The academic year was kicked off with a jam-packed orientation week that was held at the Mbombela campus. The key message: The development of well-rounded and successful students is at the core of UMP’s approach.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso opened orientation week with sage advice students would do well to follow.
Participation is key
Professor Mayekiso urged the new learners to be active participants in the orientation programme, which is coordinated to assist them with their transition from high school to university.
But participation is not only important during the programme, it’s important in every aspect of student life. You have to be actively involved and participate in your studies, your lectures, your extramural activities, and even socially. This will help you develop in every aspect, that is, holistically, which is another key aspect of the university’s approach.
Grow as you go
The Vice-Chancellor said the university of Mpumalanga provides learners with a positive and enriching environment. “We are committed to the holistic development of our students and hope that your years at the university will be productive, pleasurable, and memorable. Your time at UMP will determine your future role in this country, this continent and on this beautiful planet.”
“We aim to offer high quality educational and training opportunities that foster the holistic development of students through teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and engagement in collaboration with strategic partners.”
The Vice-Chancellor advised the new students to take all the opportunities that the university presents to them.
Use every opportunity
Professor Mayekiso further assured the new students that UMP provides students with a rich array of social and academic opportunities, which connects students with one another as well as with academic support staff.
“At UMP we provide you with an enriching environment so that you learn to take charge of your destinies and become active, accountable – and perhaps more importantly – happy role players in forging your future.”
Strive for excellence
The University places a high premium on excellence and also rewards it in kind. “As the UMP community, we are creating and nurturing a modern, stimulating and inspiring environment that promotes and rewards excellence,” she said.
“Excellence allows us to operate at our highest and best, and therefore eliminates mediocrity. Excellence makes you achieve, it helps you to develop confidence, and a hunger for more achievements,” she added. “Excellence is like a good habit and it should be cultivated and nurtured in order for it to thrive within individuals. Excellence therefore, requires of us to be persistent and consistent.”
Stay focused
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that one of the easiest ways for students to hasten their development was by finding their purpose early. “Keep the primary focus on why you are here: to earn a qualification and prepare yourselves to serve society. Know that there is no substitute for hard work; and be consistent all the time. At University, you cannot afford to work in stops and starts. Push yourselves beyond your limits and rise to the best that lies within you.”
The week-long orientation programme was organised by the student affairs division. The main aim was to empower students with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate student life, help them to familiarise themselves with UMP rules and regulations, receive career counselling, as well as where to go for academic support and student wellness as a whole.
@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures @Chrisplphoto