If you have been wondering about the state of teaching and learning at the NWU, you can rest assured that it is going strong, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prof Robert Balfour, the deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, says tuition at the NWU will remain mostly online during the first semester. The exceptions are programmes where a face-to-face presence is required to meet requirements for the completion of practical and laboratory work, and placement for work-integrated learning, internships and the like.

 

“In addition to our continuous dedication to teaching and learning excellence, the university has also ensured the health and safety of our students and staff by following all the necessary Covid-19 health and safety protocols,” he says.

 

Students returning to campus

 

Faculties have identified programmes that require limited contact teaching and learning experience and have communicated this to the students concerned. These students have received permission letters to enter the campuses they need to access.

 

Students who were not identified for a return to contact teaching and  learning were given some options. They could indicate whether they wanted to return to our campus residences, or to private residences near the campuses, and to have access to facilities such as libraries and computer laboratories.

 

These students may return to our campuses if they are fully registered and have permission letters. They also have to adhere to all Covid-19 health and safety protocols, for instance that only a limited number of people can be in one space at any one time.

 

Our faculties have been in touch with any students who have to attend scheduled, sit-down assessments at the university or designated learning support centres.

 

“Students who were required to return or be on campus, but opted to remain at home, need to be aware that they risk non-completion of the programmes,” warns Robert.