Exam delivery and service changes in response to rising COVID-19 numbers

To help reduce health risks from COVID through the exam period, the university is adjusting examinations for the remainder of the December 2021 exam period and introducing precautionary measures with some campus operations, effective Monday, Dec. 13. 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.

UVic has made this decision in consultation with Island Health. Throughout the fall academic term, UVic has worked closely with government and public health experts to keep the university community healthy and safe, while delivering on our academic mission of teaching, learning, research and community engagement.

• Read the Dec. 13 joint statement from Island Health and UVic.

While we have had a successful return to campus this term, we recognize the unique situation of the exam period for our students and the new trends we are seeing with COVID-19 cases.

In-person exams

To reduce the frequency and number of students sitting together for extended periods of time in examination gyms and rooms, we will not be holding further in-person exams and we are asking instructors to offer their assessments online or in another format.

The increased flexibility to offer examinations online or in other formats will ensure that students can progress in their studies and meet the academic requirements of their programs.

Students are reminded not to come to campus for any reason if they feel unwell or if they are an identified close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Timely academic consideration will be granted in these instances through the request for academic concession.

Your instructors will contact you through Brightspace or by email to indicate how your assessments have changed. If you have questions about assessments for a particular course, please contact your instructor(s) directly.

Student Services and other administrative and support services

All on-campus student, administrative and support services will continue to operate with regular examination period hours of operation, service and staffing levels, and COVID-19 safety plan measures.

Research

Research centres, labs and related activities and support services will also continue to operate in accordance with their on-campus COVID-19 safety plans.

Study spaces

On-campus study spaces, including UVic Libraries, will remain open to support students throughout the exam period. Students choosing to access a study space must wear a mask at all times. Consuming food or drink is not permitted in study spaces or libraries.

Meetings

Units are encouraged to conduct meetings online until the end of the term where possible. If meeting in person please remember to wear a mask at all times. Attendees may only remove masks when seated and if able to maintain 2m of physical distance from others.

In-person social events

On-campus, in-person social events for employees and students, including holiday parties and other social gatherings, must be cancelled or postponed until further notice.

Athletics & Recreation and varsity sports

The Centre for Athletics and Recreation (CARSA) will remain open with enhanced health and safety measures.

As an added precaution, training for all varsity sports will be following the new measures that have been put in place for anyone accessing CARSA.

Dining halls

Students living in residence will continue to have access to the MOD dining facility and must follow all of the health and safety measures in place.

Retail food locations

Campus retail food service locations will be primarily take-out services with limited, physically distanced seating arrangements.

COVID-19 testing options for students

Students who are symptomatic should continue to follow our guidance and get tested by Island Health as necessary. For information about symptoms, testing and contacting your instructor, please see the Health and Safety section of our website.

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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.

We appreciate that implementing these additional precautionary measures may make the end of term more challenging and we thank you for your contribution and commitment to the university community’s health and well-being.