DSA to enhance a conducive environment in residences

Nonkosi Tyolwana, the Dean of Student Affairs, has expressed her enthusiasm over a proposed partnership with Rhodes University.

Tyolwana is looking forward to the opportunity to learn from each other and exchange meaningful insights on creating supportive and nurturing residence communities through the Leaving, Learning, and Listening (LLLc) initiative. One of the highlights of the quarterly meeting of the Student Housing Oversight Committee (SHOC), which was held in the Bellville Campus, was the partnership with Rhodes University.

The SHOC is the ManCom Committee established by the Department of Higher Education and Training Student Housing Norms and Standards, which meets quarterly. Tyolwana says it also coordinates departments or units that provide services to students in residences, such property services, the Residence Business Unit, Financial Aid, Fundani and the Student Representative Council (SRC) members responsible for student housing. “It is an oversight forum that ensures accountability.”

Tyolwana states that SHOC is aimed at cultivating a residence environment where students come together and learn in a creative space, continue learning beyond the classroom to enhance a conducive environment that showcases "Living; Learning and Listening (LLC)”.

The special guest at the meeting was Jay Pillay, the Deputy Director of Residential Operations at Rhodes University and President of ACUHO-I SAC, which stands for the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International. Pillay was invited to share lessons, practices, and lessons on the concept of residences as “Living, Learning and Learning spaces to enhance a conducive environment in residences”.

Tyolowana explains that the partnership will encompass areas such as inclusive and safe spaces, academic integration, diversity, and inclusivity. She also mentions that since 2021, CPUT has introduced faculty-based placement because research indicates that students who belong to the same faculty relate better and influence each other better. “They are also allocated peer support senior students from the same faculties such as Peer Leaders (life skills, leadership and Health & Wellness peer support), Peer Helpers (psycho-social peer support) RSAs (residence support) and Diversity champions (inclusivity and diversity peer support) as their peer support in respective residences). 

“For example, in collaboration with Infrastructure, Development and Facilities Management - study areas, gym and other spaces are provided in these residences.” 

The Division of Student Affairs has launched several ongoing programmes to support students in their residences throughout their educational journey. These programmes include the Residence First Year Programme, the Final Year Experience Programme, Residence Assistance programmes, House Committee programmes, Green Campus Initiative (GCI) and the Peer Education Programme. The recent “One Res, One Programme” is another residence -based program where DSA, in collaboration with the Convocation, GCI Plans and Faculty of Applied Sciences, have implemented gardens in residences such as Freedom Square and Catsville.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za