Alert Level 1 adjusted health and safety protocols

Dear SPU Community

Following the announcement on Thursday 30 September 2021, by President Cyril Ramaphosa, that the country was moved down to Alert Level 1, we have adjusted some of our health and safety protocols on campus. The following will be in place:

Academic Programme

1. The academic programme will continue online as per the academic calendar which was approved by Senate in May 2021.
2. Academic staff should be returning to work from their offices on campus but will be permitted to work from home with the permission of their respective Head of School.
3. Practical or laboratory work will be permitted under strict health and safety directives.
4. Physical study groups will be permitted under strict COVID-19 regulations.
5. Use of the University Library for study purposes will be allowed in line with the curfew times.

Residential Students

1. All student cohorts to return for the last quarter in a staggered fashion, details to be communicated by the University Registrar’s office.
2. Students who are physically here will remain in their allocated campus residences.
3. The University curfew will be in effect from 23:00 to 06:00 until further notice.
4. No visitors will be allowed into any residence or on campus unless prior arrangements are made.
5. Students will be allowed to visit each other in their rooms within strict COVID-19 regulations and residence rules.
6. At the Moroka Hall of Residence and Ra-Thaga Hall of Residence the mealtimes will continue to be staggered.
7. The booking of meals via the Self-Service Meal Management System is compulsory.
8. The smoking of hubbly bubbly / hookah pipes is not permitted on university premises.
9. Gatherings and events are allowed subject to prior arrangement with the Director of Facilities and Services.
10. All student related gatherings and/or events must be arranged through the Student Affairs Division, with the approval of the COVID-19 Compliance Officer ([email protected]).
11. 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

1. Face to face meetings on campus are prohibited. Permission must be obtained from the COVID-19 Compliance Officer ([email protected]) to hold any face-to-face meetings.
2. Staff P9 to P18 will return to work, from Monday 11 October 2021.
3. Staff over 60 and those with co-morbidities may work from home with special arrangements through their line managers.
4. 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.

Kind regards

Professor Andrew M Crouch

Vice-Chancellor and Principal