Dear Professor Graham, We have some concerns Professor, which we believe are not being addressed appropriately by the anticipated levels of staff and University leadership (some copied herewith). As you are aware, there is protesting about issues related directly to students and the University at large: More notably the increase in fees and the attrition of students due to financial exclusion. These protests come about, as we set up to write the last three of our four examinations. The protests have disturbed the ordinary course of business at the University and are set to do so for an indefinite period of time. The College of Accounting has implemented, what we would term disaster management plan, with students being directed to write their examinations at >>>redacted location<<<. We think that this plan is negatively discriminatory and in fact undermines students' right to protest. The argument that we are raising, or rather the request, is that you intervene and postpone the PDGA examinations until such time as the protesting is settled, and sufficient notice is given to the class for an alternative examination period. We have received a barrage of emails from faculty members asking students to remain calm and focus on exams - which we find particularly insensitive and rather condescending to the plight of the protestors and supporters of the movement. Morestill, our Monday examination was postponed - with some perculiarities therein as well: Which have been raised with both Mr. Carpenter and Prof. Watson - and have received less than engaging responses. The emails from faculty make reference to student's state of mind whilst writing exams, but my intepretation is that only a few student's mind set's will be taken into cognisance. That is to say that, we cannot focus on my studies in the midst of the protest action. It is a cause we believe in and support. Consequently, the requisite focus and diligence required for GDA studies is not available to students (such as myself) who are supportive of this just cause. But no accomodations are being made in spite of this - the only accomodations being made are for holiday plans and other commitents post the 26th of October. The administration of PGDA examinations in the midst of the protest adversely affects the performance of students who are socially-conscious enough to pay even a modicum of concern to this cause. Students, such as myself, who have been financially excluded and/or are marred by student debt find themselves torn between serving their own interest, by studying and doing so effectively; and engaging with civil society. Surely, we cannot be expected to continue haply whilst our peers/friends/family members are being attacked with stun grenades? Nor with the sounds of helicopters hovering over our venues and residences? This decision is in fact a false dichotomy Professor: There is no reason why these examinations must happen within the coming six days. To take it a step further: Continuing with PDGA exams as if it is 'business as usual' serves as a loudhailer to the idea that the College is not empathetic to the plight of financially excluded students - and it is no coincidence either, that a disproportionate number of these students are black. In fact those proportions are quite likely to match those of the students that fail PGDA. Some of us were present at the EDU talk where we discussed the statistics regarding the number of black CAs "produced" by UCT over the past five years. You also spoke about "paying more than just lip service" to the ideas of transformation in The College as well as the CA Profession. This is an opportunity for your to express your support for transformation, or accept a lesser charge and not allow for black and/or financially stretched students to be further burdened during a period that already demands so much. Referring now to practicality: The email sent about the venue change is accompanied by instructions for parking, and no further details about public transport or arrangments made for students, that would otherwise get into a Jammie and go to their exam venues. This further highlight the fact that PDGA is pitched to a certain demographic, and those who do not fall into this group are only overhearing the message. Some do not own a cars. Some do not watch >>><<<<. We do not know how to get to >>><<<, nor should we have to incur the cost of finding out and making my way there and back. And even if we were offered a lift by someone, that cannot be expected of anyone. That cannot be the default position. And perhaps most importantly, students are not safe. And certainly do not feel safe. This has been expressed in an email from a student to Mr. Riley Carpenter who responded with an email directing students to not wear their PDGA hoodies and use big bags to conceal their books. It is with this that we charge you Professor to exercise the requisite clout, leadership and moral fortitude in expressing The College of Accounting's support or condemnation of transformation efforts of students at The University. We look forward to your favourable response. Yours faithfully, Concerned UCT Students