The Durban University of Technology Department of Student Housing and Residence Life, recently hosted a Residence Life Induction for Residence advisors (RA’S), Student Residence Assistance (SRA’S) and Assistant Residence Advisors (ARA), at St Michaels Sands Hotel in Margate.

According to Mr Phumlani Mnyango: Senior Residential Affairs Officer, the department of Student Housing and Residence Life, strives for the holistic development of students as part of the institutional academic mandate. Foregrounding its best practices on literature and student development frameworks.

The department aims to design and implement residence programmes that aid and nurture the development of students in attaining the university’s graduate attributes.

He further added that the induction focused on designing conceptual framework which would govern the practices of resident officials in the growth and development of students residing in the university residences.

During the induction a group work approach was adopted. Newly recruited officials engaged on different topics such as student mental health, campus suicide and student development theories.

Mnyango stressed that for one to be selected as a resident official, one needs to go through a thorough recruitment process. He also mentioned that the minimum requirement for the position of an RA is a Master’s degree or doctorate, to advocate for academic excellence.

The department of Student Housing and Residence life has also identified that using a holistic student development approach, the residence programmes will integrate academic and psycho-social support for all the students in residences.

“The main focus for the 2020 academic year is the development of new practices and knowledge on the residence programmes”, added Mnyango.

Pictured: DUT Staff and students

Nomkhuleko Thutshin