IMPORTANT UPDATE: NOVEL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 EXAMINATIONS AND E-LEARNING

Post date: Mar 16, 2020 8:31:11 AM

IMPORTANT UPDATE: NOVEL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

EXAMINATIONS AND E-LEARNING

16th March 2020

Dear students,

We would like to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our utmost priority, and we have been working in the background to ensure we roll out an e-learning experience that delivers the outcomes that meets regulatory requirements. 

Our aims are to ensure that:

i.              there is no impact to your graduation and overall academic progress over the long term; and

ii.            you are provided with a carefully thought out and executed e-learning experience.

Starting from tomorrow, 17th March 2020, INTI will be implementing these precautionary measures.

1.    Examinations

·         We will implement social distancing at all examination locations.

·         This means there will be fewer students in an examination location and students will be kept at a distance of 1-meter from one another.

·         To facilitate this, you may be moved to a different examination location from what is stated in your current timetable.

·         Please refer to the most updated timetable schedule and your respective faculties to confirm which examination location you have been assigned to.

·         As we have started implementing body temperature scanning at all our entrances, do come in earlier so that you have sufficient time to complete the scan and to get to your examinations on time.

2.    Face to face classes

·         We will be instituting e-learning for all face to face classes and this shall be carried out until further notice.

·         These will be facilitated through Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate, and will follow your current class timetables, unless otherwise specified.

·         Please speak with your respective faculties and lecturers on how your lessons will now be conducted using these platforms, and if there are any changes in class schedules.

·         For lessons requiring the use of Blackboard Collaborate, please refer to the attached document titled Technical Requirements for Blackboard Collaborate.

3.    Labs / Practical classes

·         We will arrange for all classes requiring practical lessons or the use of laboratories to be organised consecutively within blocks over 1 to 2 days.

·         This aims to minimise students’ need to travel to campus and reduce exposure while using public transportation.

·         To facilitate this move to block labs / practical classes, please stay tuned over the next two weeks for your new timetables.

·         Please speak with your respective faculties should you need further information. 

4.    Facilities

·         Facilities including libraries and administrative offices on campus will remain open until further notice.

·         To confirm the opening hours of these facilities, please speak with your Student Services Department.

·         All sports and extra-curricular activities including those organised by clubs and societies should be postponed indefinitely.

Please refer to INTI’s Health & Travel Advisory which was updated on 13th March 2020, for the latest guidance on travel during semester breaks, countries currently requiring quarantines, and other precautionary measures that INTI has implemented since January 2020.

As we work together to minimise the spread of COVID-19, do take extra care of yourself and those around you.

Best practices during this time:

a.    Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are unwell

b.    Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often with soap, especially before handling food, after coughing or sneezing, and after using public facilities

c.    Avoid touching your face

d.    Wear a mask if you have any respiratory symptoms such as coughing or sneezing

e.    Boost your immunity by eating and sleeping well – this will also help you if you are preparing for your examinations

f.      Seek medical attention immediately if you are feeling unwell or having any of the above-mentioned symptoms

INTI will continue to monitor the situation closely and will follow the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Higher Education. Regular updates will be sent to your INTI email and when necessary, through the Student Services, INTIMA and Faculty Facebook pages.

Once again, we thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to implement the best possible precautionary measures.

Should you require assistance while on campus, please contact the emergency response team.

Thank you.

Roselyn Chua,

Chief Executive

INTI College Sabah