Mid-year examinations update

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town's (UCT) mid-year examinations commenced on Thursday, 28 May and will continue until Monday, 15 June 2026. To support students during this critical academic period, various departments have collaborated to put in place comprehensive logistical arrangements. These include the provision of study spaces, security services, UCT Shuttle services and medical assistance, among other support measures.

Students and staff are urged to take note of the arrangements to ensure a smooth exam period.

1. Study spaces during the examination

Students are encouraged to make use of officially designated study spaces, as these areas have the necessary security and Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) safeguards. Students are requested to abide by the library's code of conduct when using the spaces.

Please note the various times of availability in these spaces:

• Library study spaces
• Baxter student Learning Center 24/7

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

2. Security measures

Campus Protection Services (CPS) officers will be on campus throughout 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 examination venues to the shuttle stops and parking areas.

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

• CPS Operations Centre: 080 650 2222 (toll-free number)
• Upper campus, Robert Leslie Social Science: 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 toll-free number on your phone: 080 650 2222.
• Always keep your student card with you to assist CPS officers in identifying individuals who are not UCT staff or students.
• Whenever possible, do not walk alone.
• Whenever possible, use the shuttle rather than walking back to your residence at night.
• When walking at night, do not use headphones or your phone. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Follow the blue route when walking between the upper and lower campuses. The blue route consists of emergency bollards with flashing blue lights. The bollards are evenly spaced along the routes and are equipped with an intercom linked directly to CPS. See the blue route on the campus maps for upper and middle campus.

3. UCT Shuttle services

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

Please ensure you have your staff/student card to use the UCT Shuttle service.

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

• Access the latest shuttle schedules.

The UCT Shuttle office can be contacted on 021 650 5289 (between 07:00 and 23:30 during weekdays and 08:30 and 13:30 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 use the UCT Shuttle service, as parking spaces can be limited during the examination period.

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

Temporary parking discs are available to first-year students only during examination periods. These can be purchased at the Visitors’ Reception and Information Centre (opposite the Sports Centre at the entrance to upper campus), and in 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. Medical assistance

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

6. 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 fashion.

Once outside the venue, you will be directed by CPS to a safe emergency assembly point where you should await further instructions

7. Communication

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 logistical arrangements outlined above.

Best wishes to all students during this examination period.

Sincerely

Examinations Working Group