Developments on campus and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town (UCT) executive is committed to engaging with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and relevant stakeholders to ensure the resumption of academic activities following disruptive actions on campus. Read about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. Measures in place following campus disruptions

The university took a decision to move the teaching and learning programme online with effect from Tuesday, 14 February following recent SRC-led disruptive actions on campus. In instances where it is not possible for programmes to be moved online, faculties and departments will make specific arrangements and communicate these directly to staff and students concerned. Please be advised that UCT Libraries will also only be available online until further notice. Please visit the UCT Libraries website to access services.

Staff members are also advised to work remotely until further notice, except for essential service staff. The UCT executive will continue engagements with the SRC and relevant stakeholders to resolve issues as speedily as possible and ensure the resumption of the in-person academic activities.

• Read From the UCT Executive: Measures in place following campus disruptions.

2. Employment Equity calculator training

The primary purpose of the Employment Equity (EE) calculator and targets training is to orientate staff in understanding the new EE targets and how to use the initial EE calculator in recruitment and selection processes.

Additional training to understand the Employment Equity Calculator will take place via MS Team on the following dates:

• 17 February 2023 at 09:00
• 3 March 2023 at 09:00
• 9 March 2023 at 09:00
• 10 March 2023 at 09:00

View the course schedule and to register via SuccessFactor.

The new version of the Fundamentals Training is now available.  You can access the New and Revised Fundamentals course by clicking on the links below:

Sign In (uct.ac.za) – sign in My learning.

Item Details (plateau.com) New & Improved – Fundamentals of Employment Equity: Recruitment and Selection Committees (For all Staff) Version 2 course 38001 – this is in your featured item as you log into successfactors below your history, links, recommendation

Please feel free to contact cecil.peters@uct.ac.za (Employment Equity Manager) should you have any queries regarding the training. 

3. Call for Distinguished Teacher Award nominations

Students and academic staff are invited to submit nominations for the Distinguished Teacher Award (DTA) for 2022. The DTA 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. Each year, the DTA Committee considers nominations made by students and staff on behalf of a number of excellent teachers. All academic staff members who have taught at UCT for a minimum period of five full-time years while on academic conditions of service are eligible for nomination.

Please submit nominations to the committee by 10 March 2023. Once nominations are accepted, nominees will have until 19 June 2023 to submit their portfolios. The outcomes of the adjudication process will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2023.

• Read the DVC Desk: Call for Distinguished Teacher Award nominations.

4. Multi-factor authentication changes

Microsoft is bolstering security on the Microsoft Authenticator app. There will be a change in procedure for those who authenticate via the app. The change has already been implemented for students and will be implemented for staff, third parties, and alumni on Monday, 20 February.

• Visit the ICTS website to learn more.

5. Reminder: TB Davie Memorial Lecture

Staff and students are reminded that the Academic Freedom Committee has extended the nomination date of speakers for the 2023 TB Davie Memorial Lecture. Nominations should not exceed three pages and should include a brief curriculum vitae of the nominated speaker.

Please submit nominations to Dee Benjamin by no later than Wednesday, 22 February.

• View the list of previous speakers.

6. Reminder: Annual Declaration of Interests 2023

All UCT staff members and members of university committees must make a full annual declaration of their financial interests and fiduciary roles and those of their immediate family members. The declaration of interest form must be submitted by Friday, 24 February.

If you experience technical difficulties in accessing the form, please contact ICTS for assistance.

• Access the personalised declaration form through the UCT Service Now platform.
• Read the COO Desk: Annual Declaration of Interests 2023.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements