UKZN Hosts 2024 Parents’ and Orientation Days

UKZN Hosts 2024 Parents’ and Orientation Days

UKZN started off the academic year by hosting a virtual Parents’ Day and Orientation Days.

Speaking at the virtual Parents’ day event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning Professor Thabo Msibi commended parents for attending as it ‘speaks volumes about your commitment to securing a brighter future for your children.’

Msibi said that this year, 9 000 first-time new entering students were selected from a staggering 160 000 applications. ‘With such a large pool of applicants, we are tasked with selecting the most outstanding candidates, so your children have earned their place among the elite few who stood out and this demonstrates their exceptional abilities and potential.’

Executive Director of Corporate Relations Ms Normah Zondo welcomed attendees to the event which provides parents with a comprehensive overview of the University’s vision and plans for the academic year ahead.

SRC Central President Mr Nduduzo Zulu assured parents that the environment on campus will be supportive and emphasised that they should encourage their children to reach out to the SRC if they need support.

UKZN’s Chief Finance Officer Ms Nontuthuko Mbhele outlined the fee structure and student funding processes at the University.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Student Services Professor Msizi Mkhize highlighted the extra-curricular activities available to students at the University which ‘complement formal academic instruction.’

At the College of Health Sciences (CHS) Navigating Your First Year Experience programme, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College noted that 102 000 applications were received for 1 114 first-year places in the CHS. The first-year experience programme assists first-time entry students with the transition from high school to university and introduces them to the University of Choice, staff, policies and the support available during their studies as well as the registration process. Attending the event was future health professional, Mr Wandile George who remarked, ‘My knees were shaking from the shock of being accepted. I am so grateful to be a part of this prestigious Institution.’

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize welcomed students, saying, ‘Entry into the University is competitive and the selection is rigorous. You should be very proud of yourself for your achievements. As you immerse yourself in the varied Disciplines offered within our College, embrace curiosity, foster a love for learning, push yourselves to think critically, engage with diverse perspectives, and venture beyond your comfort zones. Knowledge assimilation and creation should serve not only the individual but also the advancement and well-being of our societal fabric.’

Professor Annah Bengesai, Head of the Teaching and Learning Unit for the College of Law and Management Studies said, ‘This year’s orientation witnessed high attendance, marking a significant improvement on the previous academic year. Each session drew approximately 40-50% of registered students, compared to approximately 20-30% in the preceding year.’

She said this is attributed in part to the maturation of the mentorship programme and the successful marketing and social media campaign led by the College Public Relations team.

During online orientation, the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science focused on giving first-year students practical tips and assistance for this exciting, if not slightly overwhelming new stage of their lives. Amongst other topics, students were talked step-by-step through the online registration process, fee payments, the ins and outs of getting an email address, campus access, permits and student cards, and how to access timetables.

Daily afternoon interactive Q&A sessions were held throughout Orientation Week, both in English and isiZulu. ‘As a College, we are committed to doing everything in our power to assist our students succeed in their academic career. We are here to help,’ said Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College, Professor Naven Chetty.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer, MaryAnn Francis, Samukelisiwe Cele, Sally Frost and Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Supplied