Key info ahead of year-end exams

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) year-end examinations will commence on Wednesday, 30 October and continue until Wednesday, 20 November 2024. Ahead of these exams, various departments have collaborated in planning the logistical arrangements to ensure operations proceed as smoothly as possible.

Logistical arrangements have been made in respect of – among others – study spaces, security services, UCT Shuttle services, loadshedding and medical assistance.

Students and staff are urged to take note of the arrangements that will be in place to ensure a smooth exam period.

1. Study spaces during the examination period

The following study spaces have been made available (please note the various times of availability at each of these spaces):

• Kramer quad (30 desks and seats) – operating 24/7
• Otto Beit (old Post Office entrance) – operating from 08:00 to 16:00.

Please note that examination venues may not be used as study spaces, as these venues need to be prepared for the sessions. These venues will be clearly marked as such.

2. Security services

Campus Protection Services (CPS) officers will be onsite at various venues for the duration of the examination period. Students are requested to always have their student cards with them, especially to access exam venues and libraries.

For the evening sessions, additional CPS officers will be deployed along the routes from the examination venues to the shuttle stops and parking areas.

Students who will be using the 24-hour study spaces at night and require a CPS officer to escort them to the shuttle stops or parking areas are advised to contact CPS on the applicable contact numbers. 

• CPS Operations Centre: 080 650 2222 (toll-free number)
• upper campus, Robert Leslie Social Science, Basement: 021 650 2121 / 4080
• middle campus, Kramer Building, Level 4: 021 650 5759
• lower campus, Burnage: 021 650 4788
• Faculty of Health Sciences, Barnard Fuller Building: 021 406 6100

Please note the following safety tips:

• Please save the CPS control room contact on your phone: 080 650 2222.
• Have your student card to assist CPS officers in identifying non-UCT staff and students.
• Wherever possible, do not walk alone.
• Wherever possible, use the shuttle rather than walking back to your residence at night.
• Do not use headphones or your phone when walking at night. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Follow the “blue route” when walking between upper and lower campus. The blue route consists of nine emergency bollards with flashing blue lights. The bollards are evenly spaced along the routes and have an intercom linked directly to CPS. See the blue route on the campus maps for upper and middle campus.

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements

3. UCT Shuttle services

The UCT Shuttle service will remain operational, and the timetable may be amended as and when necessary, during the examination period.

Please ensure that you are in possession of your staff/student card in order to use the UCT Shuttle service.

Please note that due to the timetable being subject to change, students are urged to regularly check online for any amendments on any routes. These amendments will be reflected timeously on the timetable and communicated via the UCT website and social media platforms.

• Access the latest shuttle schedules.
• Download the UCT GoMetro Move app on Google Play or App Store

The UCT Shuttle office can be contacted on 021 650 5289 (between 07:00 and 00:00 during weekdays and 08:30 to 14:00 over public holidays and weekends). For after-hours queries, please contact the CPS control room on 080 650 2222 (toll free).

4. Parking

Students are encouraged to make use of the UCT Shuttle service as the availability of parking spaces can be limited during the examination period.

If you use your own vehicle, please ensure that you have the required parking permit.

Temporary parking discs are available for first-year students during examination times only. These can be purchased at the Visitors’ Reception and Information Centre (opposite the Sports Centre) at the entrance to upper campus, as well as at the Traffic Administration Office on upper campus.

Please note the following parking tips:

• Arrive early and allow enough time to find parking.
• Never leave valuables in plain sight. Items like backpacks, laptop cases or any packages should be put in your boot.

5. Support services offered by SWS

UCT’s Student Wellness Service (SWS) will continue to offer a range of services during exam to ensure that students are adequately supported.

Students are reminded of the available services, including deferred examinations support; comprehensive primary healthcare provided at the SWS main clinic at the Ivan Toms Building; and limited medical services available at the upper campus clinic in the Steve Biko Students Union building.

Further support is offered through counselling services; pharmacy services; and alternative support services.

• Read the full campus announcement: Exam support services offered by SWS.

6. COVID-19 or another infectious respiratory illness 

With respect to COVID-19 or a flu-like illness:

• Those who exhibit mild symptoms must apply reasonable protective measures such as maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask.
• Those with more serious symptoms, especially if they include continuous coughing or sneezing, should stay at home to prevent spreading the virus.
• If a student is infected with COVID-19 or another infectious respiratory illness, they must avoid being with others within indoor spaces for five days. In this instance, they should contact SWS.
• Properties and Services’ cleaning department will ensure that all venues are cleaned before each examination.

Please see the SWS’s guidelines on COVID-19 or other infectious respiratory illnesses; as well as the communication issued by Higher Health.

7. Medical assistance

Paramedics will be on standby on campus. Should you require medical attention during an examination, an invigilator will summon the paramedics.

8. General emergency and safety measures at exam venues

In the event of a fire or any other emergency, note the following: 

• An invigilator will instruct you to leave the venue and guide you to the nearest safe exit.
• Leave your belongings and exit the venue in an orderly manner.
• Once out of the venue, you will be directed by CPS to a safe emergency assembly point, where you should await further instructions.

Should there be a need to communicate rapidly during exams, please note that the university will post notices on the following platforms: main website, staff website, students website, Facebook; and X. SMSes may also be sent directly to staff and students as an additional channel for rapid communication.

All staff and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the above-mentioned logistical arrangements.

Best wishes to all students during this examination period.

Communication and Marketing Department