Year-end exams and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) year-end examinations commenced on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, and will run until Wednesday, 20 November 2024. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. Year-end exams get under way

In preparation for the year-end exams, several departments have coordinated logistical arrangements to ensure smooth operations throughout the exam period. These arrangements cover various areas, including study spaces, security services, UCT Shuttle services, loadshedding and medical assistance. Students and staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these provisions to support a seamless examination period.

In case of any urgent announcements during exams, please note that the university will post updates on the following platforms: main website, staff website, students website, Facebook; and X. SMS notifications may also be sent directly to staff and students to ensure swift communication.

• Read the full campus announcement: Key info ahead of year-end exams.

Best wishes to all students during this examination period.

2. Enhanced CPS security fleet

UCT continually strives to enhance its security measures and standards to promote and improve the safety and security of UCT’s staff, students, and visitors. As of Friday, 1 November 2024, the UCT community will benefit from a larger Campus Protection Services (CPS) emergency vehicle response fleet, with branded Nissan Magnite vehicles replacing the existing Mahindra vehicles. 

With the current aging vehicle fleet’s lease coming to an end, the university has taken the opportunity to almost double the number of vehicles in the fleet, which will enable CPS to considerably reduce response times when staff or students need assistance. The larger fleet will also ensure enhanced visibility of our security personnel, thanks to increased patrols on and around campus. 

In keeping with UCT’s financial sustainability drive, the university was able to negotiate the larger fleet at the same cost as the previous lease. 

The enhanced fleet forms part of the CPS security strategy and its ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of the UCT community.

3. Reminder: complete the survey on AI tools

Staff are kindly reminded to participate in the research project on Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and their role in assessment. The submission deadline is Friday, 1 November 2024. Staff perspectives are invaluable as the university shapes its approach to integrating generative AI in teaching, learning, and assessment.

Completing the questionnaire will allow staff to contribute valuable insights into how AI is currently acknowledged or applied in assessments at UCT while also helping identify potential future applications to enhance assessment practices. The research findings will guide UCT in developing support services and resources that promote AI literacy and uphold the integrity of assessment standards.

• Complete the survey.

For any questions, please contact the project assistant, Soraya Lester.

4. Be part of Design Thinking Week 2024

Are you a registered higher education student under the age of 35? Unlock your creative potential at UCT’s Design Thinking Week to be hosted by the Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking Afrika (d-school Afrika). Be part of this immersive experience from Monday, 25 November 2024 until Thursday, 28 November 2024 at d-school Afrika on middle campus.

Dive into the world of design thinking, a powerful method that equips you with a competitive edge in today’s ever-evolving job market. This interactive course is all about mastering human-centred problem-solving while sharpening essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.

Working with a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, you’ll develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Sign up now to secure your place.

During this course, you will:

• learn skills crucial for your future world of work,
• be introduced to working in culturally and cognitively diverse teams from various disciplines,
• discover innovative digital learning tools, and
• build your creative confidence.

The four-day immersion will conclude with a year-end celebration of design thinking.

• Apply for the course.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements