In the university’s efforts to mitigate against the unforeseen interruption that has been caused by the Coronavirus, it has become necessary to continue the delivery of instruction remotely until the end of the semester using channels such as Blackboard Learn, Learning Management System (LMS), along with other instructional tools and resources.

In order to ensure that learning continues until the end of the semester, the following measures have been put in place:

• Teaching and learning will continue with the Blackboard platform as the default mode of interaction. However, faculty will also use other modes such as Skype, Zoom, BlueJeans, WhatsApp and e-mail for learning and communication with you. The faculty will record class sessions where necessary for students who are not able to attend a synchronous class through the use of video conferencing applications.
• You will be required to attend online classes, submit assignments on time as instructed by their lecturers, and participate in and manage group work.
• Supervision of students undertaking their dissertations and theses will continue through email and online communication.
• Global trips planned for DBA and any other programs are postponed until further notice.
• Community service has been stopped as from March 17, 2020 as some involve students going to communities that may have heightened exposure to the coronavirus.
• The Internship Office will reach out to employers that have MOUs with USIU-Africa to work out modalities for the students to complete their programs online where possible.
• Online Pre-Registration for the 2020 Summer semester begins on Monday, March 23, 2020. All students registering for this semester can access the schedule on the website via this link resource/summer-2020-course-schedule

In the event that you may require any additional support, the University will be offering support for online instruction between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. every weekday and between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through the following channels:

• Phone: +254 0730116333
• WhatsApp: +254 0735000377
• E-mail: helpdesk@usiu.ac.ke

We continue to encourage the USIU-Africa community on the need to practice good hygiene during this time. Should you develop flu like symptoms, contact the University Health Services Department on 0730116759 or extension 760/761/762/763 or 0780 334668 or tyamani@usiu.ac.ke and seek immediate medical attention.

The University is in touch with the Ministry of Health for further guidance with regards to access to isolation and treatment facilities, should the need arise.

For any additional information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and the University’s communication about it, please visit this page:communication-to-the-university-community-regarding-the-corona-virus-outbreak/

I wish to thank and commend you for embracing the continuation of instructional delivery remotely to ensure that we complete the Spring Semester with as little disruption as possible. We have the electronic facilities and highly dedicated faculty and support staff to achieve this. This is what it means to be a premier institution of academic excellence with a global perspective, the University that is committed to providing you education to take you places.

Prof. Paul Tiyambe Zeleza

Vice Chancellor