Prospective students, keen to pursue a degree at UKZN, attended the 2018 Undergraduate Information Open Day held at the Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses recently.
The learners, some accompanied by parents and others by their teachers, were eager to find out more about programmes offered at the University.
Representatives from the University’s four Colleges answered questions from the visitors and offered brochures, pamphlets and information booklets about various study choices.
During the information sessions, students were informed about the admission criteria for entry into the various degree programmes and were made aware of all the available academic opportunities, student funding criteria and student support services.
Matric learners from Ratshisase Secondary School in Matshena, Mutale Rural in Limpopo travelled to Durban to attend the Open Day session and were keen to hear what was on offer at the College of Humanities. ‘UKZN was always my first choice. I want to study Education and become a teacher. I want to make a difference to the lives of learners, just like my teachers have done for me,’ said Ms Tshamano Murendeni.
For her classmate Mr Anitsepe Freddy Manyuha, UKZN was also his first choice. ‘I come from a poor family and to educate myself at university is a blessing. I will do well in matric so I can come here to study Architecture. Being on campus for Open Day has motivated me to succeed. This is my first time in Durban and I am seeing what campus life could be. My parents are very happy that I am choosing to study at university. I will make them proud.’
Students based in the College of Health Sciences wooed the crowds with training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as well as free eye, hearing and blood pressure testing. The health screenings provided Grade 12 learners with an insight into the various careers one can pursue when studying a professionally accredited health or Medical degree offered at UKZN.
College of Law and Management Studies Alumnus Mr Siphesihle Mkhize performed an entertaining and educational Mathematics Show for learners at both campuses. ‘Mathematics is key to success as it can be applied to our everyday living, so choose Mathematics for a rewarding career,’ said Mkhize encouraging learners to work hard in order to meet the College entrance requirements.
Academics from the School of Law were there to make the learners aware of many fascinating career areas one could go into once they have obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree while academics from Management Studies unpacked programmes that will enable learners to become successful business leaders. College administrative staff assisted learners and parents with queries related to admissions and funding.
Prospective students visiting the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science’s exhibits were treated to a programme that included magical scientific displays from Dr Tanja Reinhardt of the Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC), and were exposed to a range of creatures ranging from sheep and goats to snakes and spiders.
‘It’s been an incredible and very successful day,’ said Dean and Head of the School of Life Sciences Professor Ademola Olaniran. ‘I’m impressed with the turnout of the learners, and with the staff and postgraduate students who showcased fun displays for learners to interact with, and gave them helpful advice.’
‘It’s good to introduce kids to science at a very young age, and show them that science is not hard but can be fun and interesting,’ said UKZN staff member Ms Hazel Langa. ‘I’m from the College of Law and Management, but I thought that I should bring my kids and let them see the fun scientific displays.’
Words: UKZNteam
Photographs: UKZNteam
