“I'm really impressed with the University's efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus. And the consistency of maintaining the rules is what I'd regard as a highlight of my period being on campus,” says final year student Moses Timana.
He further says the challenge of balancing home life, school work as well as managing his mental health was too much for him. “The anxiety that came with living during a pandemic. Data was another major problem. I never realised how expensive data was because we always have free Wi-Fi at school.”
Mr Trust Nkomo from Student Affairs says only 83 students have been allowed back to campus. “These learners are those that reside on campus and the rest come to university daily. Before entering the university we had to ensure that staff and students are screened, have masks on and that they practice social distancing.”
Student Wellness
Coping with studies and the pandemic was another major issue and the university has ensured that student counselling is available to provide psychological support to students who will have difficulty coping. Student counsellor Xolile Sibuyi says she is available to see students strictly by appointments, walk-ins are not be allowed unless it’s a crisis.
“Counselling services are still available to students who are studying at home. I also have the option of using virtual or telephonic counselling for those who don’t feel like coming to the office or those who are not at the university. Students should be aware that I am limiting physical contact,” she says.
Monalisa Lwinga who is doing a Master of Science in Agriculture says it’s a relief to be back because she is struggling with a mental illness.
“I'm seeing a therapist but I’m happy with how I’ve adapted mentally and physiologically. Initially I thought the rules about social distancing were going to drain me. I though being alone in our rooms was going to kill me but now that I'm here, it's not like that at all.”
Students who need psychological assistance can email: Xolile.sibuyi@ump.ac.za to make an appointment.
Science laboratories
The University has opened and prepped two computer labs. These adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines: decontamination, social distancing stickers and there is enough hand sanitizer at entry points.
Head of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Tembisa Ngqondi says: “Our labs have good spacing and they can hold 120 students, so we decided to skip one computer because it gives 2 meters distance from one computer to another one. In terms of the entrance in the computer lab and also in the offices we have also placed lines for social distancing and sanitizers are at the port of entries.”
Professor Ngqondi explained that one-on-one consultations with lecturers take place in boardrooms and students and staff are not allowed to have consultation sessions inside offices as before. “The boardrooms are more spacious and have been prepped with signage in terms of where one should be seated.”
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student, Gbenle Joel is impressed with the set-up in lecture halls and laboratories.
“It actually feels really good to be back on campus. The lecturers are really supportive and they are trying their best to help us recover the time we've lost. I have managed to adjust to the schooling environment, the learning has been going smoothly so far. It’s really easy to adjust because the environment is conducive to learning – all the facilities needed have been provided, and there is less distraction as compared to studying at home,” he says.
The University staff and management continuously ensure that all COVID-19 safety measure, regulations and protocols are followed and that students understand, respect and adhere to the regulations.
“We even have the Department of Health who is assisting us with the entry of students and staff members. In case one has a high temperature or has been in contact with a person who has COVID-19, we have a quarantine room in building 13 and then an ambulance will come and take them to the hospital for testing,” says Mr Nkomo.
@ Story by Lisa Thabethe and Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied