Dear SPU Community

Following the announcement on Tuesday 22 March 2022, by President Cyril Ramaphosa, that the country was moved to an Adjusted Alert Level 1, we have modified some of our health and safety protocols on campus. 

The following will be in place:

General Health & Safety Protocols:

• The wearing of masks is still compulsory in all closed areas (inside buildings, corridors, residences).
• Students and lectures must wear masks when attending face-to-face classes.
• Masks are not required in open spaces or public areas (outside buildings).

Social Distance:

• Social distancing must be maintained at all times.
• Attendance must not exceed 50% of a venue’s capacity. This is applicable to classes, events and meetings.

Contact Tracing:

• Signing in and scanning of temperatures at university entrances will cease.
• Sanitizing will continue as before.
• If a visitor wishes to access the University, the normal access control process will apply.
• Staff and students must use their access cards to gain entrance to university premises and buildings.

Academic Programme

• The academic programme will continue in the blended mode as approved by the Senate.
• Practical or laboratory work and physical study groups will be permitted under strict health and safety protocols.
• Use of the University Library for study purposes will be allowed.

Residential Students

• Gatherings and events are allowed subject to prior arrangement with the Director: Facilities and Services Department
• All student related gatherings and/or events must be arranged through the Division of Student Affairs, with the approval of the COVID-19 Compliance Officer (covid19@spu.ac.za).

Any student who contravenes the COVID-19 health and safety protocols and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action and will have to return home immediately.

University Administration

• When staff are given permission to work remotely, they are expected to be contactable and available during office hours and to answer all SPU originating calls.
• Online meetings are still recommended but when face-to-face meetings take place social distancing must be observed, 50% of the venue’s capacity must not be exceeded and masks must be used all the time.
• Staff are encouraged to submit their vaccination certificates to hrinfo@spu.ac.za.

Kind regards

Professor Andrew M Crouch

Vice-Chancellor and Principal