First Year Students Welcomed at Orientation Day

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College of Law and Management Studies first year students received a warm welcome from staff during Orientation Day on its three campuses.

First year students received academic and social guidance on the day while academic leaders unpacked the many programmes offered in the College.  These include the services offered by Student Funding, Sport Administration and Disability Support.

Staff from the Professional Services sector provided invaluable information to first year students on how to adapt to the University culture which is vital as they make the transition from high school to tertiary education.

College Teaching and Learning Unit Head, Dr Annah Bengesai had this to say about the success of the event:

‘Orientation Day is the best way to find out about the University. Students are introduced to the academic programmes, and the services that are available to help them transition to university life. This year’s orientation programme also included tours to the different facilities to ensure students are acquainted with the University and the different facilities.’

First year Law students, Ms Thobeka Mabuza and Ms Phumelele Mthembu said they found the programme very insightful as they were very apprehensive about what to expect.

‘I was very frightened about the work involved in university and if I will be able to handle it and what should I do if I am struggling. However, after listening to the presenters I am more at ease and better informed as well as inspired that I will succeed,’ said Mabuza.

For Mthembu the addresses were encouraging and reaffirmed that she made the right career choice in pursuing Law.

‘The speakers have cleared a lot of things up for me which is a great relief. Although I know that I am passionate about law but I had no idea what to expect hence it was great to hear from our lecturers. I am looking forward to being taught by experts and being exposed to various facets of the law,’ she said.

UKZN alumni Ms Nomcebo Sibisi,- the co-founding Director and Chairperson in a 100% Black female owned Non-Profit Company called Youth Chamber of Shipping in Africa, Mr Phakama Nhassengo an entrepreneur and PEACE Foundation representative and Mr Amin Matola, a LLB graduate and School of Law Graduate Assistant who is currently pursuing a Masters of Law degree with a specific focus on mining laws delivered an inspirational address to students on the Howard campus highlighting the importance of planning, networking and participating in various University clubs and societies.

‘As a student it is very important to have a mentor and to surround yourself with likeminded people because law is an intensive programme so you need to use all of the tools at your disposal to get ahead. I consider myself an all rounded student because I was part of the debating team which opened me up to travelling, I just returned from Sweden after completing my Masters in Maritime through a scholarship I secured from the South African Maritime Safety Authority. There will be hurdles you will need to overcome but you will need to work hard to overcome them and succeed,’ said Sibisi.

After the programme the students were taken on a tour of the campus to familiarise them with their new surroundings.

Thandiwe Jumo