Update: UVic COVID cluster grows to 124
The University of Victoria said it is cancelling in-person exams starting Monday and asking instructors to offer them online as a COVID-19 cautionary measure.
Thirty UVic students became ill with the COVID-19 virus and more have come forward to be tested, Island Health said on Friday.
Students caught the virus at gatherings off-campus, then went back to their homes or rooms in residence.
To date, no one has been hospitalized and the students were displaying mild symptoms.
But UVic took the step Sunday to deter all students from attending the campus to write exams, saying in a statement it made the decision in consultation with Island Health.
“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,” said the statement from UVic.
“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 statement said increased flexibility to offer examinations online or in other formats will ensure students can progress in their studies and meet the academic requirements of their programs.
Instructors will contact students through Brightspace or email to indicate how schedules have changed. If there are questions about assessments for a particular course, students are asked to contact their instructors directly, said UVic.
Research centres, labs and related activities and support services will continue to operate with on-campus COVID-19 safety plans.
On-campus study spaces, including UVic Libraries, will remain open throughout the exam period. Students must wear masks at all times.
The statement said all on-campus social events for employees and students, including holiday parties and other social gatherings, must be cancelled or postponed until further notice.
The Centre for Athletics and Recreation will remain open with enhanced health and safety measures, but training for all varsity sports has been suspended.
Students living in residence will continue to have access to the dining facility and must follow all health and safety measures. Campus retail food service locations will be primarily takeout with limited, physically distanced seating.
Students who are symptomatic should get tested by Island Health, said UVic.
