Page 27 - Transformation Indaba Report

In terms of PG success rate - Ensure the improvement of improved Technology / broader access
student success/throughput, particularly those with disabilities
and from historically disadvantaged groups – she reported The reporting period saw much investment in technology.
the student success rate increased (2020) from 79% to 84%. Digital technology has played a vital role in enhancing the
Despite the increase in success rate, the student throughput student enrolment experience. A mobile App was designed
rate remains low. 2014 cohort throughput rate is 25% for to enable cell phone access which meant students could
3-year degrees and 41% for 4-year qualifications, in the view their data captured on the i-Enabler system and track
minimum time. However, in terms of population groupings, their application process. In terms of the MyFuture Portal,
a different picture emerges, e.g. 23% of African students enhancements enabled auto-admission and placement of
complete their qualification in the minimum time relative to applicants. Students can access their approved academic
white students (37%), resulting in a 14% discrepancy, a con- info, e.g. transcripts, via Kiosk Machines located across the
tinuing trend. Only 18% of African students complete in the university.
minimum time, whereas 41% of white students complete in
minimum time. 4-year degrees - 29% of African students com- A new applicant score admissions model was implement-
plete in minimum time as opposed to 58% of white students. ed to broaden access, enabling a more efficient process.
This significant discrepancy leads to the next goal. Increased Most students come from the Eastern Cape. Increased
student assistance and support through various targeted applications and admissions were received from students with
interventions such as a reviewed orientation programme, the disabilities. Numerous resources were aimed at stabilising
FYS programme & FYS buddies; Student Success Coaches the universal accessibility and disability services, thereby
across all Faculties; and the early-warning system, RADAR.
enhancing support to students with disability. The number of
students with disabilities increases yearly due to increased
With PG qualifications, the percentage of African students university support. An integrated institutional policy is being
decreased.
developed to ensure equal opportunities are provided for
staff and students with disabilities in their working and
learning environments across all our campuses.

In terms of holistic student development - ensure the improve-
ment of holistic student support (academic, psychosocial,
financial, infrastructure) to enable increased student success/
throughput, particularly those from historically disadvantaged
groups; Dr Levendal indicated that policies had been put in
place to regulate engagement between management and the
SRC more effectively. The SRC Constitution was revised to
provide for women’s representation in the SRC (50%). Much
development has taken place in co-curricular leadership pro-
grammes, for example, annual Mandela Youth Development
Conventions, interventions speaking to student entrepreneur-
ship, a service desk supporting entrepreneurship, and many
student entrepreneurship societies were established to discuss
and share entrepreneurship ideas and challenges. Mandela
University enjoys recognition for its institutional policies and
capacity development possibilities and opportunities to
nurture and develop student entrepreneurs.

NelsoN MaNdela UNiversity • traNsforMatioN iNdaba • 2022 21