UCT services resume and other updates

Dear students and colleagues

This campus announcement aims to inform members of the University of Cape Town community about:

1. UCT services resume

Over the past week, there has been industrial action at the University of Cape Town. Some services such as the Jammie Shuttle, catering and cleaning were unfortunately affected. The impact this had on students and staff and the subsequent inconvenience caused is highly regrettable. The UCT leadership will be engaging further on this to understand how in future the impact of industrial action on critical services can be minimised.

An agreement has been reached between the UCT executive and the unions. All affected services resumed on Tuesday, 18 September 2018.

The agreement resolves longstanding demands related to issues of deep cleaning of residences, participation of a union nominated representative in recruitment panels, and processes for raising concerns in the transport department. Importantly, the agreement recommitted the parties to an established cycle for future negotiations.

UCT deeply regrets the inconvenience to students and staff as a result of services that were affected by the industrial action.

2. RADC call for proposals

UCT’s Residence Academic Development Committee (RADC) is calling for funding proposals for the 2018 Living and Learning programme, with a strong emphasis on mental wellness. The purpose of the Living and Learning programme is to further establish ways of bridging the gaps between faculties and residences and to foster student success.

The closing date for applications is 25 September 2018.

• Read the RADC call for proposals.

3. IRTC submission deadline extension

The Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission (IRTC) has extended its deadline for  submissions to 30 September 2018. Take advantage of this extension and make your submissions to Candice Amon (candice.amon@uct.ac.za) on 074 505 4159.

4. Distinguished Teacher Award nominations now open

The Distinguished Teacher Award is the highest accolade awarded to teaching staff at all levels within UCT. Through the award, the university recognises excellent teaching and acknowledges the primary place of teaching and learning in the institution’s work. All members of staff who have taught at UCT for a minimum period of five years are eligible for nomination. Students and members of the academic staff are hereby invited to submit nominations for the Distinguished Teacher Award for 2018.

Nominations must be submitted to Amanda Barratt (amanda-petra.barratt@uct.ac.za) before 22 October 2018.

• Read the call for nominations for the 2018 Distinguished Teacher Awards.

5. Safety awareness reminder

There have been recent reports of criminal incidents in areas surrounding the UCT campus, including Main Road. Staff and students are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and the potential risks to their personal safety both on and off campus. It is generally safer to walk in groups, in areas where there are people, and at times of the day when there is activity.

If you have concerns for your own safety, the safety of others, or you need to report an incident, please contact Campus Protection Services (CPS) on 021 650 2222/3.

• Read more about crime prevention.

6. Mental health support

Last Monday, 10 September 2018, marked World Suicide Prevention Day. Counselling and other forms of support are available at UCT for both students and staff. These services can be accessed by contacting the Student Wellness Service or the relevant departmental Human Resources representative.

• Read more about UCT’s counselling services.
• Read useful information from SADAG.

7. Sanlam marathon road closures

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 23 September 2018. As a result, the areas surrounding the race route will be affected by full road closures, traffic delays and increased activity.

There have been some changes to the 2018 route, and the specific road closures that might impact some members of the UCT community include those in Rondebosch, Newlands and Mowbray.

Please take note of these road closures and plan accordingly.

• View road closures in Rondebosch, Newlands and Mowbray.
• Visit the Sanlam Marathon website for full road closures.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements