Andile Samkele Masuku, Student Development Officer from Student Governance and Development at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) shares the exciting orientation programme planned for first-year students and what the programme entails.

“The orientation is one of the most important programmes to start an academic year for first-year students as they get to be integrated into the university community. It also serves as a platform for them to establish their social identity on campus,” he said.

Masuku explained further that the programme is separated into two parts. The first part is a pre-orientation which will be held online on Saturday, 11 February 2023 and Sunday, 12 February 2023, which will focus on the log-in guide for first-year students; accessing Office365, DUT4Life emails, Moodle, timetables, etc.

“The main orientation will be held physically from Monday, 13 February 2023 to Thursday, 16 February 2023 in Durban and from Tuesday, 14 February 2023 to Friday, 17 February 2023 in the Midlands respectively. First-Year Students Sports Day will be held at Indumiso Campus on Saturday, 18 February 2023,” he said.

The programme is planned as follows:

Day 1: Parents’ Day and Vice-Chancellors welcome address.

Day 2: Campus Health, Safety and Crime Prevention.

Day 3: Engagement/Financial Aid/Scholarships/Entrepreneurship.

Day 4: Becoming a DUT Student. Day 5: First Year Students Sports Day.

Masuku indicated that during the first day of the programme, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu will officially welcome first-year students and their parents to the DUT community.

“Students will also have the opportunity to meet the DUT management, including the Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku and Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, executives in charge of Student Services. Various departments and units will share a platform introducing a range of services available within the university to enable student access and success. We have got an exciting line-up for students as different students will do performances during the orientation,” he said excitedly.

Masuku explained that is it is vital for first-year students to experience the orientation process as it will help to bridge the gap between high school life and the university life.

“Transition from high school to the university can be challenging for some of the students as the demands are not the same, the orientation can enhance their experience at DUT by introducing available resources which will promote their academic performance and psychosocial well-being,” he added.

Masuku emphasised that the programme is aligned to the ENVISION2030 as it falls under the Stewardship strategic perspective.

“The emphasis of this perspective is on a DUT community ethos that are based on the norms in which the DUT lives by. This has enforced collaborations with other departments/units within the university in organising and executing the orientation programme as part of breaking silos in the institution,” he said.

He further mentioned that there will be orientation helpers, organised by the university, who will assist first-year students with accurate information as the institution is aiming to avoid first-year students receiving distorted information from individuals who are not officially recognised by the university.

Masuku advises first-year students to be prepared to learn about DUT’s institutional culture, ‘The DUT Way’ which is based on accountability and shared responsibility.

“The students are encouraged to live the DUT principles and values which will guide them during their stay at the university,” he said.

Pictured: First-year Student Orientation posters.

Waheeda Peters