UTLO Hosts First Annual Academic Advising Imbizo to Help Improve the Student Experience

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO) held its first annual academic-advising Imbizo at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre.

The extensive programme included opening remarks by the Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College of Humanities (COH), Professor Ruth Hoskins highlighted the importance of establishing a university-wide student advising network which includes all key stakeholders who play a role in the student’s journey at UKZN.

Speaking on defining student success, Student Support Services Manager in the College of Health Sciences (CHS) Dr Saloschini Pillay, said it is important to note that there are many factors that contribute to student success, including factors external to academics. Pillay’s presentation noted that student success is best informed by a situational analysis, recognising the different realities and circumstances students face.

A panel discussion consisting of staff members who have participated in the Academic Advising Professional Development (AAPD) programme, focused on how the AAPD certification has enhanced their academic advising approach. The panellists shared how the programme has helped in building a rapport with students and helping them find the right path by identifying their passions. Additionally, Mr Ashwin Manival spoke about a course that UKZN is developing to equip the academic advising staff.

Having a student voice in discussions that involve them was noted as a key factor in enhancing the student experience. In keeping with that, the programme included a student panel discussion which aimed to shed light on students’ experiences with academic advising within each of the four Colleges. This segment exposed the gaps that exist within the existing processes and offered an opportunity for discussing best practices moving forward.

Additionally, the day included a segment that focused on a ground-up approach to student academic advising. An Instructional Designer within UTLO, Dr Zwelisha Mfishi, shared that in order to improve academic advising, the everyday life of a student should be taken into consideration. He further stated that it is this data which informs how academic advising should be approached.

The Director of the Teaching and Learning Unit in the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS), Professor Annah Bengesai spoke on referral pathways and the importance of confidentiality. The programme also featured a practical exercise which required participants to form groups and interact with different scenarios and come up with the best ways to advise the students in their respective scenarios.

The Imbizo marked a valuable opportunity for reflection, dialogue and shared learning, while reinforcing UKZN’s commitment to placing student success and the student experience at the centre of its teaching and learning practices

Words: Sinenhlanhla Mkhwanazi

Photograph: Albert Hirasen