Following a random draw, the Institutional Planning Office at the Durban University of Technology rewarded students and lecturers for their participation on the South African Survey of Student Engagement (SASSE) and Lecturer Survey of Student Engagement (LSSE).

The two important online surveys about the factors that influence teaching and learning at DUT, ran for nearly six weeks as part of the Siyaphumelela Project, focusing on student success.

Speaking during the award function held at DUT Hotel School on Monday, 29 October, Dr Kudayja Parker, Institutional Researcher: Siyaphumelela Project said the surveys measured the number of effort students put into their studies and the extent to which the University provides the right support structures and facilitates student participation in activities that matter to student learning.

“The SASSE was a survey that students had to complete and what we basically did, is that we randomly drew 33 lucky students that won. We had 10 students from the Midlands, and then, we had 23 students from Durban. We gave all of them shopping mall vouchers for playing their part in the survey,” said Dr Parker.

Despite the numbers showing an increase in participation on this year’s survey, Dr Parker said there is still a room for improvement. “The numbers were higher than when we ran this survey in 2016. I think then we had about 2100, and now, we had just over 2500. So the numbers did go up, but obviously, we would like to get more students to participate” added Dr Parker.

During the award function, students involved in the Food Security Project, also an initiative driven by the Siyaphumelela Project, were given certificates of appreciation.

In describing the project, Sboniso Ngcobo, Food and Nutrition: Consumer Studies student said this initiative (Food Security Project) was driven by the desire to encourage students to eat healthy food.

“The project was mainly focused at DUT. We were collecting surveys, also having other activities such as the Ubungqabavu Roadshow, whereby we educate students and encourage them to eat healthy foods within their limited budgets. We are currently compiling a booklet that will support students with healthier recipes to cook their meals,” said Ngcobo.

Pictured: DUT Students who won shopping vouchers for their participation on the South African Survey of Student Engagement (SASSE).

Sandile Lukhozi