Unisa KZN Regional SRC hosts successful first-year student orientation

The Unisa KwaZulu-Natal Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) recently conducted a first-year student orientation at the Durban Hub, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Richards Bay, and Newcastle Regional Services Centres, where students got an opportunity to learn more about services offered by the university.

Newcastle sessions

The orientation addressed first-year students who may have challenges adjusting to the university and transitioning from high school teaching and learning to tertiary education. During the orientation, university departments explained their services, how they could be accessed and where each department is located.

Durban sessions

The hallmark of the orientation was potently about arming the students, first and foremost, with career planning, academic support, and success, learning about the Unisa community, interpersonal skills, and coping with student challenges. Socio-economic support was singled out as the most crucial support required by students. 

Richards Bay sessions

The RSRC leadership, led by its Chairperson, Ntokozo Magubane, ensured that students attended in significant numbers. The region's communication department gave the student leaders the necessary professional support, which assisted with branded invites, posters, marketing, and communication. Other regional departments, such as the Facilitation of Learning, Student Administration, Library, Counselling, TELC, Protection Services, and Communication & Marketing, made presentations that focused on support and services available at Unisa for student success.

Pietermaritzburg sessions

RSRC Secretary Sibusiso Mhlongo, went through a detailed SRC plan of action, indicating significant activities and initiatives the SRC will execute during the 2024 academic year and encouraging students to be actively involved and participate in activities aimed to benefit the overall student life experience at the university.

The Regional Director, Dr Joyce Myeza, addressed students gathered at a full-capacity lecture hall by welcoming them to the 150-year-old university. She encouraged students to be proud of Unisa as their university of choice. Her address was followed by presentations from regional departments that play unique roles in student academic success. Students had an opportunity to engage presenters, ask questions, and probe further for clarity on areas they did not fully understand.

All speakers congratulated the first-year students for joining Unisa and wished them a fruitful and successful academic year ahead.

*By Siyabonga Seme, Communication Manager and  Amanda Mthengi, Communication Intern, Unisa KZN Region