Message from the Dean’s Management Team, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Monday 26 September 2016
Dear Colleagues and Students
The past week has once again brought to the fore serious issues relating to equality, human rights and the values entrenched in the South African Constitution. The Dean’s Management Team (DMT) acknowledges that it has been a difficult week for all members of our Tygerberg community, and we would like to thank you for engaging with us and for your wisdom and commitment.
I would like to reaffirm that we support the call for equitable access to higher education and the right to peaceful protest exercised in a way that does not infringe on the rights of others. The safety and wellness of our staff and students is paramount and a number of mechanisms have been put in place for you to access support.
Debriefing sessions are being hosted in departments and divisions and we encourage you to participate. The Wellness team of the Human Resources Division is ready to support staff members and you are welcome to contact the Division on 021-938-9636 to make an appointment with Ms Maureen Kennedy, Stellenbosch University’s Wellness Coordinator. Ms Kennedy can also be contact directly on 021-808-2755 or via email at maureenk@sun.ac.za.
The Tygerberg Student Council has furthermore taken note of the fact that many students may require additional emotional and psychological support following last week's events. As a result, Check-In Groups have been organised which will be facilitated by faculty staff members and lay counsellors.
The purpose of these groups is not to provide therapy or counselling for individuals, but to create safe spaces where students can share their experiences and receive emotional and psychological support in this regard.
The groups are also there to provide referrals for students who need additional support - these students will be followed up by the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD). From 26 to 30 September, three group slots are available daily at 09:30-10:30, 12:00-13:00, and 15:00-16:00. Students interested in such groups need to reserve a spot by emailing tgbstudentwellness@sun.ac.za . Groups are capped at a maximum of 8 people per session, so book early.
Additional counsellors, as per the students’ requests, have been brought in to help counsel those students who have experienced trauma over the past week. Students are encouraged to make use of them as they offer individual sessions, which need to be booked in advance. Students can book sessions with them by emailing tgbstudentwellness@sun.ac.za.
We would like to continue our engagement with you to have frank and honest discussions about the challenges we face as a campus, university and country and will be communicating about further opportunities to do this in due course.
I want to reiterate that as a faculty it is our priority to ensure that every registered student is assisted to complete their academic programme successfully this year.
We appreciate your contributions and the way in which members of our Tygerberg community take care of each other – it is inspiring.
Kind regards
Prof Julia Blitz
Acting Dean
