of 9 days instead of the original 20 days scheduled before the suspension of the academic year.
Mid-year Assessments (FSAs) will then commence on 19 June 2023 and conclude by 7 July 2023. Students are advised that their respective faculties will share further details regarding assessments.
The university said the institutional calendar will be changed to reflect that Term 3 will start on 31 July 2023 instead of 17 July 2023.
Provision has been made by the institution to ensure that students have an opportunity to adjust to these changes and catch up with academic activities before the study and assessment period commences.
CPUT believes that the changes made to the academic programme present the best solution, with minimal disruptions, for the rest of the 2023 academic year
A Task Team representing the academic project was tasked with presenting a plan for the most effective and beneficial return to campus for both staff and students.
The university added that the changes also take into account the safety and security of all staff and students. It also makes provision for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that students are required to complete as well as postgraduate study concerns.
Students Not Impacted By The Changes
CPUT said students in the Faculty of Education will receive communication from their faculty leaders. This is because the Faculty of Education aligns itself with school operations.
The Faculty of Education will communicate directly with its students on dates
CPUT assured all stakeholders that the utmost care was taken to explore all available options in response to the impact of the protest.
The protest that led to the indefinite suspension of academic activities at CPUT is believed to be the result of the introduction of a new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) rule. The rule's introduction meant that students will not receive bursaries from the financial aid scheme.