The International Education and Partnerships (IEP) unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted the Second Semester Exchange Student Orientation Programme at the ML Sultan Campus Conference Room in Durban.
The orientation was designed to facilitate a smooth transition into the University community. Through collaborations with faculties and support units, exchange students were introduced to the wide range of academic, support and student life services available to help them engage, learn and thrive at DUT and beyond.
Ms Carol Newman, International Education Officer at DUT, opened the event by welcoming all attendees. She congratulated the new students who had travelled from different parts of the world to join DUT and assured them that the University would provide all the necessary support to make their transition enjoyable and successful.
“Welcome to DUT, welcome to Durban and welcome to South Africa. I hope you will enjoy your stay here and explore all that the University and Durban have to offer,” said Newman.
Representatives from various University support units, including the Library, Student Health, Student Counselling, Sports Administration, Protection Services and a medical aid representative, delivered presentations introducing the services available to students and explaining how to access them throughout their studies.
Ms Bongekile Mpungose, Librarian at DUT, delivered a presentation highlighting the wide range of library resources, services and support available to students, while guiding them on how to make the most of these offerings throughout their academic journey.
“Our libraries have study spaces, open-access computing labs, printing, photocopying and scanning facilities, wireless connectivity, and group study rooms. We also host the Writing Centres and the CELT Student Development Programme within our library spaces,” she explained.
Director of Protection Services, Mr Charles Sehlogo, welcomed the international students and shared important safety and security guidelines. He encouraged them to remain vigilant, familiarise themselves with campus safety procedures, and make use of the University’s Protection Services to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
“Thank you for making DUT your university of choice in South Africa. Enjoy your stay while you learn, study, gain valuable experience and meet friends who will grow with you into the future. The Protection Services Unit is one of the University’s support services and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our university community. Everything we do is guided by DUT’s Living Values of integrity, respect, excellence, commitment and honesty, while fostering accountability and responsibility,” he said.
The students will spend the semester at DUT in the Faculties of Engineering and the Built Environment, Applied Sciences and Management Sciences, where they will participate in academic programmes while experiencing South Africa’s diverse culture and the University’s vibrant campus life.
Pictured: International students at the second semester exchange orientation
Photographer: Sifundo Thwala
Thubelihle Dumakude
