Dear CUT Students

We hope that you are doing well, and that you have been able to navigate your way through these challenging times thus far. We believe in your resilience, and want to reassure you that no student will be left behind academically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, there is still uncertainty regarding on-campus teaching. Therefore, CUT students are not expected to return to either of our two campuses on 4 May 2020.

However, we remain on track with our flexible and technology-infused learning strategy, as planned, and most of our online classes progressed fairly well during the orientation period. Access to appropriate technology and the internet has been a significant challenge due to the deep inequalities between students, and we are in the process of dispatching 5 000 devices and data bundles to our students, to ensure that you are fully equipped. However, in uploading the data, it appeared that a number of students’ cellphone numbers were incorrect on the ITS system. Those students who have not received the data credit on their cellphones should, as a matter of urgency, e-mail their correct cellphone numbers to the Registrar at nmrwetyana@cut.ac.za. 

Each of our staff members is prepared to walk the extra mile in ensuring that our students receive the best possible support during this period of flexible teaching and learning. Please ensure that you are familiar with all the guides and documents sent to you, and contact your Faculty Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator or Lecturer should you experience any challenges. The summarised CUT Online Student Guide is once again attached as Annexure A. As mentioned previously, a CUT COVID-19 Relief Fund (CCRF) has been established to provide much-needed financial or in-kind relief to, among others, needy students.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology will provide guidelines on the way forward in higher education later this week. We appreciate the complexity of the decisions that must be made, and understand that sufficient time is needed to consider all the available data and possible scenarios. Based on the Minister’s guidelines, we will formulate an operational roll-out plan, including the dates on which respective student cohorts will be expected to return to campus. These dates will be specified in due course. Strict measures and interventions will be implemented to enhance social distancing, and the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

Thank you for your commitment and effort during this time. Your well-being remains a priority, and we urge you to connect with the CUT Wellness Centre or consult the CUT StuComm App. Reach out to one another, and take care of your own health. We have sincere compassion for the hardships felt, and will continue to play our part in alleviating the COVD-19 effect.

May you all be blessed! E se e ka Ramasedi a ka le hlohonolofatsa! Mag julle almal geseënd wees!

Prof. Henk de Jager
Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Download the VC communique, English 29 April 2020 (PDF)

Download Annexure A - Online Learning Student Support - updated (PDF)