The scorching summer heat in Stellenbosch on Thursday, 1st February 2024 could not deter the excited and enthusiastic cohort of Arts and Social Sciences first year students as they experienced their first day of Orientation 2024 at University of Stellenbosch main campus. The orientation programme is a week-long engagement event through which the new cohort of first year students are orientated, exposed and inducted to their new learning and social environment covering multiple areas of focus in tertiary education. It can be daunting, challenging and yet an exciting new environment, however the university is always on board to integrate them to the new environment with ease and due consideration.
“I want to thank you for choosing the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and giving us an opportunity to educate your young adults as we prepare them for the next phase in their future careers” said Dean, Anthony Leysens engaging the parents when the faculty had information sharing session with parents of the first year’s students. The orientation programme for the week includes the Dean and Vice-Deans meeting parents at the Conservatory for Music on Thursday, 1st February 2024 as well as the Dean meeting the first year on Monday, 5th February 2024 at the same venue. On Monday, 5 February 2024, students will get an opportunity to meet with their programme coordinators at the Arts and Social Sciences building. Tuesday, 6th February 2024, in person registration will happen for those who could not register online.
In his presentation, Prof Leysens emphasized to the parents that they made the right choice for choosing Maties amongst the many capable universities in South Africa. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is rated in the top 300 globally according to the Times Higher Education Rankings, this speaks to its quality students, research and committed administration as well as academic staff. The faculty has the second highest number of students, second to Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at Maties, it has place for 1100 new applicants in its various programmes. The students should embrace the opportunity to be here and take their studies seriously, this is a unique opportunity as many thousand applicants also fell through and missed the opportunity to study at Maties, Leysens said.
The Vice-Dean for Teaching and Learning, Prof Vasti Roodt also engaged the parents gently easing and preparing them for the journey ahead their children will be exposed to for the next three to four years at Maties. “In the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences we provide an excellent well-rounded education for your children, and they will walk out with a qualification and degree that has a good standing in the real professional world,” said Prof Roodt. She emphasised that the journey ahead is going to be challenging and dynamic as well daunting as this is a new environment and way of learning for them, so they will need all the support from their parents and next of kin.
(Amber Nieuwenheyzen (Operations Manager/Bedryfbestuurder); Qobo-Lwam Damane (Transformation and Culture Manager/Kultuur); Sisiphiwo Jaca (Treasurer/Tesoerier); Sam Morrick (Chairperson/Voorsitter); Proffesor Anthony Leysens (Dean/Dekaan) ; Kauthar Jardine (Social Impact Manager/Sosiale Impak); Zybian Anders (Student Relations/Studente Verhoudinge); Nosiviwe Mpukane ( Vice-Chairperson/Ondervoorsitter) and not in the picture: Sbusiso Zwane (Social Media and Marketing Manager/Sociale Media en bemarking)
In conclusion, the parents were given an opportunity to raise questions and comments regarding their children’s future studies at Maties. Parents were concerned about the type and combinations of modules the students will choose, plus the work load they will experience in the coming months and how to handle the pressure of tertiary education. Prof Leysens, Prof Roodt and Dr Susanne Hall made considerable efforts to ease the nerves and shared relevant information with the parents, ensuring them that the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has systems in place to support the new arrivals for the journey ahead. Furthermore, if parents have concerns or issues, the faculty is always available to listen and engage with them as their children’s well-being and success is crucial for the faculty. When the meeting was finished, the parents and the excited first year students attended Rector Prof Wim De Villiers’ welcome ceremony at the Danie Craven Stadium.