Unizulu prepares for return of students

THE University of Zululand (Unizulu) says it continues to ensure the safe return of students to its campus under Level 3 of the lockdown.

This as the institution last week began receiving final year nursing students at the kwaDlangweza campus.

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No students have yet returned to the Richards Bay city campus.

‘Students that require laboratory equipment and other technical equipment to undertake their studies will be prioritised. Faculties are currently working on identifying these groups.

‘Covid-19 awareness programmes are in place and a code of conduct is being drafted, for both staff and students, to ensure strict adherence to regulations.

‘The focus right now is to manage and curb the spread of the virus on both campuses by prioritising projects that enhance prevention and mitigation,’ said Unizulu spokesperson, Gcina Nhleko.

She said all university buildings and workspaces have been fog-decontaminated and sterilised.

‘This includes frequent cleaning and sanitising of high-risk areas such as the library and laboratories.

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‘Because studies have proven that there is a link between respiratory illnesses and certain types of flooring, the university undertook to replace all old flooring, window coverings and other fixtures that were deemed to be a hazard to the respiratory health of employees and students,’ she said.

Teaching and learning, however, continue online while alternative measures are being instituted to support those who do not have the resources to engage electronically.

‘In terms of assessment, the university has decided that no sitting examinations will be conducted for the first semester.

‘Continuous assessment will form the basis of evaluating students’ academic progress. Examinations will only be considered in the second semester.

‘Faculties have been printing, packaging and distributing learning materials for students that do not have access and challenging bandwidth or network,’ Nhleko said.

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