Student engagement workshop reaffirms commitment to student success

The Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL) team recently visited the Unisa Rustenburg Hub, to engage with students on teaching, learning, assessment and student support matters. Students also got the opportunity to share their queries and challenges.

In her welcome address, Angie Bopape, Acting Director of the Unisa Midlands Region, stated that regional service centres exist to provide support that empowers students to succeed in their studies. She explained: “The regions were established to offer decentralised services, to bridge the distance between the university and its students, and to support the academic project. Various support and co-curricular services provide students with learning experiences and contribute positively to their academic success.”

Bopape also highlighted that the university believes in the principle of student-centredness. She outlined the support services offered to students during their learning journeys, which include student administration and funding, counselling and career development, library services, facilitation of learning, and technology support. She linked support services to the student walk – from course selection, application, registration, teaching, learning and graduation to lifelong learning.

Through the services offered, students can get the help they need to navigate their academic journeys and future endeavours. Bopape encouraged students to develop digital skills, acquire healthy coping mechanisms and form study groups. Further, she emphasised the importance of attending workshops offered in various support units, as these contribute to a positive learning experience. “We want to see students succeeding,” she added. ”Students should participate in co-curricular workshops, aimed at shaping them into well-grounded graduates. They also need to be active participants in their learning journey.”

Back, from left: Aobakwe Mamapula (Secretary: Regional Student Representative Council – RSRC), Portia Mabele (Supervisor: Student Administration and Funding), Angie Bopape (Acting Director: Midlands Region), Modi Khorombi (Head: Facilitation of Learning), Nteeng Moatlhodi (Senior Student Counsellor), Letitia Lekay (Acting Deputy Director: Academic and Technology Support) and Kgalalelo Kgaswane (Deputy Secretary: RSRC).
Front, from left: Prof Meahabo Magano (Executive Director: DTSFL), Lekau Rachidi (Manager: Student Retention Unit), Dr Salosh Govender (Curriculum Learning and Development Specialist, Directorate: Curriculum Development and Transformation) and Dr Petru Kotze (Deputy Director: Curriculum Development and Transformation)

Additionally, Professor Meahabo Magano, Executive Director of DTSFL, stressed that service delivery is a departmental mandate. She said that the session was not only about engaging with students and listening to their experiences and challenges, but also about providing immediate responses to their queries.

Representatives from various colleges and service units joined virtually to respond to student queries. This made the engagement vibrant, interactive, as well as practical and impactful.

Students attending the workshop

Magano also reminded students of the importance of being committed to their studies, stating that whatever qualification they register for, they must excel in their studies. She concluded with a quote by John L Mason: “Don’t settle for an average life – God wants to launch you past the middle to the top.”

* By Thotogelo Masenya, Communication and Marketing Officer, Unisa Midlands Region