UNIZULU Hosts Orientation Week for First Year Students

Thousands of first-time entering students (FTENs) attended informative orientation sessions at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) from Monday to Friday, 6 – 10 February 2023.

The annual First Year Orientation Program takes place before the beginning of the academic year. During this time, a variety of events are held to orient new students to campus life and the wide range of academic development and support services at UNIZULU aimed at easing FTENs’ transition from high school to tertiary education. The support services include the Campus Health Clinic, Disability Unit and Guidance and Counselling.

This year’s orientation week activities included welcome addresses by deans who each spoke to FTENs in their respective faculties as well as academic orientation to the students’ respective faculties, departments and the specific programs for which they have been accepted.

Through the program, students also had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the various student societies and sport clubs available on both the KwaDlangezwa and Richards Bay campuses.

All in all, the educational orientation program served as a platform for first-year students to establish their social identity on campus.

Professor Maria Sewela Mabusela, Director of Teaching and Learning, said the orientation went as planned. She added that program directors and leadership at faculty level were able to provide students with academic information, expectations and specific learning activities as part of the program.

“All service departments shared relevant information with the students. All presentations were very engaging as students were also asking questions.  The orientation week is the effort by the University to help and support students to make a successful transition from school/home to university. An orientation program is one of the many supports of the First Year Experience that are organised and provided by the Teaching and Learning Centre, faculties, and student support service,” Prof Mabusela said.

• Precious Shamase