The Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL) kicked off its annual training sessions for newly elected leaders by focusing on creating a Constitutional Welcoming and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prepare an inclusive welcoming for all newcomers in 2025. The training has been influenced by key moments in the institution's history, including the Unwelcoming Practices Report of 2014 and the #FeesMustFall movement in 2016.
“The Welcoming programme influences the standard of the campus' welcoming culture, not only for the newcomers who need to be integrated into the space, but also for all the other leaders who will contribute to the welcoming environment," explains Benita van Zyl, Unit Manager: Unit for Residence Student Communities at CSLL.
“Therefore, the purpose of the training is to equip leaders who will play a pivotal role in planning the welcoming of newcomers with a thorough understanding of the ethos that Stellenbosch University (SU) wishes to embody during the welcoming period.
"It is vital to recognise that student leaders welcome students on behalf of the University, not just their individual communities."
This year's training, which was held at Academia Hall, brought together a diverse group of leaders from residence and commuter student communities. The students engaged in discussions on their role in helping newcomers integrate into both the academic and social dimensions of university life.
The programme included various sessions, including a breakdown and discussion of the results of the Newcomers' Feedback survey and Cluster Welcoming planning. A former student leader also presented a session on how to use a values-based approach for welcoming. The latter session centred around the SU values as a guide in promoting a community structure without hierarchies between newcomers and their leaders.
Throughout the day, cluster convenors, senior students and student assistants from CSLL facilitated interactive activities at each table, encouraging leaders to collaborate and share ideas. Ishmael Mabena, along with his Co-Executive Cluster Convenor, Shannon Goodchild, served as the MCs for the day, adding a fun twist with a TikTok dance challenge that kept spirits high.
Reflecting on the day's success, Mabena remarked: "Their passion, motivation, and high interest were evident. If this isn't an indication of their commitment, I don't know what is."
He praised the leaders' positive attitudes and their willingness to engage with the programme content, noting that “the dance routine change was definitely a highlight".
“I am confident that we have great people leading our student communities."
The Welcoming period at SU is a time of significant change for both newcomers and postgraduate students who are new to the university, contributing to their sense of belonging on campus. The Welcoming period is considered a time of significant change for newcomers university demonstrates its commitment to providing a “transformative welcoming experience" that is values-driven, inclusive, enjoyable, and fosters social cohesion among students. This training ensures that leaders are well-prepared to achieve this goal, building a network and support structure they can rely on as they step into their roles.
Mabena emphasised the importance of early training in helping leaders avoid feelings of isolation and in fostering connections among them before Welcoming starts.
"When we step into new roles as leaders, the last thing we hope to feel is alone and isolated," he said.
"This training ensures that leaders get to know one another, which is essential for networking, forming new relationships and finding support systems."
According to Van Zyl, this year's Constitutional Welcoming was a success thanks to the dedication of the team who worked with her before, and on the day of the training.
"The positive attitudes of our student leaders, the logistical organisation behind the scenes, and the awesome facilitators – cluster conveners, student assistants, and senior student leaders – made this training a success."
