The coronavirus has changed our lives. It has also seriously screwed up this academic year. To sort out the crisis, colleges and universities are beginning to roll out their solutions for resolving the unfinished university year.
Down at Waterford IT, they've said in a statement today that they'll be relying on an 'alternative mode of assessment' to finish the year.
"The Academic Council recognise the difficult circumstances surrounding delivery and assessment in these unprecedented times and realise the extent of disruption that these necessary changes are causing to both staff and students but believe they are in the best interests of maintaining students’ academic progress and career aspirations,” he added.
“Moving to an alternative mode of assessment will allow our students finish the academic year within the expected timeframe and prepare 2,500 new graduates at both undergraduate and postgraduate level to contribute to the rebuilding of the economy post Covid-19.”
“We continue to advise students to adhere to published health advice, to practice social distancing and, above all, to stay safe.”
Meanwhile Carlow IT said today it would be cancelling "examinations and face-to-face assessments scheduled for the end of the summer term."
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In a statement they added:
They will be replaced, where feasible, by alternative online assessments/ online exams. The changes agreed by Academic Council are designed to enable our students to progress and complete their studies.
"These changes will ensure that learning outcomes are properly assessed. They will ensure that the integrity and validity of the award process is assured in an equivalent manner to any form of assessment conducted on campus.
The good news here is that no one is talking about writing off the semester that we've all nearly finished. We'll keep you posted as other Irish universities announces their plans.
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