FOREWORD · 2019-03-14 · i Office for Student Development Annual Report 2016 FOREWORD As we wrap up 2016, we reflect on our services and extract the learnings emanating from the

i Office for Student Development Annual Report 2016

FOREWORD

As we wrap up 2016, we reflect on our services and extract the

learnings emanating from the critical changes in higher education

and issues highlighted by the #UWCFeesWillFall movement to plot

our journey for 2017.

After 22 years into our democratic space, we still experience several

worlds woven into one – developed, developing and unchanged. The

struggle to instil hope and turn around the lives students especially in the latter two groups must

remain a key focus for tertiary education. It has to be business unusual as we engage with our

Institutional Operating Plan and Charter of Graduate Attributes. The buzzwords, namely,

“virtual”, “technology” and “online” are shaping our delivery model and revolutionising our

learning and teaching within a previously technology resistant environment.

UWC remains committed to nurturing all students who desire to change their lives and the world

around them. Most of our students enter UWC with a ‘baggage’ of stereotypes, experiences and

perceptions. We desire that each student raises their hand to exclaim “i am UWC” and thus take

individual and collective responsibility for their growth and development.

Our Annual Report focuses on our four Key Performance Areas, namely, Careers Service, Student

Orientation, Student Development Projects and Student Governance. Careers Service is the

anchor programme of the Office for Student Development with the tagline ‘Interact - Network -

Inspire’. As students make sense of their studies in preparation for the world of work, we believe

that their motivation to complete their studies is elevated. The tertiary journey of new

undergraduate students kicks off with the Student Orientation Programme that seeks to

embrace and celebrate diversity and alert them to the critical do’s and don’ts of tertiary studies.

The business development challenges enabled our students to apply theory to practice and

develop critical employability skills. Our SRC Election has again been declared free, fair and

credible - no easy achievement.

We continue to build UWC into a place of quality where students, staff and communities can

grow by taking action through the powerful weapon of knowledge. Until each person in our

beloved land can live in dignity, the education project of UWC will be incomplete.

Winston Middleton

Manager: Office for Student Development

ii Office for Student Development Annual Report 2016

CONTENTS

FOREWORD i

CONTENTS ii

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 PURPOSE OF OSD 1

3 KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS 1

3.1 CAREERS SERVICE 1

3.2 STUDENT ORIENTATION PROGRAMME 1

3.3 STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 2

3.4 STUDENT GOVERNANCE 2

4 STAFF 2

5 ACHIEVEMENTS 3

5.1 SOUTH AFRICAN GRADUATE EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION (SAGEA) 3

5.2 UNIVERSUM SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENT SURVEY 3

5.3 CAREERS SERVICE MANAGEMENT TOOL 5

6 CAREERS SERVICE 6

6.1 MARKETING 6

6.2 CAREERS XPO 6

6.3 JOB SEARCH SKILLS PROJECT 8

6.4 MOCK INTERVIEW PROJECT 10

6.5 GRADUATE RECRUITMENT PROJECT 10

6.6 CAREER UPDATE MAGAZINE 12

6.7 STUDENT ADVISING 13

6.8 RESOURCE CENTRE 13

6.9 JOB ADVERTISEMENTS 13

6.10 LAW TOP ACHIEVERS PROJECT 14

6.10.1 TOP 2016 (LLB II) 14

6.10.2 TOP 2015 (LLB III) 15

6.10.3 TOP 2014 (LLB IV) 16

6.10.4 VACATION PROGRAMME 17

7 STUDENT ORIENTATION 17

7.1 MANAGEMENT OF ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES 17

7.2 ORIENTATION STRATEGY 17

iii Office for Student Development Annual Report 2016

7.3 PEER FACILITATORS 18

7.4 OFFICIAL WELCOME SESSIONS 18

7.5 REGISTRATION 19

7.6 FINANCIAL AID 19

7.7 LIBRARY ORIENTATION & SMART SEARCH TRAINING 2016 19

7.8 CSSS, CAMPUS HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTRE, AND RISK AND COMPLIANCE 20

7.9 SPORTS ADMINISTRATION 20

7.10 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES 20

7.11 COMMENTS AND EVALUATION BY PFS 21

8 STUDENT GOVERNANCE 21

8.1 CONSTITUTION OF ELECTION LIAISON COMMITTEE 21

8.2 NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES 22

8.3 GENERAL COMPLIANCE PERIOD 22

8.4 REMOVAL OF EFFSC POSTERS 23

8.5 DECLARATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF ELECTION RESULTS 23

9 STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 24

10 MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS 25

11 MEMBERSHIP OF UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES 26

12 MEETINGS ATTENDED 26

13 WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED 26

14 PRESENTATIONS ATTENDED 27

15 PRESENTATIONS DELIVERED 27

16 MEETINGS WITH COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS 28

17 MEETINGS WITH UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS/FACULTIES 28

18 STAFF MEETINGS 29

19 STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 29

20 CONCLUSION 29

1 Office for Student Development Annual Report 2016

Engage with Students

Team up with Faculty

champions

Collaborate

with services

1 INTRODUCTION

The 2016 activities of the Office for Student Development (OSD, Office) are captured in this

Annual Report. Our programmes are aligned to and support the

Goals of the UWC Institutional Operating Plan.

