Rector and Vice-Chancellor Welcome Message
Dear newcomer student
Welcome to 2023 at Stellenbosch University.
Exciting times lie ahead!
Congratulations
on working hard and persevering throughout high school. You have passed
your final matric exams and have been accepted to study at SU – a
tremendous accomplishment. Remember that receiving a university
education is a privilege, and it’s up to you to make the most of it.
From
the get-go, we want to introduce you to our University’s values –
Excellence, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Equity. If you
embrace these values, you’re bound to be a successful student – but more
than that, you’ll be an accomplished human being and engaged citizen of
the world.
Last year, when Covid-19 restrictions were
lifted, life on our campuses returned to normal and we could once again
offer our students a truly thriving experience. And this year, you have
the opportunity to live this reality from the very start.
Your
new life at SU will start with our signature annual Welcoming
Programme. Take this opportunity to familiarise yourself with the
campus, and if you’re uncertain about certain aspects, ask your mentors,
student leaders or staff. They’re here to help. We will do everything
possible to make your introduction to campus life special and memorable,
as we always do. Keep an eye on www.sun.ac.za/welcome for the latest
developments and schedule. From now on, you will also have access to
various support services at our Division of Student Affairs. Here,
highly experienced professionals stand ready to support your learning
and development, guiding you every step of the way. Do make use of their
services to make the most of your time at our University.
The
leap from school to university can be overwhelming, but we firmly
believe you have what it takes to complete your studies successfully and
graduate. That’s why you’re here! Also keep in mind that you’re not
doing this alone, and even if professors and lecturers may seem
intimidating, remember that they want to see you succeed.
Stay
confident, remain focused on your studies and work hard. And don’t
forget to have fun along the way – life at our University has the
potential to transform you. Remember that learning doesn’t exclusively
happen in the classroom. So, go out, join clubs, embrace our
co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, make friends from
different backgrounds and embrace the opportunities life at SU will
throw at you.
Whatever your chosen field of study is, we
will do our best to prepare you for the world beyond our hallways,
classrooms and residences. I can also promise that it won’t be without
its challenges. The trick is to turn those challenges into
opportunities.
Many university friends stay friends for
life. If you need help in the weeks and months ahead, simply reach out
and ask. Because at Maties, we move forward together.
Prof Wim de Villiers
SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor