Stellenbosch University welcomed some 5000 new students to the University last week, and will also be welcoming back its seniors this week.
The welcoming programme of the University officially kicked off on Thursday night (21 January) with the official Welcoming Event in the Danie Craven Stadium at Coetzenburg on the Stellenbosch Campus. The welcoming programme sets out to ensure that all new students feel at home and that settling into Stellenbosch is a positive, enriching experiences in a nurturing environment.
"Stellenbosch University strives to provide an inclusive, welcoming home to all and we are looking forward to warmly and heartily welcome all new students at Stellenbosch University," says Dr Birgit Schreiber, Senior Director: Student Affairs. "Over the last few months the University has been working hard to make sure that most of the grievances and concerns students have, are being addressed. The University is for example very concerned about the affordability of higher education and will continue to assist students as far possible.
"Students are also encouraged to respect and appreciate each other – regardless of apparent differences. Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity, irrespective of race, colour, gender, faith or sexual orientation. Taking into account that the University has done away with initiation practices many years ago, students who experience any violation of human rights or human dignity, or any irregularity whatsoever are requested to report incidents as soon as possible." The e-mal address for reporting incidents is unfair@sun.ac.za.
There is also a great appreciation for the Student Representative Council (SRC) and other student leaders who have since Monday assisted new students on campus. Management supports an initiative of the Student Representative Council (SRC), the #RegisterAll initiative, to assist students with financial challenges to register. "We are very excited
about the initiative by our SRC to raise funds for students who have
been accepted for studies at SU, but do not have proof of sufficient
funds to register. We encourage all staff, alumni, students and members
of the public in general to make a donation to this wonderfully
supportive project of the SRC to make education accessible to all. The
fund will be managed by the University's Bursaries and Loans Office,"
says Prof Arnold Schoolwinkel, Vice-Rector: Learning and Teaching.
Registration
Online registration (at my.sun.ac.za) has already opened, but first year students studying on the Stellenbosch Campus who for some reason cannot do self-registration can register on campus on 25 & 26 January. Registration is done in accordance with the registration schedule provided to students towards the end of last year.
On-campus registration at the Tygerberg Campus is on Friday 22 January, also in accordance with the registration schedule provided.
Registration for seniors has also opened online, but students can also register on-campus from 26 - 28 January.
All students registering for the first time are requested to make sure that they have the right documents available to gain access to the Admin building to register.
Stellenbosch University does not have a registration fee, but requires the first instalment of the study fees (more information available on the University's website at www.sun.ac.za). Students can however apply for a delayed payment which means that they can pay the first instalment over three months (January, February and March).
With regard to outstanding debt (see information below) a student who receives a bursary for 2016 which covers at least the outstanding debt as well as the first instalment for 2016, will be allowed to register.
Late applications
Unfortunately the University will not be able to take in late applications with regard to undergraduate programmes. The Minister of Higher Education has urged all universities to stay within the allocated subsidised student enrolment targets. The University residences are also full and the names of students who still want to make use of university accommodation will be added to the waiting list.
Financial support
In 2016 Stellenbosch University will pay out more than R650 million in bursaries (undergraduate and postgraduate). This includes merit bursaries. Proportionally this is more than other universities: 55% of all the income from student fees are paid out as bursaries.
The University has great empathy for the financial pressures under which South African households have to provide for student fees. Therefore, SU strives to assist, as far as possible, financially needy students who are academically deserving. The University uses its own and earmarked funds to offer various bursaries and loans and has allocated available funding and already registered possible shortfalls.
Stellenbosch University recognised the clearance of students' outstanding debt as one of the most critical issues addressed by the #FeesMustFall campaign. However, most universities, including SU, face the reality of inadequate institutional reserves to merely write student debts off. This matter forms an integral part of current discussions at national level with the Department of Higher Education and Training. The outcomes of these discussions should provide more clarity on the approach that universities can take in this regard in years to come.
Safety
As with most other South African universities, SU is also preparing for various scenario's with regard to the new year. The safety of students and staff and the protection of property are non-negotiable for the University and will do everything possible to make sure that the welcoming and registration process take place without disruption.
With regard to protest action on campus, the University acknowledges the right of staff and students to take part in protest action, provided that academic and administrative activities are not disrupted; that the rights of fellow students to study are not infringed; and that there are not criminal acts such as damaging property or hurting other people.
Personal safety
Unfortunately there is a misconception that Stellenbosch is safe and isolated with the result that many students expose themselves unnecessarily to crime. The reality is that SU's Stellenbosch campus is an open campus and not immune to crime and criminal elements. The critical reality is that the students, with the assistance of Campus Security, must be extra vigilant on campus and make sure that they are not soft targets for crime. Students are thus requested to take the same safety precautions in Stellenbosch than elsewhere in the country.
General
The University's website, www.sun.ac.za contains all the necessary information needed by prospective students. The welcoming programme, to be handed out to all first year students, is available online here. The booklet contains information on the Division of Student Affairs, the registration schedule, SU's living communities and clusters, parking, transport, personal safety, the library, the Academic Affairs Council, free writing advice and Maties Mad2, a fun, student-driven, fundraising project in aid of Matie Community Service.
Also, see www.sun.ac.za/welcome for more information on among others the welcoming programme, career development; computer user areas ; health; library and information security ; special learning needs and wellness. Information on the First-year academy; load shedding; Maties Sport; mentors; societies and Sustainability is also available online.
The University is excited to start the new year and to see what students can achieve with regard to their academic progress, personal development and the positive social impact they can make in society.
- Contact the University on 021 808 9111 or info@sun.ac.za for more information. Social media updates are done via the hashtag #WelcomeMaties.
