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Unisa’s DTSFL strengthens student support and satisfaction through regional centre visits

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To enhance the quality of education and support for Unisa students, the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL) embarked on a series of regional visits from 19 September to 12 October 2023. These visits, encompassing 16 regions, aimed to establish collaboration and address the needs of students and the regional staff.

DTSFL Executive Director, Professor Meahabo Magano (back, fourth from left), leading staff during regional visits

The regional visits began with separate events in the Vaal and Ekurhuleni regions during the first week. In the following weeks, DTSFL visited Middleburg, Makhado, Nelspruit, Mthatha, George, Parrow and Gqeberha. The final week included visits to Mahikeng , Kroonstad, Pietermaritzburg, Kimberley, Newcastle and Potchefstroom.

These were hybrid visits that accommodated the DTSFL staff who could not physically travel to the regions enabling them to attend online.  DTSFL staff, regional staff, college representatives, students, and student leaders gathered to work at strengthening student support.

In the meetings chaired by Dr Jabulani Nene, each attendee was given an opportunity to introduce themselves. Professor Meahabo Magano, Executive Director of DTSFL, gave the opening address and stated the purpose and objectives of the visits. She coupled her opening address with the departmental plan, mentioning the five pillars and the strategic objectives, namely advancing technology (mediating quality learning and teaching), propelling research and innovation, pivoting engaged scholarship and global impact, strengthening student support, and offering relevant co-curricular activities.

The strongest focus of the visits was pillar four, namely strengthening student support.

Each unit/directorate within DTSFL and the colleges had the opportunity to explain what they do in their spaces and to express the collaboration points that they wish to have with all regions.

The regional staff representatives and students were subsequently given an opportunity to express their needs in relation to the presentations made. In instances where the answers lay with stakeholders who were not attending the meeting, the latter would consulted provide the necessary information. As a result, new relationships were formed, and collaborative ideas were raised. The DTSFL is now committed to ensuring that these commitments are fulfilled. Communication was highlighted as a major issue among the colleagues, while the students expressed their frustrations about not knowing whom to contact for specific assistance.

Magano closed the last session by thanking all the colleagues, students, and for their active participation. She emphasised that staff shouldn’t just pay lip service to the collaboration activities, instead they should be implemented. She also challenged the relevant colleagues to assist the students whenever necessary. 

* By Khongelani Chauke, Maanda Hlengane and Thendo Ravhudzulo, Administrative Staff in the DTSFL

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Publish date: 2023/10/26

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