Following the COVID-19 Alert Level changes in Tāmaki Makaurau over the past few weeks, a number of university-related events and services have been affected.
The University has made the decision to hold all Semester One, Quarter One and Quarter Two exams online, citing the potential of future alert level changes as the key reason behind the decision.
“One of the very clear messages we heard from both students and staff last year is that clarity and predictability are vitally important in preparing for examinations and tests,” said Vice-Chancellor Dawn Freshwater in a statement to students and staff. “Appropriate measures will be put in place for students to support equitable participation in online tests and examinations. We are currently working out further details and will provide more information shortly.”
Freshwater also encouraged students to use the COVID-19 tracer app on-campus, and turn on the Bluetooth tracing feature. Further information regarding the University’s response to COVID-19 can be found on the University of Auckland website.
Freshwater also encouraged students to use the COVID-19 tracer app on-campus, and turn on the Bluetooth tracing feature.
The Alert Level changes also caused disruptions to student accommodation, with those intending to move in during the period at Level Three unable to do so. Students already living in accommodation adopted social distancing measures in essential common spaces and were supported by accommodation staff to adhere to Alert Level Three regulations.
Despite these disruptions, many planned O-week events were eventually able to go ahead at Alert Level One. Shadows bar was able to re-open and a number of hospitality venues in Auckland central held O-week-related events.
As long as Auckland remains at Alert Level One, AUSA’s scheduled events for the start of the semester will be able to go ahead. This week, AUSA will be taking over Alfred Street and putting on an Orientation Festival, complete with live music, competitions and giveaways, food trucks and the clubs expo. Later this month on the 31st, AUSA will host its annual Party in the Spark, headlined by Shapeshifter and featuring QUIX, JessB and Wattsson.
For official updates and information about COVID-19, visit the government’s Unite Against COVID-19 website. For university-specific guidelines and resources, visit the University of Auckland website.