Message from the Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning

The Faculty is also an avid supporter of the university-wide FLY@UP and FLYhigher@UP projects, whereby students are actively encouraged to complete their degrees in the prescribed minimum time to realise the numerous benefits associated with this achievement. To support this objective and to better equip our students for the technologically advanced world of work and the world of work in general, the teaching model is continuously revised with a focus on increasing the amount of online teaching. Work readiness is also facilitated by the UP WRen initiative and the EMS Conduct Rules.

Our first-year students are closely monitored via the Phafoga Early Warning System and students who are deemed to be at risk are offered various support services. These include online and face-to-face workshops in study methods, time management, goal setting and other. We also strongly encourage first-generation students as well as at-risk students who were identified as part of the early warning system, to consult with Faculty student advisors (FSAs) on a one-on-one basis to pre-empt and address problems these student cohorts may experience as part of their adjustment to the university environment.

The Faculty is cognisant of the presence of a range of learning styles, experiences and needs within the diverse student body served by the Faculty, and accommodates this via several support programmes designed to address associated challenges. In addition, professional bodies such as the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA) via the Thuthuka programme, the BANKSETA, FASSET and ISFAP make available funding opportunities to selected financially deserving students to fund their studies in a range of degrees.

By becoming a Tukkie you will not only be exposed to academic brilliance within particular disciplines, but you will also be requested to critically engage with the body of knowledge contained in these study fields. In doing so, you will be stimulating your potential to become a critical thinker. This is arguably the most valuable skill a university can contribute in preparing you for a successful professional career – to analyse a situation and think out of the box of ways to manage it.

Remember, nothing worthwhile is achieved without concerted effort! To be successful at university studies, one needs to plan properly, stick to a fixed routine (mostly), be diligent (always) and work consistently from your first day at UP.

I wish you all the best in your future and current academic endeavours.