The Durban University of Technology department of Student Housing and Residence Life recently hosted an induction workshop for Residence Advisors (RA) and Assistance Residence Advisors (ARA) at the Hotel School, Ritson Campus.

The main objective of the induction workshop was to equip RA’s and ARA’s with information that will improve student experiences at DUT residences, in both Durban and the Midlands.

In his remarks, Phumlani Mnyango, Senior Residence Life Officer, encouraged everyone to contribute to the University’s living and learning strategy. This is the guide for the university’s institutional approach to living and learning for students residing in the DUT managed student residences. Mnyango also urged all RA’s and ARA’s to work as a team with the students.

“Working as a team is vital, however, so is professionalism amongst yourselves and when working with students,” he said.

Furthermore, Mnyango enlightened all the residence leaders of their responsibilities, which included creating and implementing edutainment programmes, as well as ensuring that developmental programmes take place in and around all DUT residences.

Elaborating on Mnyango’s sentiments, Midlands Campus Acting Student Housing and Residence Life Manager, Celiwe Chemane said that it was critical for all residence leaders and colleagues within the offices at Student Housing and Residence Life to understand the department’s code of conduct and to keep in mind the importance of their roles in student development.

“As a leader your behaviour is very important. Support each other and the students you are given an opportunity to groom. However, work hard to keep students motivated so that they do not forget the purpose of being at DUT, which is obtaining their qualifications and graduating in record time, “said Chemane.

During the workshop, various subjects were discussed ranging from balancing residence leadership, academic excellence of students, the RA’s and ARA’s as well as the role and code of conduct of the house committee, to name a few.

Pictured: All the RA’s, ARA’s and team from the department of Student Housing and Residence Life.

Ben Simelane