Following the COVID – 19 Pandemic, this article seeks to give updates on the Closure and opening dates of St. Paul’s University (SPU) in Kenya.
Following the confirmation of several cases of the Global health pandemic (COVID – 19) in Kenya, the President of the Republic of Kenya has directed that learning in all educational institutions be suspended with immediate effect. These include a ban on international travel, limitations on domestic travel, advice against gatherings of more than 100 people and controls on entry points. This, in turn, has affected the gathering of students in classes nationwide.
As a measure to combat the spread of this contagious virus, universities across Kenya including St. Paul’s University (SPU) have now been forced to suspend classes indefinitely and move the term’s recess to an earlier date. Students are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid contracting this virus.
Therefore, we have compiled the latest updates on the St. Paul’s University (SPU) closure and opening dates:
CORONAVIRUS: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY (SPU)
Unisa suspends its graduation ceremonies until further notice
In compliance with the government’s directive to close all institutions of learning for the next 30 days from Monday 16th, 2020, the Management Board met on Monday, March 16th, March 2020 and made the following decisions:
- The University will officially close on Frid ay March 20th, 2020 as directed unless there may be further directive by the government, or new developments, which may necessitate a change in this decision.
- The University will close for an initial 30-days and re-open on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020. The opening is subject to further developments and may change if the government issues further directives.
- Ongoing academic activities, which require an orderly closure or ‘must-have ‘ face to-face sessions have up to Friday mid-day to conclude. For the remaining part of the semester, classes and other planned academic sessions including continuous assessment tests will be administered virtually.
- Details of how virtual classes will be conducted during the period of closure, that is, Monday, March 23rd, 2020 to Saturday, April 11th, 2020 will be communicated from the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs.
- All students in residence are requested to depart by 1 PM on today being Friday. Students unable to travel immediately can clear out on Saturday morning. Evening classes falling on that day will be the last of the face-lo-face sessions. For these classes, subject lectures may put in place alternative arrangements in consultation with their HoDs and the Dean.
- International students who are in residence are requested lo contact housekeeping department for special arrangement if they are unable to travel.
- Upon closure on Friday 20th March 2020 the remaining 3 weeks of the semester will be completed through virtual classes.
- Details of how the April Modular Sessions will be conducted shall be communicated to all concerned cohorts by their respective department.
- Upon resumption of studies on 14th April 2020, students will prepare for examinations (clear with finance, wrap up pending sessions etc.) from 14th to 16th April 2020.
- The end of semester sit-in examinations will be held from 20th April 2020 to 25th April
- Students enrolled in the School-based programme will do their examinations from 14th April 2020 as had been planned before to enable them to start classes on 23rd April 2020.
- Students who have not completed the payment of their fees and have not formalized their semester registration as required; are requested t0 do so immediately to avoid any inconvenience in taking their virtual classes and the final examinations.
- Essential services including the Universi1y Health Centre Services, Security Services, Registry Services, inquiry office, and other essential office services will continue uninterrupted.
- Modalities of work, especially relating to staff who may not be required for essential services will be communicated from the office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration through the HR office.
- For personal safety and plan in minimizing the spread of the virus, please refer to the Ministry of Health’s advisory and follow it strictly.
- Please minimize or eliminate all non-essential travels, observe personal hygiene, avoid large crowds such as public gathering, funerals, weddings and keep social distance the best you can.
- Relevant updates and communications will be sent out from time to time through email communication. Members of the University including students and staff are requested to check their emails regularly for updates.
