Some of the first entering students listening to speakers during the Official Opening of the 2020 Orientation
On Monday, 03 February 2020, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) held its Official Opening of the 2020 Orientation Programme to ease the transition and familiarise first entering students with Campus and University life. The Official Opening of Orientation took place in the University Auditorium.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford
In his official opening address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford said that this is one of the most important days for the University to welcome students who will be with the University for the coming three (3) to four (4) years, except if they will be doing their postgraduate degrees here at UNIVEN.
“You have successfully passed your matric and you are now members of a selected group of the South African population that only contributes less than five percent of the population of the country. It is therefore important to remind you that the University has only one source of income, which is student fees which are being paid by either NSFAS, sponsors, family members or bursaries. However, there is a government subsidy where the University gets a certain amount of money for enrolling a certain percentage of students while another percentage of money is given when students complete their studies on time.” Prof Crafford further advised students to make use of the services offered at UNIVEN because a large amount of money has been invested in the education system to ensure that they get such services. He welcomed first time entering students to UNIVEN and wished them well in their academic journey.
In his welcome remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations, Dr Robert Martin said UNIVEN prides itself with a good service that it offers to its students and for delivering its mandate of teaching and learning, research and community engagement in a professional manner, not only for South Africans but also for students from other countries. Dr Martin advised first time entering students not to stay at the UNIVEN for 10 to 15 years before they could complete their studies. “Make use of the services available to assist you to complete your studies within stipulated time.”
Mr Gift Chauke, UNIVEN SRC President
Mr Gift Chauke, UNIVEN SRC President advised first time entering students to always remember the reason why they came to the University. Mr Chauke further encouraged them to know where they are coming from and to make sure that they change the situations at their respective homes. He further advised students to take their studies serious because that is what they are here for. “Our purpose as SRC is to assist you with everything that you need, use all services available.” He welcomed first year students to the University and wished them well in their studies.
Rolivhuwa Tshivhase
Rolivhuwa Tshivhase, 18 years old first entering student of Bachelor of Science in Biokinetics said the Orientation programme was very informative because he has learnt a lot about UNIVEN and the services that are available for the benefit of all students. “I have also learned about how to conduct ourselves when we are away from parents and guardians.”
Other speakers who spoke during the Official Opening of the 2020 Orientation include:
Dr Segun Obadire: Acting Director International Relations; Prof Nancy Mutshaeni, Director: Center for Higher Education, Teaching and Learning (CHETL); Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo, Director: Student Affairs; Advocate Eric Nemukula, Manager: Labour Relations from the Directorate of Legal Services; Mr Elex Moatshe, CEO of Elex Academic Bookstore; Mr Benji Ngobeni, Head of Financial Aid and Reporting; Prof Vhonani Netshandama, Director: Community Engagement and Mrs Mushoni Mulaudzi, Director: Library Services.
The Official Opening of the 2020 Orientation was followed by Schools specific Orientation programme which will be taking place until Wednesday, 05 February 2020.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 03 February 2020
