Wamkelekile, Welkom
Funding for Student Wellness Service and other updates
28 July 2017
Dear students and colleagues
This campus announcement aims to inform members of the University of Cape Town community about:
1. Funding secured for the Student Wellness Service
The university, via the Development and Alumni Department, has secured funding of R650 000 from an anonymous donor. The funding, to be used as per the Vice-Chancellor’s discretion, has been channelled towards the Student Wellness Service (SWS). The SWS offers a comprehensive outpatient health service by both medical practitioners and nurses, who are dedicated to helping students to remain healthy and to make the correct life choices while pursuing their academic goals.
2. Artworks engagement seminars planned for next semester
The newly constituted Works of Art Committee (WOAC), chaired by Professor Jay Pather, is planning to roll out a series of engagements with the university community and other relevant stakeholders during the course of the second semester over the future of artworks on campus. This follows the conclusion of an artworks audit process by the Artworks Task Team (ATT) earlier this year.
The ATT recommended, among other suggestions, that the artworks that were removed from the walls are to remain in storage pending a broader consultative process. This consultation will take the form of displays of some of the artworks (in dedicated spaces such as the Centre for African Studies Gallery) and debates and discussions around specific artworks and/or themes. Seminars involving the artists who created some of the works will also be hosted by the WOAC and other departments in the university to discuss different artworks and symbols. The new WOAC will stage these sessions next semester. More details will be communicated in due course.
3. Update on SRC suspensions
The University of Cape Town has completed a preliminary inquiry into allegations of sexual violence and harassment against two Student Representative Council members.
Based on this preliminary inquiry carried out by our investigations office, and the review of evidence by the Office of the Legal Counsellor, it was found that the evidence at this point does not support the allegations and that there is at this stage not enough prima facie evidence to proceed with either case. There is therefore no basis for the SRC’s suspension of the two individuals to continue.
4. Warning: severe phishing attack under way on campus
There is currently a severe phishing attack doing the rounds on campus, affecting both computers and mobile devices. The attack specifically targets staff and student email accounts with messages asking users to open the attachment. If you receive one of these emails, do not click the attachment. If you have done so, read about what to do next.
5. Exam results
Following the successful conclusion of the mid-year exams on Friday, 14 July, the results are scheduled to be released on Friday, 28 July. Results will be made available on PeopleSoft.
6. UCT phonathon under way
UCT’s annual phonathon got under way on Monday, 17 July, and will continue until 10 August. Now in its fifth year, the annual UCT phonathon is hosted by the Development and Alumni Department. It aims to connect current students with those who have already graduated. The phonathon is also an opportunity for alumni to pledge financial support for their alma mater through a donation. The focus of this year’s appeal is the Distinguishing UCT Campaign, which is designed to grow the university’s endowment. All donations to the campaign will help to achieve three main goals: advancing excellence, investing in talent, and realising transformation.
7. SART Mid-Year Report
The mid-year report on the Sexual Assault Response Team’s (SART) work is now available. It announces the interim SART chairperson, details the number and nature of cases that were reported to the Discrimination and Harassment Office (DISCHO) and the progress of these cases, and reports on SART’s activities since 1 May 2017.
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