The exciting five-day First Year Orientation 2022 programme to facilitate a smooth transition of new students from high school to University is taking place. The programme which is held online, via Microsoft Teams resumed on Monday, 07 February 2022.

The Orientation commenced with the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu officially welcoming the first-year students and their parents to the DUT Community.

Giving his message of support, the newly appointed Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku said it is an honour and a privilege to welcome new students to DUT for the 2022 academic year. Dr Moreku noted that the 2021 academic year was challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however through DUT’s consented efforts of regularly wearing masks, sanitising, keeping social distancing and vaccinating, we (DUT) were able to reduce both the risk of infection and worse hospitalisation from the coronavirus.

“DUT has a COVID-19 policy which we must all familiarise ourselves with. It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that we adhere to this policy, thereby ensuring a safe environment for all of us. Despite the pandemic, the University was able through multimodal teaching and learning to complete the 2021 academic year. Now more than ever before we need to use technology effectively to ensure that teaching and learning takes place. We appreciate that you made DUT your University of choice where you can prepare for your career in your chosen field,” said Dr Moreku.

He emphasised that DUT provides an enabling environment for students to engage in teaching, learning, research, and student life. Dr Moreku added that DUT strives for excellence and innovation in knowledge enhancement and scholarly activities in a safe living space. He also highlighted that diversity is part of DUT’s cornerstone and the university believes in ethos that respects inclusivity, openness and collegiality among staff and students.

“As an institution, we endeavour for an effective and efficient holistic student life cycle, to ensure that our graduates are not only instilled with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, but are well-grounded citizens. Through different departments, namely academic support, health and counselling, operational sport, and student structures, you will find your stay at DUT rewarding. We need to live by our core values and principles of respect, honesty, transparency, integrity, diversity, innovation, fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence,” said Dr Moreku.

DUT Midlands Campus Director, Dr Joe Molete informed the students that those who are in the two Midlands campuses are under his care and he is looking forward to working with them. In order for the students to be successful, Dr Molete said they needed a solid success plan. He shared the six steps for their vision model. Step one being having the vision, where students must assess what they are becoming. Step two, students needed to access their environment as DUT is the environment that will help them access their vision. The third step, is that students should look at their capabilities, learn relevant things to help them achieve their dreams. Behaviour is critical that the students needed to behave accordingly. Furthermore, students must make sure that their personal values are aligned with the values of the University. Lastly, Dr Molete spoke about the importance of each student to know their identity, which will help them achieve their vision.

Day 2 themed: Becoming a DUT student commenced with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya delivering the welcome address. She said universities are critical custodians of knowledge and traditions through continuous academic engagements. The higher education learning experience nurtures and enables the development of students as creatives, critical thinkers, problem solvers and active responsible citizens equipped for life-long learning, which is well-articulated in the University’s ENVISION2030.

Students had a chance to meet the various Head of Departments from the different faculties, and to hear all about the DUT facilities and how they can access them. They also had to attend the split session devised according to the faculties where they met the different Executive Deans and learnt about all the exciting programmes their respective faculties have in store for them.

Students were also given an opportunity to engage with the DUT staff and to pose questions or seek clarity on any matter during the planned question and answer sessions.

Pictured: DUT’s Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku.

Simangele Zuma