Please complete the 2021 South African Survey of Student Engagement

25 October 2021 | DVC A/Prof Lis Lange

Dear students

The 2021 academic year is coming to an end. This year, similar to 2020, has not been easy for anyone and I believe you are all looking forward to the summer break, so that you can relax and spend quality time with loved ones. Amid the fatigue and other challenges thrown our way, there are always gains, important realisations and opportunities for growth. This is as true for us as individuals, as it is for the university as a community.

One area of growth for the University of Cape Town (UCT) is student engagement – the idea that the more students participate in their own learning the better the quality of the educational outcomes. And here outcomes do not refer only to marks but to the actual learning that takes place in a course. Teaching under COVID-19 has brought student engagement to the fore, unlike the pre-COVID era where we had often detected lack of engagement. There are many possible explanations for this, and in order to be able to address these issues which seem to hamper student engagement we need to identify them clearly.

We want to hear from you

UCT is participating in the 2021 South African Survey of Student Engagement (SASSE) and we want to hear what you have to say. The SASSE collects information from undergraduate students to explore the extent to which they engage in educational activities and behaviours, and the extent to which they experience the institutional environment as supportive and engaging.

Why?

The SASSE collects data from several South African universities in order to improve curriculum, campus life and to support student development.

The survey will give you the opportunity to tell us about:

  • how you participate in university life
  • your participation in a range of academic activities
  • your educational and personal growth since starting higher education
  • how you engage with other students and academic staff, both inside and outside the classroom.

The survey will also provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your opportunities to engage in research with staff, to make use of academic advising, peer learning, academic literacy or numeracy courses, the First Year Experience, and service learning, among others.

Let your voice be heard

Please complete the SASSE survey by 15 November 2021. The link will also be made available via Vula.

Please continue to take care of yourselves.

Warm regards

Associate Professor Lis Lange
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning


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UCT’s response to COVID-19 in 2021

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national disaster in South Africa on 15 March 2020 and to implement a national lockdown from 26 March 2020.

UCT is taking the threat of infection in our university community extremely seriously, and this page will be updated regularly with the latest COVID-19 information. Please note that the information on this page is subject to change depending on current lockdown regulations.

Thank You UCT Community

Global Citizen Asks: Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe & Effective?

UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) collaborated with Global Citizen, speaking to trusted experts to dispel vaccine misinformation.



If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine check out the FAQ produced by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF). The DTHF has developed a dedicated chat function where you can ask your vaccine-related questions on the bottom right hand corner of the website.

IDM YouTube channel | IDM website
 

UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre

The University of Cape Town in partnership with the Western Cape Government (WCG) have reinforced our commitment to bringing hope to the residents of the Mother City with the launch of the world‑class Community of Hope Vaccination Centre that opened its doors on Monday, 30 August 2021.

The site is located on Main Road in Mowbray – in the Forest Hill Residence – and access is from Broad Street. The site is open every Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Please allow time for attending to COVID-19 protocols and arrive as early as possible at the vaccination centre.



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UCT statements related to COVID-19 vaccinations

This is a space created for all formal bodies and structures within the university community to share their opinions on the need for a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. Please note that some editorial judgement may be applied if the received statements go against any constitutional rights, and that no correspondence will be entered into, statements will be posted unedited and as received. Statements can be sent to opinions@uct.ac.za.


 

Commemorating a year of COVID-19

At midnight on 26 March 2020, South Africa went into the first nationwide hard lockdown. A year later, we remember those who have died and those who have been affected by COVID-19, as well as the pandemic’s effects across society and campus. We are especially grateful for the front-line health workers who have done so much for so many.

#UCTCOVIDPledge – social media elements


Customised Facebook frames and Instagram stickers are now available on those social media platforms. Watch the tutorial videos here to see how easily you can show your support for the #UCTCOVIDPledge.

 
 

In an email to the UCT community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said:
“COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is a rapidly changing epidemic. [...] Information [...] will be updated as and when new information becomes available.”

 

We are continuing to monitor the situation and we will be updating the UCT community regularly – as and when there are further updates. If you are concerned or need more information, students can contact the Student Wellness Service on 021 650 5620 or 021 650 1271 (after hours), while staff can contact 021 650 5685.

 

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