To support the student life and academic journey of first-year students’, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will be hosting the ADAPT@DUT First Year Orientation Week from 06-11 February 2024 on the Durban and Midlands campuses.
ADAPT@DUT is an integral of Sikusekele (Holistic Student Support Initiative), a collaborative initiative led by the Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, who constituted a planning team from the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Student Governance and Development, Student Housing and Residence-Life, Time tables, and other units within student services. The theme ADAPT@DUT stands for Academic support, Diversity and Inclusion, Agility and Atttunement, Participation and Transition.
According to Dr Mzwandile Khumalo, Siyaphumelela Institutional lead and a DUT Teaching, Learning and Development Practitioner the ADAPT@DUT programme is designed to foster a smooth transition and integration into the campus, and to promote student success and retention, by putting students at the centre of the main and co-curricular activities as co-creators of their own experience.
He indicated that there will be a pre-orientation on the Saturday, 03 February 2024 and Sunday, 04 February 2024 which will include the “How to” videos, including logging into the Learning Management System (LMS) platforms, accessing timetables, validation of registration and general understanding of student expectations.
The Orientation Week will start with the Vice-Chancellor’s welcome address and presentations from the Executive Management, including the Registrar, Dean of Students and Institutional Planning on ENVISION2030.
Through partnerships with faculties, support units and student leaders, first-year students will explore how they want to engage, learn and thrive in their University community and beyond. The programme will consist of facilitative experiential learning opportunities for first-year students that include:
- Nurturing a smooth academic and campus transition for first time entering students.
- Inculcating a sense of belonging, and a culture of active participation and agency.
- Creating and enhancing an enabling environment that is supportive of holistic development and success.
Universities, DUT in particular is affected by the same societal challenges, including crime, food insecurity, Gender-Based Violence and other social ills. DUT recognises the importance of partnerships with external stakeholders, in integrating students in the societies beyond the academic communities.
Dr Khumalo expressed his appreciation to the external partners namely, Handy Andy, Department of Social Development, Standard Bank, Nedbank and Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for pledging their support in order to make this event a huge success and memorable for the first-year students.
The orientation will close with an Oath taking, inclusive of;
- Commitment to academic excellence;
- Commitment to the Lived Values;
- Commitment to Entrepreneurship and Innovation;
- Commitment to active participation in the co-curriculum;
Pictured: ADAPT@DUT First Year Orientation Week poster.
Simangele Zuma
