Midlands region hosts impactful open day

In collaboration with the Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA), Unisa's Midlands Region recently held an impactful open day at the Mahikeng Regional Service Centre. The event aimed to create awareness of Unisa's support services and empower students with vital information, enabling them to make informed career choices. 

Unisa staff at the Mahikeng Open Day

The open day allowed existing and prospective students to engage with representatives from various colleges on issues relating to the qualifications offered to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Also included were details on the 2024 application process, admission requirements, and available bursaries. 

In engaging with prospective masters and doctoral (M&D) students, the College of Graduate Studies team under the Postgraduate Administrative Department outlined the importance of pre-planning before applying. It guided the postgrads on possible research focus areas. Students who did not meet the admission requirements were advised to use the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route.  

Tshireletso Qelesile, Regional Office Coordinator, appreciated that the event was hosted on the day the 2024 applications were officially open. Students cherished the opportunity to engage with college representatives and receive first-hand information that would enable them to make the best possible personal career choices. 

Prospective students at the Mahikeng Open Day

While some prospective students feared studying through an open-distance institution, Qelesile shared Unisa's comprehensive open distance and e-learning (CODeL) model to clarify what the approach involves. The open day was vital in disseminating information about Unisa and addressing misconceptions. Some attendees applied for admission at the Regional Service Centre, which offered a one-stop service on the day. Qelesile said the outreach was exactly what the region envisioned as part of its mission to provide excellent customer service.

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