Unisa Midlands Region hosts informative open day

From left, Leradile Sello ( Kimberley RSC – Administrative Assistant), Ellen Mokoena (Department of Institutional Advancement- Manager-Student Recruitment and Marketing); Patricia Habana ( Kimberley RSC- Student Admin Advisor ) and Mr Lufuno Nekokwane ( Department of Institutional Advancement- Corporate Marketer).

In collaboration with the Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA), Unisa Midlands Region recently held an open day at the North Cape Mall in Kimberley. The event's objective was to empower students to make informed decisions and unpack various support services available at Unisa and the region.

Representatives from the Unisa Kimberley Regional Service Centre, colleges, and departments shared valuable information about studying through Unisa as an Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institution. The topics covered included various qualifications, admission requirements, application and registration processes, and student support services.

Centre from left, Kgothatso Motsamai ( Administrative Officer ) and Ngcobo Portia ( College Information Coordinator ) from College of Economic and Management Sciences ( CEMS) after sharing information with the public.

Students had the opportunity to visit the stalls and engage with specialists from various colleges on various issues, including online examinations, submission of assignments, graduation ceremonies, applications, and registration processes.

The Student Administrative Advisor from the Kimberley Regional Service Centre, Patricia Habana, said that the attending students appreciated the initiative of bringing the services to the public. “As we interacted with students, we encouraged them to apply and register early and pay the required amounts when application and registration commence."  Habana added that the team also managed to register some students on-site.

Team of Unisans who shared information with the public during the Kimberley Open Day.

Dazylynn Johnson, a potential student passionate about education, intends to apply and study for a Bachelor of Education degree. “The advantage of enrolling at Unisa is that one can work while studying as Unisa is a distance learning institution," she said.

Clifford Mmusi recently completed a National Diploma in Safety Management and shared his journey of studying through Unisa. He said that distance learning had been a challenging experience, especially when COVID-19 struck and affected every sphere of his life, including his studies. He added, however, that there had been no other option than to complete the qualification and that he had adapted and adjusted to the institution's systems, including online examinations. “It was through hard work, the support services available at Unisa, sacrifice, and commitment that I am celebrating this achievement, he smiled.

The event was a success, with a good flow of students from one stall to another. Students showed excitement and were pleased with the information received, including raising awareness regarding the student support services rendered at the regional service centre. Staff members were on duty full-time to address student queries.

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