Welcoming First-Year Students with Engaging Orientation Programmes
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) successfully hosted a series of comprehensive orientation programmes for its 2025 First Time Entry Students (FTENs) from 3 to 14 February, ensuring a smooth transition into university life across the Howard College, Edgewood, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville campuses.
College of Humanities: A Fun and Informative Start
The College of Humanities conducted an interactive virtual orientation that introduced students to key academic structures, support services, and university processes. The First-Year Experience (FYE) team played a pivotal role, offering guidance on degree structuring, registration, and support systems. Sessions such as “Stay on Green” equipped students with essential knowledge about academic monitoring policies, helping them navigate their first year with confidence.
To add an element of excitement, the College launched a quiz challenge that tested students’ knowledge of the College of Humanities. With attractive prizes up for grabs, the competition encouraged first-years to engage with important information while enjoying a bit of friendly rivalry.
Professor Busisiwe Ncama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences, extended a warm welcome to the new cohort at their Academic Integration and Orientation event. She expressed her pride, stating: ‘It is with immense joy and pride that I stand before you today. You, the cream of the crop, have earned your place in this Institution through sheer hard work, dedication, and excellence in your Grade 12 results. You are shining stars, and we are thrilled to have you embark on this journey to becoming health professionals with us.’
Highlighting the competitive nature of admissions, Ncama revealed that the College of Health Sciences received an impressive 108 979 applications for only 1 114 first-year places, emphasising the exceptional calibre of the students who secured their spots.
College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science: A Seamless Integration
The College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science provided a robust orientation programme, supported by a dedicated orientation website and the FYE mentors who maintained continuous contact with their assigned students.
From 3 to 6 February, daily online Q&A sessions were conducted in both English and isiZulu, introducing students to university services and academic orientation. When campus access commenced from 10 to 14 February, information desks and campus tours helped students familiarise themselves with their new environment.
Academic Development Officers (ADOs) and mentors visited classes to introduce the compulsory FYE programme, which consists of four modules that students must complete online by the year’s end. The orientation concluded with Meet and Greet events on the Pietermaritzburg, Westville, and Howard College campuses, allowing students to connect with College personnel, clubs, and societies in a lively atmosphere.
College of Law and Management Studies: Building Connections
The College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) hosted a two-part orientation for its FTENs. The online session familiarised students with university systems, provided ICT support for registration, and offered academic guidance early in February.
Professor Bruce Rhodes, Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning, encouraged students to balance academic excellence with personal growth. “University is more than just academics; it is about forming supportive social networks that positively contribute to your self-discovery and development,” he said.
Later in the month, the in-person meet-and-greet event was hosted across three campuses and it featured team-building activities that helped students forge connections with their FYE mentors and peers, easing their transition into university life. The fun exercises familiarised students with various University facilities such as libraries, cafeterias, exam halls, Campus Clinics and many others. In line with goal two of the University Strategic Plan, the FYE Programme was well received and created memorable campus experiences for new students.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photographs: Andile Ndlovu, Nkosi Gcabashe and supplied
