The University of South Africa (UNISA) released a statement on 16 April 2020 regarding decisions the university is implementing towards the May/June 2020 exams.
Many tertiary institutions were caught off-guard by the sudden appearance of the COVID-19 virus. This has put many in an awkward position to alter their plans towards their curriculum – especially when it comes to exams.
Also Read: Changes Made at UNISA due to COVID-19 Outbreak
Criticism of the university has been rampant on social media by its own students for its slow response towards the May/June 2020 exams.
The university has been working with the Department of Health to find a way for students to write their exams with the least amount of risk possible. As a result, the May/June 2020 exams will go ahead – but with a catch.
Students will not be able to write their exams at their allocated venues and instead, possibly write at home. So what does all this mean for students writing in the next couple of weeks?
How will I write my Unisa Exam in May/June?
Instead of the traditional venue-type exams, UNISA will implement the use of alternative assessment methods. This may include online assessments or possibly a portfolio examination.
Details of what kind of exam will take place for each respective module will be available on a student’s myUnisa account in May 2020.
However, images circulating on social media suggests that some students have already received feedback on the type of exam they will write by their lecturers.
Students who have not received news on their exam situation yet will know by early May at the latest.
‘Deferring May/June exam to later in year’
While the news brings a sigh of relief to some students, it has brought on additional challenges for others.
Unfortunately, not every Unisa student will have access to basic internet and a computer/laptop. Many students who cannot afford to access these items use facilities such as their nearest Unisa campus to complete their assignment/studies.
With the country recovering from the lockdown period, a number of students will still be unable to write their exams.
Unisa has since stated that students unable to write the Semester 1 exams will automatically defer to the October/November 2020 exams.
This gives students who do not have access to a computer and internet access a fair opportunity to write their exams without worrying about additional costs.
While students may relish the opportunity to write their exams at home, the university maintains a zero tolerance on plagiarism. Students will have to complete their exam(s) as honestly as possible for their own benefit.
The fight against COVID-19 rages on with no end in sight (for the time being). We urge all students (as well as all South Africans) to adhere to the lockdown rules set in place. Are you looking to play your part in the fight against COVID-19? Then please donate to the Solidarity Fund.
The Solidarity Fund was established in the hopes of fighting the war against COVID-19, supporting people affected by the pandemic.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news regarding COVID-19 via the following links below:
#BeSafe
Updated on 17 April 2020
Hi please assist me I’m doing my honours modules management ,I left with two modules.I write the supplementary exam in May/June OBG and I also have one module left of which I can’t have access to register this module UNISA is off line at Vryheid. Please assist me
I wants bridging course for teaching
Unisa’s Higher Certificate qualifications can be seen as a sort of bridging course, with students only needing a Higher Certificate as well as meeting the admission requirements to pass.
Learn more about the higher certificates offered by Unisa online here. Note that you do have to meet the admission requirements set by Unisa in order to qualify for the Higher Certificate in Education.