Page 37 - Transformation Indaba Report

Findings of a recent Graduate Destination Survey: Previously disadvantaged students need space for adjust-
Survey questions include: what are strengths of academic ing to university. Students require support for learning in
programme; Areas for improvement? Students ask for more English. Students’ experience with academic administration is
SI and tutorial support and assistance in choosing modules frustrating. We need to hold hands with academic admin-
and majors at registration stage. Choices are limiting them istration and help them develop a culture of care and get
in terms of their employment options. Maybe students ex- them on board in terms of holistic and caring student
perience poor career guidance before entering university? support and approach. (Marion)

Mandela Uni should flip the coin – it’s not students that Integration/interlocking/interwoven across the whole
are not prepared for university but rather it’s the university university spectrum. What is taught in class and what is
that is not prepared for these students. We therefore need happening outside classroom – how does the work
a re-orientation of our orientation programmes to empower complement each other in creating an entrepreneurial
our students with the skills for navigating change they culture at Mandela University?
experience as they arrive in new spaces.
Creation of a student-centered university/culture needs
University partnerships (practical) are needed in different to be championed by someone. “Holistic student develop-
areas of our work, for example in the recruitment space. ment and support” – because the development and
Is there such a thing as integrated recruitment, involving support go hand in hand. How can we work more closely
career guidance? Collaboration needed around a flourishing with Marion’s section? (Luthando)
student life, which will cut across a number of portfolios.

Integrate the value chain. Comprehensive offer to be made to students which includes accommodation and finance –
therefore not a piece-meal offer. Let’s include students with disabilities – marketing material / brail / tools to help disabled
students thrive at Mandela University. (Chantal)

NelsoN MaNdela UNiversity • traNsforMatioN iNdaba • 2022 31