Orientation 2009, which began on 19 January, promises an action-packed programme geared towards helping first year students to familiarise themselves with their new environment.

This year, first years on all campuses will receive a ‘Passport to Student Life’ – a one-stop handbook containing information on the various services available. An orientation DVD, produced by Student Affairs, will be shown at the various campuses. A Student Affairs and Services website will also be rolled out.

Daily live presentations on topics such as Financial Aid, Student Governance and Student Development are to be held in the Bellville Campus auditorium. Stalls providing further information about items of interest to students will be available on this campus as well as in Cape Town. Orientation Officers will be on hand to give extra assistance to newcomers.

Mowbray and Wellington Campuses have organised plenty of social and sporting events to help new students break the ice with their classmates and get settled in at residences. Wellington has hired out the local town pool for a day of water games. Mowbray’s activities include a drumming session and bus tour of the coast.

In the midst of the buzz of Orientation Week, it is important that students not forget about the essentials of preparing themselves for the year ahead.

“Students must make sure they register for courses before classes begin,” said Kenneth Rinquest, Acting Head of Student Affairs, “They need to make sure that their accommodation is in order. They must also be aware of safety issues.”

Echoing the Vice-Chancellor’s comments in her Welcome address about leading a holistic student life, Rinquest advises the new students of 2009, “Play hard and work hard – keep a balance.”

By Ilana Abratt, Marketing and Communication Department

For more information about student events and services at CPUT, contact the Student Development Officers:

Bellville:
Mastura Jamodien: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Eugene Malan: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cape Town:
Anette Grobler: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nomsa Kulehile: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thobeka September: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Derek Stocken: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mowbray:
Sandy Johnson (acting SDO): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wellington:
Willie Liebenberg: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Written by CPUT News
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After a jam-packed week of exciting Orientation activities, thousands of first-year students are expected to report for class this week.

First-year Clothing and Textile Technology students, who ended their Orientation Week on a high note, said they are looking forward to attending their first official lecture.

Twenty-year-old Mica Lee, who is passionate about fashion, said: “I am really looking forward to my first year of studies.”

Lee said Orientation helped ease her into her new life as a CPUT student. Sessions with their lecturers and other student support departments gave them insight into what can be expected of first-year students.

Her classmate Mansoor Galant, is also looking forward to the 2012 academic year. The 18-year-old, who matriculated from Alexander Sinton High in Athlone, said he is positive that he will enjoy the course as it was something he always wanted to pursue. 

But it is not only first-year students who are looking forward to class.

Lecturer Bernie Miller said: “I’m very excited about the year because the students have the right attitude towards their studies. They are expectant of the course.”

Another lecturer, Nommiselo Tyalana, who will teach first-years, said all is in place to ensure a smooth start to classes this week.

Tyalana said the department, which falls under the Engineering Faculty, registered 75 first-year students, of which some will follow the Extended Curriculum Programme.

The course is the only of its kind in the Western Cape and attracts a large number of students each year.

CPUT’s Clothing and Textile Technology graduates are also highly sought after in the industry for their specialist skills.

By: Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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FIRST years are getting their second taste of life at CPUT as a full week of orientation kicks off.

Last week three Welcome Ceremonies took place across the Wellington, Cape Town and Bellville campuses where new students and their parents were officially greeted by CPUT management.

This week first-year students will be meeting many of their future classmates for the first time when they participate in a number of fun ice breaker events.

Apart from tours of the various campuses, which will show them popular facilities like the gym and pool, students will also get valuable information on topics like Financial Aid and Student Governance.

Helpful facilities like the clinic, library and student counselling will also be pointed out.

During his Welcome speech, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Anthony Staak encouraged first years to become holistic students who fully participate in all aspects of CPUT life.

“Many lifelong friendships and valuable networks are formed during your time at university. Become involved in the many different facets of student life,” he says.

CPUT Events Manager Cathy Cloete urged students not to miss their orientation.

“If you don’t become familiar with some of the facilities on offer you could spend three years not taking advantage of any of them,” she says.

Orientation Week happens from today through to Friday the 27^th.

Contact the CPUT call centre at 021 959 6767 with any queries.

By LAUREN KANSLEY

Written by CPUT News
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