The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science welcomed new staff who took up their posts within the past six months at an induction function at Makaranga Garden Lodge. The function also served to provide them with useful information about College processes and services.

After a welcome by Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College, Professor Albert Modi, College Director of Professional Services, Mr Mark Tufts, gave an informative presentation on the structure and composition of the College; whilst Acting Academic Services Manager, Mrs Denise O’Reilly, covered issues pertaining to undergraduate and postgraduate administration.

HR Consultant, Mrs Cynthia Bhebhe, briefed the participants on human resources benefits and processes and who to contact when they need assistance; while an overview of student support and public relations services available in the College was provided by managers, Mrs Shelley Barnsley and Dr Sally Frost, respectively. Academic staff were also given pointers on research and teaching and learning processes and procedures.

The new staff were treated to a fine breakfast and went home with a goody bag containing University and College publications, a flash disk with relevant policy documents and forms, and a welcome gift sponsored by the College.

‘This has been worthwhile,’ said Ms Marcia Ntamote, a financial aid adviser on the Pietermaritzburg campus. ‘It has been useful to be able to put names to faces; especially when you have spoken to people on the phone but don’t know who they are.’

Words: Ndabaobline