In a major effort to enhance student success within an Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) environment, the Unisa Gauteng Region joined forces with the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL) for a comprehensive student support visit at the Ekurhuleni Campus on February 6, 2026.
Designed to bridge the gap between students and university services, the initiative aimed to provide integrated academic, administrative, and psychosocial support directly on the ground, with a special focus on guiding first-year students through their transition to higher education.
One-Stop Shop for Student Success
Initiated by DTSFL Executive Director Professor Meahabo Magano, the outreach brought multiple departments under one roof to resolve challenges on the spot.
Regional Director Dr. Erin Naudé opened the programme by emphasizing the necessity of collaborative support in fostering an empowering learning environment.
Key highlights of the session included:
- College Guidance: Representatives from various colleges provided programme-specific academic information.
- Support Units: Insights from the Library, Academic Literacies, and Counselling Services.
- Student Governance: Presentations by the Dean of Students and the Student Representative Council (SRC) on leadership and support platforms.
- DTSFL Support Menu: A detailed breakdown of resources, including Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and Digital Learning Services (DLS).
Addressing Concerns Directly
Beyond presentations, the event featured dedicated support stalls where students received immediate assistance with funding, registration, myUnisa queries, and NSFAS-related issues.
The engagement concluded with an interactive Q&A session, providing a platform for students to raise concerns and receive direct feedback from relevant departments. Centre Manager Pat Lethole closed the session by urging students to leverage these services fully.
The visit reaffirmed Unisa’s commitment to a student-centred approach and highlighted the power of collaboration in promoting academic achievement.
