UCT framework for returning to campus and other updates

Dear students and colleagues

This campus announcement aims to inform the UCT community about recent developments on campus.

1. Framework for returning to campus

The university is developing a framework for the safe return of staff and students in a coordinated and phased manner, in line with the guidelines provided by the government. This framework is based on the university’s commitment to protect the health and safety of all staff and students.

• Read the VC Desk: Developing the framework for returning to UCT.

2. Students to receive 100% rebate for dropped courses

The UCT Council has decided that students who drop courses by Friday, 5 June 2020, will receive a 100% fee rebate. This means that if students are thinking about dropping a course to ensure they have a manageable workload (after consultation with their course convenors) they can make that decision without having to take into account any financial constraints.

• Read the DVC Desk: 100% rebate for dropping a course by 5 June.

3. Phishing attacks at UCT

UCT is a prime target of numerous types of phishing attacks. Some UCT staff have fallen victim to these attacks and incurred financial loss, with the most recent being in May 2020. The UCT Computer Security Incident Response Team reminds the campus community of the risks associated with responding to phishing emails and how to spot them.

Phishing attacks are a reality, and everyone needs to play their role in ensuring that UCT’s network – including its digital resources as well as staff and students’ personal information – remains protected, as these are of great value to cybercriminals. The UCT network is only as secure as those who access it.

• Read about the latest phishing attacks at UCT.
• Learn about how to spot a phishing attempt.
• Learn about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself.

4. Africa Month symposium

Last week UCT celebrated Africa Month through a virtual symposium themed “Africa’s innovations in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”. A series of webinars discussed a range of topics towards the formulation of policy recommendations. Video recordings of the five webinars are now available on the UCT website.

• Visit the Africa Month feature page.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements