UFS says it won’t change exam timetable‚ while others universities are yet to decide

27 September 2016 - 13:22 By Nomahlubi Jordaan
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University of the Free State. File photo.
University of the Free State. File photo.
Image: via Wikimedia Commons

With exams looming and the Fees Must Fall protests in universities around the country continuing‚ institutions are working around the clock on solutions to the crisis.

While most institutions said they are willing to adjust their exam timetables‚ at least one said its academic schedule will not be altered to accommodate protesting students.

The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) has decided not to extend the third term.

“All tests scheduled for the week of 26-30 September 2016 will continue as normal and the holiday will take place as scheduled in the official university calendar (October 3-7) ‚” said UFS spokesperson Lacea Loader.

“Exams will also continue as scheduled in the official university calendar. Students who missed tests and/or lectures this week due to the closing of the campus have been requested to contact their respective faculties as from 26 September 2016 to make the necessary arrangements.”

Shirona Patel‚ spokesperson for the University of the Witwatersrand‚ said the institution was working on contingency plans for exams‚ and that it had had to postpone issuing the exam time table because of disruptions.

Rhodes University is yet to decide on whether it will postpone exams.

“Negotiations are ongoing. Management is in meetings to discuss a way forward‚” said Rhodes spokesperson Veliswa Mhlophe.

Speaking on behalf of the University of Cape Town‚ Elijah Moholola said the institution was holding “internal ongoing discussions” regarding exams.

A continued shutdown at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)‚ according to spokesperson Zandile Mbabela‚ will result in “the academic programme being compromised to the extent that we will reach a point where the academic calendar for the year will have to be significantly adjusted‚ and possibly extended into 2017”.

The disruptions‚ Mbabela added‚ will also affect summer graduation in 2017‚ the processing of applications for admission to academic programmes for next year‚ as well as the financial support for qualifying students.

Disruptions in major institutions started two weeks ago after Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande announced that universities would decide on fee increases for 2017‚ but these would be capped at 8%.

– TMG Digital

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