Stellenbosch University (SU) is ready to welcome thousands of newcomers to the University this week while also welcoming back its seniors next week. On campus, newcomer students who will stay in the residences, will start to move in from Wednesday (24 January) and on Thursday morning (25 January).
The welcoming programme of the University officially kicks off on Thursday 25 January at 17:30 with the Official Welcoming event at the Danie Craven Stadium at Coetzenburg on the Stellenbosch Campus. Among others, Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and Mr Lwando Nkamisa, SRC Chairperson, will be addressing newcomer students.
A highlight of the Welcoming Event is the Dream Launch. The Dream Launch is a symbolic start to students realising their dreams for themselves with the support of the University (including academic support) and the community they will now become part of while also giving recognition to the support they received from their parents or guardians up to this point.
At the event, students will receive paper “leaves" on which they can write their dreams. The more than 5000 newcomer students will also convene on the sports field where they will encircle a huge “100" laid out on the grass signalling 2018 being the 100th year of first year dreams. (The University commemorates its centenary this year).
The Dream Launch forms part of CONNECT, a student-driven platform for creating social awareness and to make students more aware of the social impact they can have while studying at SU.
A further highlight of the Welcoming Programme – also forming part of CONNECT is the annual “Vensters" event taking place on Friday 2 February. For these colourful outdoor performances, residences and private student organisation (PSOs) partner up to impress audiences with innovative and creative dance performances around a central theme – this year depicting their various social impact projects. The performances take place in 15 min intervals at 10 different stages across the Stellenbosch campus. It will kick off at 18:00 and will continue until 22:00.
The University's website, www.sun.ac.za, contains all the necessary information for newcomer students. The full week's welcoming programme is set out in the Guide for Newcomers 2018 booklet.
The guide contains information on amongst others the registration schedule, transport, personal safety, the library, free writing advice, tips on saving water and transport, amongst others.
- Social media updates on welcoming are done via the hashtag #HelloMaties
