The mid-year examinations at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, have continued uninterrupted at both its campuses, in Bloemfontein and Welkom.
The university announced on Monday (04/07) that the physical writing, as opposed to online, was continuing as planned after a brief disruption by a group of disgruntled students on the first day, Thursday (30/06).
The group of protesters demanded that the examinations be written online. However, the varsity management has explained the decision taken against this.
Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting vice-chancellor and principal, stated that the CUT was not a distance-learning institution. Therefore, it does not have the authority to accredit examinations that are not done under the CUT’s status as a full-contact institution.
Furthermore, he clarified that the Covid-19 restrictions which had necessitated virtual classes and virtual assessments had all been suspended.
“We understand the challenge of adjusting to venue-based assessment after having to cope with the blended approach necessitated by the Covid-19 regulations,” said Ngowi.
“You have our full support, and we know that you will reap the rewards of your dedication. We are fully aware of some students attempting to disrupt our physical assessments in favour or online assessments.”
Ngowi advised students who had been intimidated and prevented from writing their assessment to make a formal submission to the relevant lecturer to be considered for the supplementary examinations.
He has strongly warned against any possible misconduct.
“With regard to the consideration of the outcome of the formal submissions, no student, for whatever reason, will be allowed more than two assessment opportunities as per standard assessment rules pertaining to the mid-year assessments.
“Students who failed to attend the first assessment without a valid reason will not be allowed to take the second opportunity and will consequently fail that particular module,” said Ngowi.
He said two incidents of pepper spray being released at Bloemfontein examination venues were under investigation, with the hope of bringing the culprits to book.
“The university further apologises to students who were subjected to the cowardly act of releasing pepper spray,” said Ngowi.
