Challenges to Continuing with the Curriculum after the Lockdown

Veterinary Science students in Hammanskraal Health Sciences students

First-year students were only halfway through the first-semester Academic Information Management (AIM) module, so a small minority might not have been very computer literate and all had received only initial training in the use of the learning management system, clickUP. Fortunately, however, they had also simultaneously been using clickUP in their modules.

Some students did not have devices, good connectivity or mobile data bundles. Lecturers might not have had adequate devices or connectivity. Some students needed practical, clinical, work-integrated or community engagement experiences to achieve their degrees. Where it was necessary to be present, students were equipped with the necessary PPE; otherwise, simulations and other alternatives were used.

Until May, many student-support activities such as tutoring, advising, mentoring and counselling had been provided in a face-to-face mode, supplemented by WhatsApp or email. New skills had to be learnt, and resources and procedures had to be designed and implemented in record time.

The default mode of wellness support to staff and students had previously been contact. The relevant departments had to adapt quickly to help people facing the stress of lockdown. The Employee Assistance Programme in Human Resources was both proactive and active in its support of staff wellness6 or through the UP mobile app. Counselling services for students are discussed below.

Students involved in community engagement activities deemed essential under the applicable lockdown regulations—for example, the Law Clinic, the Mamelodi Animal Health Clinic, and the Cochlear Implant Unit in the Faculty of Humanities—were allowed to return.

EBIT students on community engagement at Bramley

Professor Kupe with the Head of Community Engagement, Ms Gernia van Niekerk, and students at the launch of the food garden, Moja Gabedi

Professor Kupe with Health Sciences students at Reliable House