Dear Students and Parents/Guardians

As you are aware, we have communicated to you that the academic programme would continue on Monday, 17 October 2016, whilst we continuously engage, in a transparent and open manner, on matters that affect both our students and staff. Management also made extensive commitments to meet students’ demands related to CUT matters. Unfortunately, disruptions of tests and lectures at both the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses, and victimisation of staff and students, continued on Monday, 17 October 2016 and today. Furthermore, two of the University’s buildings at the Bloemfontein campus were petrol bombed, causing severe damage. This is in addition to the Cafeteria being raided on Friday, 14 October at the Welkom campus. Intensive clashes between protesting students and the South African Police Services (SAPS) also took place at both campuses. By assessing (i) the current situation at the University; (ii) the primary demand by students for free education for all, which the University Council and Management cannot resolve; and (iii) the safety of students, staff and property, Management agreed to the following way forward related to the remainder of the 2016 academic programme:

• Formal lectures (face to face) and scheduled “sit-down” assessments are suspended with effect from Wednesday, 19 October 2016.
• Faculties will engage with all students and clearly indicate to them the way forward to ensure that their respective academic programmes are completed, which could include exceptional cases for some programmes.
• Academic staff members will engage with students via the University’s digital platform, e.g. e-Thutho, Blackboard, and electronic and social media, about alternative arrangements, assignments, assessments, etc. to ensure that the syllabus of each module is completed by Friday, 4 November 2016.
• Undergraduate students who do not have access to computer facilities and the internet off campus, or who do not have a conducive study environment at the places where they stay, will be allowed to make use of the Student Academic Support Centres, Library and Information Services and the 24-hour study areas on our campuses.
• The main assessments will commence on Monday, 7 November 2016, as published.

We remain determined to complete the academic year and that no student will be deprived as a result of these alternative arrangements.  

Once again, I would like to extend my sincere apology to students, staff, parents, guardians, alumni and external partners for the inconvenience caused as a result of this decision. Let us continue to work together in promoting positive dialogue to resolve these concerns, and to complete the 2016 academic year successfully! Thank you for your understanding and support!   

Kind regards 

Prof. Henk de Jager Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal   

See Communique, 18 October 2016 (PDF)