2 PURPOSE OF OSD

To build out and maintain vibrant student development programmes responsive to student

learning outcomes and meaningfully embedded in the University’s academic project. Our

Office collaborates with relevant student and support services and academic role players.

3 KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

3.1 CAREERS SERVICE

The anchor programme for OSD is Careers Service with the tagline: Interact - Network - Inspire

Goals: To facilitate students’ preparation for the job search and their entry into

the world of work, and thus their motivation to successfully complete their

studies.

To facilitate interactive career networking opportunities for students and faculty with

prospective employers.

3.2 STUDENT ORIENTATION PROGRAMME

Goal: To facilitate the induction, transition and connection of new first year,

undergraduate students to the campus environment and university life,

development of supportive peer networks and setting a foundation for retention

strategies.


3.3 STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Goal: To provide creative and innovative learning opportunities through

challenge-driven, realistic, simulated business case-studies.

3.4 STUDENT GOVERNANCE

Goal: To facilitate effective student governance through a credible, free and fair

election.

4 STAFF

From left to right: Winston

Middleton, Nazrana Parker,

Natalie Marrion, Monita

Veloen (Semester 2).

Insert: Arlene Josephs

(Semester 1)

Ms Josephs joined the Clicks Group in June 2016 as an Industrial Psychology Intern and Ms

Veloen will be joining the South African Military Health Service in January 2017.

Four student assistants helped with data capturing, administration, filing, marketing, typing,

reception and logistics.

DVC: SDS

PROF. P. DUBE

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

PROGRAMMES

N MARRION

STUDENT

ASSISTANTS

COORDINATOR CAREERS SERVICE

N PARKER

STUDENT

INTERN

A JOSEPHS /

M VELEON

OFFICE FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

MANAGER: W MIDDLETON


SAGEA Employer Benchmark Survey 2016

(completed by 98 employers)

5 ACHIEVEMENTS

5.1 SOUTH AFRICAN GRADUATE EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION (SAGEA)

The South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA) conducts a national employer

benchmark survey among leading recruiters in South Africa to provide the latest market

information to the graduate recruitment industry. Since 2013 UWC Careers Service has featured

consistently in the Top 7 of “Best Careers Service” and “Best Career Fair” categories. In 2016

UWC was voted 5th for the “Best Career Fair” and “Best Careers Service”.

We have established ourselves as an institution of choice when employers search for the top

talent.

5.2 UNIVERSUM SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENT SURVEY According to the 2015 Universum South African Student Survey results released in March 2016, UWC students were satisfied with our Careers Service (Our rating of 7.6 was higher than the national average rating of 7.3) and find value in the initiatives of the Job Search Skills Project.



5.3 CAREERS SERVICE MANAGEMENT TOOL

We are in the process of customising the Career Service Management tool “Career Xplora” that

has been purchased by our Office from Symplicity. Students will be able to access online career

services. This will enable us to move towards a paperless system and greatly enhance the

efficiency and quality of our service to recruiters and students.


6 CAREERS SERVICE

Our career service offerings are described below.

6.1 MARKETING

OSD has increasingly utilised web and

social media platforms to market our

services and career opportunities,

network with recruiters and alumni, and

to build our brand.

The Career Opportunities page on the

Careers Service Portal of the UWC

Website was viewed 28 305 times this

year with an increase of over 7685 views

from last year.

Our Careers Service Facebook Page ‘likes’ increased to over 4165.

We use to connect with recruiters and alumni.

6.2 CAREERS XPO

The Careers Xpo provides an opportunity for:

● Students to make personal contact with prospective employers and

to enquire about the company and career opportunities.

● Companies and organisations to market themselves to our

students and create brand identification and awareness.

The Xpo was held over three days. The DVC-SDS, Prof. Dube,

welcomed the recruiters. The Dean of Law and HoDs of Accounting,


Information Systems and Computer Science opened their respective Xpo. We were delighted

with the increase in participating companies, alumni representing their companies and student

turnout.

The attendance of faculty staff members was encouraging.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

General 24 14 18 20 23 29 26

Law 14 15 16 20 22 22 32

Accounting and I.T 15 13 24 31 33 36

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Number of Recruiters at Careers Xpo 2010-2016

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

General 1291 1324 1313 1640 1703 2380 2268

Law 524 644 551 617 463 570 857

Accounting and I.T 459 480 931 780 1093 1045

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Number of Students at Careers Xpo 2010-2016


Feedback from recruiters was positive:

● “The Expo was extremely well

coordinated and organized. Staff were very

professional at all times, as well as very positive

and passionate.”

● “A thoroughly enjoyable experience that

was well-managed and well-catered. Truly a

pleasure!”

● “Very good Xpo with a diversity of

students. Thank you for allowing us to be part

of the Xpo.”

● “Wow what a wonderful experience.

We are all exhausted but very satisfied with a

most rewarding experience. Thank you UWC. A

job well done. See you next year.”

● “Well done, it was my first time at the

University and it was a very positive

experience. Thank you for the name tags,

directions to parking etc.”

● “Extremely helpful and friendly staff.

Very engaging and interested students. All-in all

a successful Xpo!”

6.3 JOB SEARCH SKILLS PROJECT

Through the Job Search Skills Project (JSSP), we facilitated the development of relevant job

search skills for students. Workshops are arranged for final year and post-graduate students,

although first- and second year students are encouraged to attend. Recruiters hosted workshops

and presentations on specific topics.


Many of the JSSP presentations were held over the lunch time. There was an increase in

requests from academic departments for job search preparation and CV writing workshops to be

incorporated into the curriculum. All presentations are listed below.

Presenter Topic Date No. of Students

NP CV and Letter of Motivation: LFS 152 Students

24-Feb 82

NP CV and Letter of Motivation: Law Top Achievers

01-Mar 86

NP Interview Preparation: Top Achievers 09-Mar 89

Nicole David & Marrion Velsman, AGSA

Interview Preparation: Accounting III students

05-Apr 120

NP CV Writing: EMS tutors 25-Apr 45

Cathy Sims, Director South African Graduate Employers Association

Graduate recruitment realities and staying motivated during your job search

25-Apr 9

WM CV Writing: Casssinga Residence students

28-Apr 33

Pfano Rasivhetshele, ENS Africa

Interview Preparation: Law students 26-Apr 204

Nina Barnes, UWC Staff Development

Your career is a journey, not a destination

28-Apr 7

NP You are being googled - Social media and the Job Search

03-May 22

Fred Lucas, KPMG Personal Mastery and Ownership in today’s job search climate

04-May 23

NP CV and Letter of Motivation: BOH III 29-Jul 22

Brent Botha, Norton Rose Fulbright

Careers in Law 16-Aug 90


NP CV writing feedback and Interview preparation: BOH III

09-Sep 22

NP CV writing and Letter of Motivation: B Ed IV

19-Sep 100

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr CV writing: Law students 28-Sep 57

NP Job search strategy: I.S. Honours students (part of employability seminar)

28-Sep 15

6.4 MOCK INTERVIEW PROJECT

The Mock Interview Project (MIP) assists students with their job

application and interview preparation. Recruiters participate in this

activity to also build their brand and market their company to students.

6.5 GRADUATE RECRUITMENT PROJECT

The Graduate Recruitment Project (GRP) is a platform for company

presentations, showcases, promotions and interviews on campus to

assist students with their job search.



The number of showcases has increased over the years as it attracts more students.

6.6 CAREER UPDATE MAGAZINE

Our Career Update magazine informs students’ career development

and job search.

There were 24 company advertisements; 3500 copies were printed

and distributed across campus. The electronic version was uploaded

to the ‘Resources’ page of our Careers Service Portal.

Thirteen articles were published. Student writer, Lester Malgas,

penned the feature article titled “The new kid on the block”

introducing the University’s new Co-Curricular Record. Our Interns,

Monita Veloen, focused on acing virtual interviews and Arlene

Josephs focused on not “Going psycho over Psychometric Tests.”

Our Wall of Fame zoomed in on alumni who are making their mark in diverse fields. We also

followed our 2015 Intern, Lauren Franke, through her first 100 days as a Graduate Trainee at

TFG, and chatted to two graduates on their “Spirit of Entrepreneurship” as environmental

consultants. We also commenced marketing our new ‘Career Xplora’ portal to be launched in

2017. In addition we distributed the following career magazines: Careers SA (900), GradX (700),

and CLU Magazine (400).


6.7 STUDENT ADVISING

Through our student advising, we assisted students in preparing better for their job search,

presenting quality job search documents and having more defined career plans.

Concern No. of students No. of sessions (@ 15 mins.)

Job search docs, GRP issues 581 1148

Job search advising 36 23

Interview Preparation 10 68

Student Development Project 2 4

Student Governance 5 11

TOTAL 634 1260

6.8 RESOURCE CENTRE

At least 3892 students used the computers in our Resource Centre for Internet, Email, MS Office,

Facebook, job search and job applications.

6.9 JOB ADVERTISEMENTS

The number of external posts advertised among students has increased.

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Vacancies 1332 1578 576 2392 2423 3940 1635*


6.10 LAW TOP ACHIEVERS PROJECT

The top performing law students are identified and invited each year to join the Law Top

Achievers Project of the Faculty of Law. Selections are based on their academic results of the

previous year (minimum aggregate of 65%). Students are exposed to a variety of presentations,

workshops and experiences that support their professional readiness and competitive

marketability which, in turn, assists with branding the Faculty among law recruiters.

The following activities were arranged separately or jointly for the three groups of law students.

6.10.1 TOP 2016 (LLB II)

Date Session Description No. of Students

1 March Keep your eyes on the ball – Ace your CV Facilitated by Careers Service

CV Training Workshop 87

9 March

Interview Preparation

Facilitated by Careers Service

Workshop communicated the important aspects to be considered when preparing for an interview.

86

15 March Future Visioning

Facilitated by UWC Leadership Academy

Students had to set goals for what they would like to achieve at University and draw up action plans to make their goals a reality.

46

7 April Emotional Intelligence - Lawyer Personality revealed

Facilitated by Mr Vernon Johannes (Pro Certified Life Coach)

Workshop on leading lawyer personality research relating to why lawyers tend to suffer more from anxiety and depression. Tools were also presented on how to counter negative thinking and manage one’s emotional state.

68

14 April Visit to Webber Wentzel Attorneys, Cape Town

Office tour and interact with professional staff. Presentation by Graduate Recruitment Manager on preparing for interviews.

40

5 May The Culture Gap. Facilitated by Mr. Nzame Qokweni (Senior Partner, Banking and Finance, Norton Rose Fulbright).

An interactive session on adapting to the culture of a Law firm and transition into practice.

20

2 Aug Professional Networking Session Facilitated by Vernon Johannes

Understanding of professional networking and how build your professional connections.

45


4 Aug Seminar: Law and Technology Facilitated by Mrs Nerushka Bowan. (Senior Associate, Privacy and Technology Department, Norton Rose Fulbright)

How technology is influencing the practice of law.

15

15 Aug Women’s Day Networking function (Norton Rose Fulbright: Fountains Hotel)

10 female students were invited to a Women’s Day networking event where they interacted and networked with professional female staff.

10

15 Sept Visit to Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs, Cape Town Office

Office tour and interact with professional staff; lunch with CA’s.

20

19 Sept Seminar on Personal Branding Facilitated by Mrs Joanne Makay, (Head of Business Development – Webber Wentzel, Johannesburg)

Students were introduced to personal branding: what it means, what it can do for a professional and tips on how to improve and manage their personal brand.

25

22 Sept Seminar on Post Graduate Studies Facilitated by Profs Fernandez and Steytler, UWC Law Faculty

Students were informed about postgraduate studies and encouraged to apply.

10

6.10.2 TOP 2015 (LLB III)


15 March

Future Visioning

Facilitated by UWC Leadership Academy

Students had to set goals for what they would like to achieve at University and draw up action plans to make their goals a reality.

37

7 April Emotional Intelligence (Lawyer Personality Revealed) Facilitated by Mr Vernon Johannes (Pro Certified Life Coach)

Workshop on leading lawyer personality research relating to why lawyers tend to suffer more from anxiety and depression. Tools were also presented on how to counter negative thinking and manage one’s emotional state.

41

18 April Legal Research Facilitated by Mrs Hanya Hubbard (Cape High Court Librarian; Librarian for Norton Rose Fulbright)

Workshop on efficient approaches in finding relevant case law, statutes and journal articles.

28




15

4 Aug Seminar: Law and Technology Facilitated by Mrs Nerushka Bowan. (Senior Associate, Privacy and Technology Department, Norton Rose Fulbright)


12

19 Sept Seminar on Personal Branding Facilitated by Mrs Joanne Makay, Head of Business Development – Webber Wentzel Johannesburg.

Students were introduced to personal branding: what it means, what it can do for a professional and tips on how to improve and manage their personal brand.

20



12

6.10.3 TOP 2014 (LLB IV)


11 March Constitutional Court Clerk Facilitated by Ms Carolene Kituku and Mr Thai Scott

Presentation on role of Constitutional Court Clerk.

63

18 April Legal Research Facilitated by Mrs Hanya Hubbard (Cape High Court Librarian; Librarian for Norton Rose Fulbright)

Workshop on efficient approaches in finding relevant case law, statutes and journal articles.

19



5

4 Aug Seminar on Law and Technology Facilitated by Mrs Nerushka Bowan. (Senior Associate, Privacy and Technology Department, Norton Rose Fulbright)


20


1, 2 & 3 Sept

Trial Advocacy Facilitated by Adv Kuboni (Black Lawyers Association)

Workshop on practical aspects of conducting a criminal trial (presentation of evidence, cross-examination, submission of pleas, opening and closing a case).

25



15

6.10.4 VACATION PROGRAMME

NPA Exposure Programme 11 -15 July

Fifteen students had the opportunity to experience the criminal court process, conduct mock

trials and draft documents at the Bellville and Wynberg Courts.

7 STUDENT ORIENTATION

The Student Orientation Programme (Orientation, Programme, SOP, OP)

facilitates the induction, transition and connection of new first year,

undergraduate students to the campus environment and university life, development of

supportive peer networks and setting a foundation for retention strategies.

7.1 MANAGEMENT OF ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES

The Sub-Committee on Orientation of the Student Development and Support Services

Committee (SDSSC) coordinates the planning of activities by campus role-players. The Office for

Student Development (OSD) manages the implementation and operational aspects of the

Programme by the Student Faculty Coordinators (SFCs) and student Peer Facilitators (PFs).

7.2 ORIENTATION STRATEGY

The directive from the Registrar-Student Administration to the Registration Planning Group was

to minimise the number of Orientation days and students on campus prior to the start of the

academic year; and that students be encouraged to register online and assisted telephonically

prior to the start of Orientation. The consequence was that the Orientation Programme was

shortened and planned for the last week before the start of the academic year with the focus on

the core tasks of Orientation, namely, financial aid application, approval and clearance,

academic advising, registration and campus orientation. Also, the small group strategy for PFs

and the Sports-SRC Day were cancelled; showcases, presentations and promotions by student

support services, student organisations and external service providers were postponed.


7.3 PEER FACILITATORS

Selection of peer facilitators was done in September 2015 by staff of the Centre for

Student Support Services and OSD through group interviews with shortlisted applicants.

The criteria for selection are good academic grades, co-curricular involvement and skills in

leadership, communication and teamwork.

Training for our 12 SFCs was held on 4-5 February for

the first time. Training for the 81 PFs was held on

Monday, 8 February only rather than five days as

previously. A consequence was that many of the PFs

were under-prepared for their role. They were

identified during Orientation by their orange peak

caps. OSD made extensive use of social media to

communicate with SFCs and PFs who, in turn, voluntarily formed WhatsApp groups with

their students.

We also availed six PFs to the Division for Lifelong Learning (DLL) to assist with the part-

time Orientation Programme on Saturday, 13 February.

7.4 OFFICIAL WELCOME SESSIONS

Three official welcome sessions were held on Tuesday, 9 February 2016 in the Main Hall for

fulltime students: 09h00 – Arts, Dentistry & Education; 11h00 - EMS & CHS; 13h00 – Science &

Law.

On arrival at campus, prospective students with their parents and guardians were directed to

various ‘holding areas’, namely, Freedom Square, University Centre and the parking area behind

the UC. They were then separated into three groups according to their respective sessions.

When the call was made, PFs guided students to the University Square for their respective

session.


The presentations by the Rector and SRC inspired

students, parents and visitors. The attendance was

overwhelming and the Main Hall and all GH 1-3 venues

were filled. The parent orientation included a visit to the

Main Library and academic campus, and presentations

about UWC by Residential Services, Financial Aid,

Deputy Registrar, Student Credit Management and CSSS.

The venues for all presentations were full. A number of

parents expressed their thanks and also commented on their good experience of UWC on the

day.

After each welcome session, the faculties had their welcome and information sessions for their

respective students.

7.5 REGISTRATION

A detailed report of the student registration process would have been compiled by Student

Administration. A consequence of the centralisation of registration at the Main Hall was the long

queues inside and outside the Main Hall.

The EMS Academic Development Department (Dr Venicia McGhie and Team) engaged with

the CIECT team to create a Virtual Orientation Environment that was availed to students

on a CD-ROM and on the Faculty website. This lovely initiative could be duplicated by other

faculties and student services.

OSD bought 20 x 19 litre bottles of water and disposable

cups and availed their water cooler on the University

Square for students to have cool water. We also assisted

with the queue management of students outside the

Main Hall. We hosted a local artist and motivational

speaker, iFani, sponsored by disGuiz, on Wednesday, 10

February during lunchtime to share his story with

students. This constructive edutainment session drew a

capacity crowd in the University Centre.

A 78-page Student Guide was compiled by OSD and circulated electronically to students. The

content included student resources and motivational articles to facilitate students’ induction and

transition to tertiary studies and life on campus.

7.6 FINANCIAL AID

The two-day turnaround time for assessing NSFAS applications was a great improvement and the

close collaboration with SCM is applauded.

7.7 LIBRARY ORIENTATION & SMART SEARCH TRAINING 2016

Only about 34% (about 1600) of students attended Phase 1 of the Library Orientation

Programme on Tuesday – Friday, 9 – 12 February. Peer Facilitators dropped off the students at


the Library Auditorium. Provision was made for ten sessions per day. The first day was attended

by 370 parents as well.

During each session, students were given a short introductory talk by a Librarian and then shown

the “Library Tour” and the “SmartSearch Demo” DVDs

(http://lib.uwc.ac.za/index.php/smartsearch-demo.html). Information booklets were given to

each student and an online version was posted on the Library’s spotlight page.

Spot prizes were sponsored by Emerald and Sabinet and presented at each session to the first

student to answer a question correctly based on the video screenings. The spot prizes served as

an incentive for students to listen attentively. Lucky draw prizes were sponsored for Phase 2 of

the Programme from 15 February to 17 March:

● 1 X voucher to the value of R250 from VIB Bookshop, ● 2 X book vouchers to the value of R250 from Juta, ● 1 x tablet from CBA Minolta. Library staff members were very eager to be involved, and showed excellent team spirit.

7.8 CSSS, CAMPUS HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTRE, AND RISK AND COMPLIANCE

Joint one-hour presentations under the theme of ‘Safety and Wellness on Campus’ were held on

10 - 12 February 2016 by CSSS, Campus Health & Wellness Centre, and Risk and Compliance. The

aim of the presentations was to ensure that the first year students are aware of their services.

Students were also provided with information flyers and cards with emergency numbers and

safety procedures. About 700 students attended the presentations. The larger venue allowed

these services to reach more students over a shorter period of time. The collaboration by the

three departments was a great initiative.

7.9 SPORTS ADMINISTRATION

Sports Administration promoted the Varsity Shield Rugby match and marketed their sports

codes to residence students on 5 and 7 February. They were supported by the Department

of Culture and Sport, and Score Ltd.

7.10 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

The duties and roles of staff and student structures

(Placement and Admin staff, ResLife Ambassadors,

Development Officers, CHC and House Committees)

were clearly defined. Extensive training prior to

Orientation and regular meetings/discussions were held

with all stakeholders to ensure that processes and the

dissemination of information occurred in a standardised,

informed manner and to resolve queries and problems.

There were 693 beds (Cassinga: 230, Cecyl Esau: 317,

DISA: 116, Kwikbake: 30) allocated for first year students. Upon opening on 5 Feb, 369 arrivals

were recorded with a waiting list of 569 and these increased daily. A total of 74 students

http://lib.uwc.ac.za/index.php/smartsearch-demo.html


accepted off campus private accommodation. The Department of Leadership and Social

Responsibility of CSSS provided training in ‘managing difficult situations’ for House Committees

members. Social and developmental activities for the new students were arranged by ResLife

(services awareness and adjustment), House Committees (orientation to facilities, resources and

life in residence, and games evening) and the CHC (official welcome, awareness about

reproductive health and gender, talent show, hike, visit to the beach and sports day). The first

year students were given colour-coded wristbands to be easily identified during activities.

7.11 COMMENTS AND EVALUATION BY PFS

Comments received from a few SFCs and PFs are shared:

“… it a great honour and pleasure to have been part of this experience”.

“Not only have I learned to love and enjoy my university more, but also grew as an

individual”.

“I learned to take on a leadership role of leading a wonderful group of peer facilitators and

to follow and to be open to suggestions from them”.

“This has been an experience that I will take with me into my future”.

“Thank you for making my final year at this institution a loving and memorable one”.

“We would like to state how overwhelmingly awesome it was to be part of the 2016 UWC

Orientation. It was an amazing experience to be Student Faculty Coordinators”.

8 STUDENT GOVERNANCE

As a constitution for the Central House Committee (CHC)

was not finalised, it was again decided to conduct the

SRC and CHC elections concurrently and to use the SRC

Election Regulations to guide the CHC election as well. A

MoU was signed between the SRC, CHC and Residential

Services in this regard.

KDBS Solutions was appointed by the DVC-SDS to

manage the elections. OSD was responsible for the

provision of administrative and logistical support,

recruitment and training of polling officers for voting

and counting, marketing the election, printing of ballot

papers and supply of election materials and equipment.

8.1 CONSTITUTION OF ELECTION LIAISON

COMMITTEE

The ELC was constituted on 6 September 2016 with

representatives from EFFSC, PASMA, SASCO and DASO,

and adopted the Election Schedule with minor amendments.


8.2 NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES

The submission of candidate nominations was closed at 12h00 on 12 September 2016. This

process was marred by challenges which threatened to derail the entire election. The SASCO ELC

members failed to submit their candidate

nomination forms before the cut off time. They

alleged that they had been prevented from

submitting their nominations by a group of

students who had gathered in front of the

Election Office before the cut-off time. The

consequence was that all SASCO SRC and CHC

candidates were disqualified.

All DASO SRC candidates were disqualified due to their forms being improperly completed. Seven of the EFFSC CHC and SRC candidates were disqualified due to their nominations being submitted by a single nominator. The ELC members were unhappy with the rulings of the CEO and appealed to the Office of the DVC-SDS.

8.3 GENERAL COMPLIANCE PERIOD

The CEO then submitted an Election Status

Quo report to the DVC-SDS in which the

extraordinary situation was highlighted: only

11 candidates eventually qualified for the SRC

election (10 for PASMA and 1 for EFFSC) and

another 11 candidates for the CHC election

(10 for PASMA and 1 for EFFSC). The

consequence was that the ability of voters to

choose between different candidates of their

respective student structures and the

credibility and legitimacy of the election

outcome was compromised. While the CEO stood by his rulings on the objections, the outcome,

which saw the number of student structures and candidates contesting the elections being

significantly reduced due mainly to administrative non-compliance, was not conducive to ideal

democratic practice in general and student governance in particular. The CEO thus

recommended that the University consider opening a general period of compliance to all student

structures. On 19 September 2016, the DVC-SDS issued a statement to the ELC and general

University community indicating acceptance of the CEO’s recommendations.


8.4 REMOVAL OF EFFSC POSTERS

On the first day of voting, all EFFSC posters

inside the University Centre were pulled down

overnight in violation of the Election Code of

Conduct. Video footage from CPS and Facebook

revealed students removing the posters. At an

urgent ELC meeting, the CEO announced a

sanction for the identified culprits.

Due to CPS not completing their investigation by

then, the CEO reconsidered his decision and

sanctioned one PASMA candidate only, Neliswa

Jubase, who had been positively identified in the Facebook video.

8.5 DECLARATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF ELECTION RESULTS

Upon completion of the counting process, all Agents declared the election free and fair by

signing the respective form. The final election results were subsequently announced at the

University Centre on 30 September 2016.

The following table reflects the participation of students in the SRC elections

Year No. of organisations (incl I.C.)

No. of Candidates No. of Independent Candidates

% Poll

2010 – 2011 4 29 3 14,8

2011 – 2012 3 34 2 28,6

2012 – 2013 3 26 0 22,6

2013 – 2014 3 26 0 20,9

2014 - 2015 5 42 0 21,8

2015 – 2016 5 50 0 23.5

2016 - 2017 4 37 0 23,4


9 STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

We marketed and encouraged students to enter various business development challenges:

Date Project Date Project

12 Jan Google #HashCode 27 June

Entelect Challenge

Feb 2016 JSE Investment Challenge

14 July

Invitation Economic Development through Entrepreneurship

Feb South African Washington International Programme

18 July

Urgent Attention Apply now: Visit to Google

March ARSO Essay Competition 18 July

Google Workshop at AfriCHI – CFP

10 March CFO Case Study Competition 18 July

Visit to Google

11 March

TFG Innovation Challenge 19 July

Talk to employers in the coming Virtual Fairs

6 April

ARSO Essay competition 19 July

Unilever R&D Business Game 2016

4 May Unilever Africa Idea Trophy 20 July

Capfin at Career & Training Expo

4 May Invitation Tax Student Conference 2016

20 July

Urgent Notice: Workshop for Huawei

5 May

Financial Fitness for Black Women in Business

22 July

Norton Rose Fulbright Womens Month lunch competition

23 May/29 June

Grad Star Awards 17 Aug

Student Callers for the 1st Telephone Fundraising Campaign

26 May Unilever Africa Idea Trophy

11 Oct

Ericsson Sub-Saharan Africa Innovation Awards 2016

6 / 8 June

Land Rights Hackathon - Thomson Reuters Labs™

11 Nov

Google HASH CODE 2017 Competition

8 June

SEAmester - South Africa's Class Afloat – Cruise

Five UWC students reach the Top 10 Grad Stars Awards

Each September, BlackBark Productions (Creators of the Rising Star

Awards) and GradConnection partner with key assessment providers,

employers and Universities to select and award students who show


potential as South Africa’s Future Leaders in a national competition. They recognize and shine a

light, in a way not currently seen elsewhere, on the best and brightest graduates and future

leaders coming out of South African universities.

The GradStar programme has been set up to recognize the Top 100 university students across

South Africa and connect them with potential employers, as well as business mentors who will

assist them in preparing for the workplace. GradStar designed the process to give participating

employers unique access to the top students across South Africa.

In order to be awarded a place in the Top 100, candidates went through a rigorous four phase

judging process, which culminated in employer workshops with the rest of the Top 100 at the

main event. Thereafter the “Ten of the Finest” were awarded for their outstanding performance

on the day of the event. And......FIVE OF THEM COME FROM UWC!!!! Congratulations Freddy

Kido, Davids Hendricks, Yolanda Bam-Mguye, Wikus Botha and Tendai Samkange.

These Student Development challenges are reported to have helped students to:

✓ Apply theory to practice

✓ Develop employability skills

✓ Enhance teamwork and decision – making skills

✓ Enhance their CV

✓ Have fun and win prizes.

