“You have made a wise choice by making the University of Venda (Univen) a University of your Choice, a comprehensive University which offers a diverse range of quality undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various fields of study,” said the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, Dr Robert Martin. He said these words during the Official Opening of 2018 Academic year that took place at the University Auditorium on Thursday, 25 January 2018.
Dr Martin welcomed the new Student Representative Council (SRC) for 2017/2018 academic years. He said that he is impressed with the caliber of young men and women who are represented on Univen SRC cabinet. “Since they came in the Office, they have demonstrated a good level of maturity in their interactions with the University management, and an understanding of higher education issues.” He applauded them for actively pursuing an agenda aimed at improving the service that Univen offers to students.
“Univen is committed to support free higher education for financially needy students. However, mindful of the pressure on staff and facilities that the growth in enrolment poses.” He urged all staff, academic and support to make every
effort to treat students with dignity and to provide the necessary service to ensure that all registered students receive quality service with minimal inconveniences. Dr Martin further appreciated everyone who played their respective roles in ensuring a smooth and incident free registration process. He added that Univen remains committed to improve its facilities and services to students. “We would like to make a commitment to ensure that we complete a number of infrastructure projects taking place on campus, particularly student residences.”
He said despite the challenges which the South African higher education sector continues to experience, the sustained growth of the University of Venda continued and the campus environment remained stable and calm. He highlighted that Research output grew strongly and the number of rated researchers increased significantly to 26. Dr Martin concluded by highlighting that the 2018 academic year is going to be a particularly challenging year, but also a year that presents immense possibilities and innovations for higher education in South Africa.
The Official Opening of 2018 academic year was followed the Vice Chancellor’s Student Academic Excellence Awards.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford, thanked the SRC President, Mr Lindokuhle Lukhele for motivating members of his cabinet to make education fashionable. He further thanked everyone who made sure that the event becomes a success.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 26 January 2018
