Rise in COVID-19 cases prompts UVic to suspend all in-person exams for December
Posted December 12, 2021 6:28 pm.
Last Updated December 13, 2021 6:07 am.
The University of Victoria will be suspending in-person exams this December to reduce COVID-19 transmissions after a rise in cases in recent weeks.
The school is also introducing precautionary measures with some campus operations, effective Monday.
“We know this is short notice for those with exams scheduled for Monday, and we are reaching out to instructors with guidance to make this transition as smooth as possible,” says an online statement from UVic on the decision, which they reached with consultation from Island Health.
“While we have had a successful return to campus this term, we recognize this unique situation of the exam period for our students and these new trends we are seeing with COVID-19 cases.”
Effective Monday, we will no longer hold in-person exams. This is part of enhanced health and safety precautions being implemented in response to rising COVID-19 numbers. https://t.co/XB6GaTzwqP pic.twitter.com/RjQfdOg8Se
— UniversityOfVictoria (@uvic) December 13, 2021
Stopping in-person exams ensures there aren’t too many people sitting close together in a confined space.
Instructors have been asked to hold their exams online or through another accessible format.
UVic reminds students to stay home if they’re not feeling well or have had contact with someone who’s COVID-19-positive. They should get in touch with their instructors directly to confirm changes to their assessments or courses.
Starting tomorrow @uvic will not be holding in person exams due to rising COVID numbers. Tricky since exams were supposed to be held starting tomorrow but the university is reaching out to instructors now. Decision made in consultation with Island Health @CityNewsVAN
— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) December 13, 2021
The Centre for Athletics and Recreation will remain open along with student services, administrative and support services, and research centres and labs. Study, meeting, and dining areas will also remain open, though students must wear a mask at all times.
All in-person social events on campus must be canceled or postponed until further notice.
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“These recent events serve as a reminder to us all to take extra care this holiday season. Our university population has done tremendous work in getting vaccinated but it is still important to monitor ourselves for symptoms and refrain from gathering if we feel unwell, to help protect family and friends,” says the UVic statement.
“We appreciate that implementing these additional precautionary measures may make the end of the term more challenging, and we thank you for your contribution and commitment to the university’s community health and well-being.”
