COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

University of Cape Town (UCT) staff members who are 35 years and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination at all provincial Department of Health sites. Read more about this and other updates.

1. Your opportunity to get vaccinated this week

UCT staff members who are aged 35 years and older will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccinations from provincial Department of Health sites from Tuesday, 27 July to Friday, 30 July. This arrangement follows Dr Blade Nzimande’s announcement of the formal commencement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in the post-schooling education and training sector on Friday, 23 July 2021.

• Read the VC Desk: Your opportunity to get vaccinated this week.

2. Socially responsive course development grants 2021

As part of its commitment to continue with the core project of teaching and learning, driven through Vision 2030 – unleashing human potential for a fair and just society, UCT is inviting applications for socially responsive teaching and learning course development grants. Social responsiveness is an umbrella concept referring to all forms of engagement – teaching, research and service – with external non-academic constituencies. Four grants of R10 000 each are available to develop, design or revise a course that meets the criteria outlined in the application form.

• Read the DVC Desk: Socially responsive course development grants 2021.

3. UCT is stronger because of you

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, has paid tribute to all those who assisted the institution in various ways during and in the aftermath of the fire that started on Table Mountain and ultimately affected a number of UCT buildings, including the Jagger Library. This demonstrated a sense of ownership and solidarity with the institution. Because of the people who reached out and provided their support, UCT’s recovery has proceeded at a rapid and exceptional pace.

• Read the VC Desk: UCT is stronger because of you.

4. Supporting student access mental health services at UCT

UCT alumni are invited to participate in a new initiative called ‘Alumni in Action’, designed to strengthen support for vulnerable students.

‘Alumni in Action’ was conceived by UCT alumna, Zellah Fuphe with the support of current student, Sanda Nyoka. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Development and Alumni Department and the Office for Inclusivity and Change.

During the initial COVID-19 lockdown, there was a marked increase in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) incidents that were reported nationally, including those reported on university campuses. The campaign is calling on all alumni psychologists to help enhance and amplify mental health support for survivors of SGBV at UCT.

Alumni are urged to support ‘Alumni in Action’ and make a difference where it matters the most. Working together, the alumni community can change the course of young people’s lives.

• Read about more about the ‘Alumni in Action’ initiative.
• Watch Alumni in Action: Dr Sianne Alves in conversation with Zellah Fuphe.

5. Staff survey on remote teaching and learning

The closing date for the national survey on staff experiences of and perspectives on remote emergency teaching and learning and its future has been extended to 30 July 2021. UCT staff members are encouraged to take part in this survey, which is run by the Council on Higher Education, Universities South Africa and the University of the Free State.

• Read the DVC Desk: Staff survey on remote teaching and learning.
• Complete the survey.

6. Implementation of the Disciplinary Policy and the Policy Addressing Bullying

The university Council approved both the new UCT Disciplinary Policy as well as the Policy Addressing Bullying at its meeting held on 19 June 2021. These policies will be applicable to both Professional, Administrative and Support Services (PASS) and academic staff members, effective from 1 August 2021.

• Read the COO Desk: Implementation of the Disciplinary Policy and the Policy Addressing Bullying.

7. Complete the online COVID-19 induction programme

Thank you to the many staff and students who have already completed the online COVID-19 induction programme. This induction is mandatory for all students and staff members, even if you completed the induction last year. It must be completed every year and a record is being kept of who has completed the programme online. It is one of the ways the university ensures that each of us knows how to prevent the spread of the virus while on campus. Staff members who do not have online access or smartphones will need to contact their line managers to make an alternative arrangement.

• Complete the UCT 2021 COVID-19 induction.