Following the Western Cape, Gauteng is SU's second largest feeder province. With that said, there is only 30% turn up rate of students who we provisionally accepted. Faculties and the Division for Student Access joined forces for 2 events, a University Fair and Information Evening in Randburg, Johannesburg. The outcome for these events was to try and impact the registration rate, as well as strengthening and forging relationships with schools and prospective Maties.
The fair took place during the afternoon of 21 August 2018 - it was aimed at both Grade 9 and Grade 11 learners, as we recognise the critical stage that these learners find themselves in. We used this opportunity to create awareness of the possibilities that lie within the respective study fields and to assist students in making informed decisions regarding subject choices. This also served as an opportunity for Grade 11 learners to gain first-hand experience as to what Stellenbosch University can offer if selected as their academic home for 2020, whilst emphasizing the importance of final Grade 11 results and the different funding opportunities available.
For the Information Evening, provisionally accepted Grade 12 students (within relative driving distance from Randburg) were invited to the event. The programme covered the following themes, Why Maties (Rector & Vice-Chancellor prof Wim de Villiers); On your way to US (Deputy Director: Student Recruitment and Career Advice dr Gillian Arendse) and I am a Matie (postgraduate student and current Student Representative Council member Miss Sibongile Qupe). These students got the chance to have any possible worries or questions answered by the experts.
The unique blend of speakers added for a well thought through programme. All of the speakers were Alumni of SU - with Miss Qupe, the most recent reciving her BAcc degree in 2017. As Prof de Villiers highlighted, “Attending Stellenbosch University is about so much more than just getting your degree. It's a whole unique experience." This was echoed by Simbongile Qupe current student and SRC member, when she shared “In my 3.5 years in the University, like any period of my life, there have been many challenges, failures but just as many lessons and stories to tell. SU has challenged and stretched me in ways I did not think possible. I have cried a lot the last couple of years, but not all sad tears – tears of joy and utter happiness and triumph. I cried when I failed my first test; I cried when I couldn't find accommodation; I cried when I was voted onto the House committee and SRC. I bawled my eyes out when I received my first degree and had my family in the crowd. All these milestones formed me and will play a part in my future, this is all thanks to Stellenbosch University."
We are grateful for the University-wide partnerships to have made this a successful event and look forward to reap the benefits in 2019.