10 MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

Staff Organisation Role

W Middleton and

N Parker

South African Graduate Employers Association Members

W Middleton and N Parker

South African Council for Social Service Professions

Members


11 MEMBERSHIP OF UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES

Staff University structure Role

W Middleton Senate Member

W Middleton Senate Executive Committee Member

W Middleton Student Development and Support Services Committee (SDSSC)

Member

W Middleton Marketing and Recruitment Support Forum Member

W Middleton Sub-Committee of the Student Development and Support Services Committee on Student Orientation

Chairperson

W Middleton Registrar’s Administrative Forum (RAF) Member

W Middleton SDS Managers Forum (MF) Member

12 MEETINGS ATTENDED

WM Senate: 1 June, 18 Oct, 9 Nov

WM Senate Executive: 23 Aug, 15 Sept, 6 Oct, 7 Nov

WM SDSSC: 26 July

WM MRSF:

WM SDSSC SOP: 19 Jan, 28 Jan, 14 Sept, 3 Oct

WM RAF: Feb - Sept

WM MF: Feb - Nov

13 WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED

Date Staff Member Venue Name

4 March NP, AJ SAGEA QNE: The trends and skills that will drive organisations of the future

28-29 April WM SDS Strategic Planning workshop

NP, NM SAGEA QNE: Building Strategic Graduate Programmes – Core to your Talent Pipeline

22 June WM SDS Strategic Planning workshop

5 July WM, MV SAGEA QNE: 2016 Best Practice in Graduate Employment and Candidate Insights

4 Aug NP, NM, MV UWC Registrars Women’s Day High Tea

5 Aug NP, NM, MV UWC SDS:DVC Women’s Day Celebration

23 June MV UWC Food Security Task Team Colloquium

2 Sept MV UWC Alcohol Harms Reduction


2-3 Nov NP, NM University of the Free State

National Careers Service Forum

22 Nov WM Two Oceans Aquarium, Waterfront, Cape Town

British Council: Universities, Employability and Inclusive Development: Repositioning Higher Education in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

6 Dec WM, NM SAGEA QNE: Topic 1: Business has a critical role to

play to fix our education system – for OUR

future and OUR children

Topic 2: What will it take – we unpack the

Development, Engagement and Retention

challenges for Graduate Employers in 2016

14 PRESENTATIONS ATTENDED

Date Staff Member Venue Name

March OSD

OSD Universum Survey

March OSD ICS DVC: SDS and students – Symplicity video link seminar

15 PRESENTATIONS DELIVERED

Date Staff Member

Venue Name

9-12 Feb OSD UWC OSD Services to 2900 first year UG students

18 April WM UWC EMS Faculty Exco on the Careers Service activities for 2016.

2 June WM UWC Presentation to staff and students of Azusa Pacific University: Student Development and Support Services at UWC

6 Oct WM Stellenbosch University: Business School

Respondent to REAP Report on Success and Struggle

2-3 Nov NP University of the Free State

Careers Service Forum: Embedding Job search skills project into the curriculum


2-3 Nov NM University of the Free State

Careers Service Forum: Co-curricular Record for UWC students

16 MEETINGS WITH COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS

Date Recruiter

15 Feb TFG

22 Feb CSM Symplicity

5 April MBAT

SRM Group

30 May Capitec Bank

24 June Zando

11 July Nihilent Technologies

14 July University of Pretoria: Benchmarking Exercise with Elmarie Liebenburg & Tebogo Sono

22 July University of Johannesburg: Benchmarking Exercise with Dr Laka-Mathebula (Executive Director of Student Affairs)

26 Aug Nedbank and UNICO

14 Sept South African Institute of International Affairs careers evening

17 MEETINGS WITH UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS/FACULTIES

Date Staff Member Name

29 Jan NP, NM, AJ Post-registration Appreciation Function

Feb - June 2016 WM, NM Co-Curricular Record working group

9 March NP Post-grad Coordinator: IS Department

16 March WM, NP Hardi Zacharias re Career Xpo

17 March WM, NP Campus service providers re Career Xpo

22 March WM, NP Dean of Law, Mr. V. Johannes & Mr. Pretorius

29 March WM, NP School of Pharmacy: Prof Malan, Dr Kim Ward

30 March NP Megan Bam, EMS Tutor Coordinator


18 STAFF MEETINGS

03 June and 22 August.

OSD staff assisted with clean-up of Robert Sobukwe Road as part

of the 67 minutes for Mandela Day, 18 July.

19 STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Date Staff Member Topic

12 May NM Minute Taking

1, 8, 15 & 22 Sept NP Conversational Xhosa

4 Aug NP, NM, MV In conversation with UWC senior women leaders

20 CONCLUSION

The Office for Student Development continues to achieve ‘much with little’ and remains a

beacon of hope for our students who enter this lovely campus with trepidation at the beginning

of their tertiary studies.

We thank all who have made this possible – colleagues, students, alumni and recruiters. We are

humbled that you believe in us. Our committed OSD staff members and the resilience of our

students form a strong social compact to realise their dreams.

We recall the words of RW Emerson: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny

matters compared to what lies within us”. We will continue to make a valuable contribution

towards attaining the new IOP Goals.

Documents

FOREWORD · 2019-03-14 · i Office for Student Development Annual Report 2016 FOREWORD As we wrap up 2016, we reflect on our services and extract the learnings emanating from the