University students fear a ‘UoM cluster’ in case of physical exams

The Student Union of the University of Mauritius (UoM) is up at arms against the University management over the latter’s insistence to run physical exams, instead of virtual ones.

Le Mauricien reported the students being concerned of adding up to a “UoM cluster” after several students were recently tested positive for COVID-19.

“With students coming from all over Mauritius, we are exposing ourselves to potential risks,” Union President, Daveen Persand, was quoted as saying. “To protect students, exams should be held online,” he added.

Exams are scheduled to kick off in three weeks.

“If online exams are not practically possible, can we not then have at least online assignments?” he asked. “If the government is heading in a direction, that does not  mean that the UoM has to follow.”

Le Mauricien cited an unnamed source at the University to state that the Senate has decided to hold face-to-face exams because “restrictions have been relaxed and students are getting vaccinated.”