Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Namibia Student’s Frequently asked questions Answered
NUST MANAGEMENT | COVID-19 LOCKDOWN MEASURES #5
from NUST management
The President of the Republic of Namibia His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob announced that Namibia, particularly the Khomas and Erongo Regions, will be on a partial lockdown from Friday, 27 March at midnight, to Thursday 16 April 2020. This was done to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the 21-day lockdown period, all people employed by the government, state-owned enterprises and the private sector are required to work from home. Consequently, and in compliance with this directive, the University and all its regional centres will be closed between Thursday, 26 March at 16H30 and Thursday, 16 April 2020.
Staff and students are strongly encouraged to remain at home during this time. Only staff that is critical to the functioning of the University and those not able to work from home will work from their offices when required.
Such critical staff will be determined by respective line Managers or Directors and their names must be forwarded to the Director: Facilities and the Director: Human Resources before the close of business on Thursday 26 March 2020.
All staff members will be granted special leave through the Human Resources bulk process. There is no need for staff members to apply for leave on-line. However, every university employee should remain reachable and available throughout this period. Essential IT services will be available, although it might be limited. Kindly be reminded that all staff can access their work emails via the NUST website by following this link https://webmail.nust.na/owa/#path=/mail
The University is aware that this period of uncertainty may cause anxiety and stress amongst the campus community, but if we all adhere to the guidelines issued by local and international health organisations, we will mitigate the impact of this virus on Namibia.
Therefore, for this shutdown to bear the desired outcomes, all staff and students must fully cooperate with university and national guidelines. Remember to limit your movement, wash your hands regularly and immediately report any symptoms associated with the virus to 0800 100 100.
For updated information, all staff and students should continue visiting the University website: https://www.nust.na/?q=coronavirus and social media platforms: Facebook: @NUSTNamibia
Twitter: @nust_Namibia
Instagram: @official.nust.na
LinkedIn: NUST Namibia
Any other enquiries please contact the hotline: 081 2954650.
COVID-19 Frequently asked questions from staff and students
As you are aware, the COVID-19 viral outbreak is adversely affecting various socio-economic activities globally, and with reports about the increasing number of people testing positive across the African continent, it is anticipated that this may have a significant impact on the University’s operations. To this end, here are some answers to a number of frequently asked questions:
Q. When is the Mid-Term Break Ending?
A.The Mid-Term Break was originally scheduled for 06 -10 April, but due to the pandemic, the recess was rescheduled to 16-20 March, then again to 16-27 March. Management deemed this necessary to ensure the welfare and health of staff and students.
Q. Are students required to submit assignments during this recess?
A. No, students are not required to participate in any evaluations (e.g. tests) or to submit any assignments during the mid-semester break.
Q. Are there any changes in the Awards Ceremony and Graduation dates?
A. Yes, the Graduation ceremonies, initially scheduled for 29 and 30 April, have been moved to October 2020. This means they will now coincide with the Graduation Ceremony that traditionally takes place in October. Therefore, in total, there will be three ceremonies in that month.
The Awards Ceremony that was slated for 27 April has also been moved to October 2020, the logistical details will be communicated at a later stage.
Q. Are staff members reachable during this period?
A. Yes, they are reachable on their NUST contact details. Staff members have been given the option to work from home with only essential personnel remaining on campus.
Q. Is the Library open?
A. The Library will be closed and all services will be provided online until 29 March 2020. Fortunately, you can access a wide variety electronic journals and books by visiting http://library.nust.na/?q=e-resources-campus-access
Q. Where can I find information about the COVID-19, such as symptoms and prevention tips?
A. There is still a lot of research being conducted to understand the virus and the health organisations are working tirelessly to ensure the public stays informed. Kindly follow these links of the Ministry of Health and Social Services; the World Health Organisation (WHO); and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), for symptoms and prevention tips http://www.mhss.gov.na/corona(link is external)and https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus(link is external)and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html(link is external)
Q. How can I reach the University for Information specifically related to COVID-19?
A. You can call the University on the Hotline 081 2954650 and/or follow this link https://www.nust.na/?q=coronavirus
NOTE:For NUST Announcements on COVID-19 visit https://www.nust.na/?q=coronavirus and follow us on our social media platforms
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NUSTNamibia/(link is external)
Twitter https://twitter.com/NUST_Namibia(link is external)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/official.nust.na/?hl=en(link is external)
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nust-namibia/(link is external)Announcement Doc:
AVC-LOCKDOWN-COVID-19-MEASURE-5-1.pdf
AVC-LOCKDOWN-COVID-19-MEASURE-5.pdf
AVC Internal Memo COVID-19 Measure #4.pdf
NUST MANAGEMENT COVID-19 MEASURE #3.pdf
NMC E-News – Member Communication COVID-19 (19.03.2020).pdf