The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the teaching and learning in educational institutions nationally and globally. The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is no exception. Our priority as NUST is the health and wellbeing of our staff and students. As such, the University has adopted some measures to ensure the completion of the 2nd Semester for the 2019/2020 Academic. In view of the aforementioned the University would like to notify students of the following:
Learning
A circular has been sent to all lecturers asking them to ensure the continuity of teaching and learning through the use of online platforms. WhatsApp and Google Classroom applications have been identified as the most viable teaching and learning platforms at NUST. In line with these developments students are encouraged to get on board and use the aforementioned platforms to finish their 2nd Semester for the 2019/2020 Academic Year.
The University is appreciative of those students who are already participating in online learning in their respective courses. Those students who are yet to embrace online learning are encouraged to do so.
Registration
Students are reminded that in accordance with the General Academic Regulations, they are required to register for their Second Semester courses in the usual manner in the student portal online. Unregistered students will not be able to access tuition, submit assignments and access online library resources leading to exclusion from University examinations. In order to facilitate registration by students, the registration portal is now open until the 31st of May 2020. It is incumbent upon all students to comply with this requirement.
Payment of Fees and Payment Plans
Payment can be made using Internet Banking, ZIPIT, Paynow and Ecocash. Students are advised to quote their student number whenever payment is done online. Details on the payment of fees online are given on the NUST website as well as the student portal.
Students who require payment plans are advised to email their applications to the following email addresses: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The minimum deposit required to qualify for a payment plan is ZW$ 1 200.00.
Final Year Projects
The University acknowledges the challenges faced by some students in submitting final year projects. The quality of the final year projects is a concern to the University, hence Deans of Faculties have been asked to revise the originally communicated submission deadlines. Therefore, students will be advised of the new dates for submitting Final year Projects by their respective Departments.
Final year projects by students that require access to laboratories and studios will be held in abeyance until such a time it is feasible to use these facilities.
Industrial Attachment
The University is considering waiving industrial attachment regulations for students who have completed at least 24 weeks (6 months) of internship. Students will be advised in due course once the proposal has been approved by the Academic Board. The mode of assessment will be communicated to students by Industrial Attachment Coordinators.
However, a case-by-case approach will be undertaken by Departments regarding those students who have not completed a minimum of 24 weeks of industrial attachment.
Examinations
The issue of examinations is still under discussion, as the University continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation. A revised University calendar incorporating the new examination dates will be circulated in due course.
Commencement of the 2020 Academic Year for the March 2019 Intake
The disruption of the Second Semester for the 2019/2020 Academic Year, has regrettably affected the commencement of the 2020 Academic Year for the March 2019 Intake. Consequently, the First Semester of the March 2019 cohort has been moved to August 2020. The move allows the University to continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation in line with national response strategies. Students will be informed in time of any changes regarding the opening of 2020 Academic Year.
Mr E Phiri