Vision 2030 engagements and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

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

1. Vision 2030 engagement sessions

Since July the university executive has conducted virtual engagement sessions with staff and labour unions on the further development of UCT’s framework for Vision 2030. These engagements were important spaces where staff could share input and create ownership of a reimagined UCT. Engagements with student representatives will follow.

• Read the VC Desk: Vision 2030 engagement sessions.
• Visit the Vision 2030 website.

2. College of Fellows welcomes new members

Once a year UCT Fellowships recognise original, distinguished academic work that merits special acknowledgement through induction into the College of Fellows. This year, six permanent UCT academics have been awarded a Fellowship, while seven have been granted the Young Researcher award. For the first time, the special event to celebrate these academics is open to the entire UCT community. It will be held on Tuesday, 17 November at 18:30 on the Microsoft Teams platform.

• Read the VC Desk: College of Fellows welcomes new members.
• RSVP online.

3. Using Jammie Shuttles during this period

To help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on campus, UCT needs to limit the use of Jammie Shuttles only to students who have been invited formally back to campus. As a result, only students who are in possession of the appropriate documents (a letter of invitation back to campus and a letter of authority) may use the Jammie Shuttles. UCT appreciates the cooperation of students as this is part of our effort as a campus community to limit the spread of COVID-19.

4. Update on UCT’s COVID-19 cases

As at 10 November, UCT has 108 reported cases of COVID-19 among non-health sciences staff members, with 96 recoveries. A total of 54 students have tested positive, including 16 Faculty of Health Sciences students on clinical platforms. The university pays tribute to the nine staff members and one student who have passed on due to the virus (as well as the lives lost during this period due to other causes) through a dedicated page on the UCT website.

5. ICTS scheduled maintenance on Sunday, 15 November

Please note that on Sunday, 15 November 2020, the Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) department will perform scheduled maintenance from 09:00 to 17:00. Unless advised to the contrary, staff and students should note that no ICT services will be available for the duration of the maintenance slot. Please remember to consult the scheduled ICTS maintenance slots for 2020 before planning any teaching, conferences, meetings, and other activities that require ICT services.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements