The 2017 UKZN Information Open Days held on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses attracted large numbers of prospective students anxious to learn more about degrees and programmes on offer at the University.
Some of the learners were with their parents and teachers, eager to make an informed decision about future academic career choices.
Braving the rain and cold, mother and daughter Kelsey and Wendy Padayachee of Durban were on the Westville campus and made a beeline for the College of Humanities information stands. ‘I am really interested in pursuing a career in the Built Environment,’ said Kelsey of Queensburgh Girls’ High. ‘Being here and being able to get as much information as possible about my future career choice is really helpful.’
Ms Amanda Lushozi of Umlazi Comtech High School described Open Day as useful and informative. ‘I plan on studying towards a Drama and Performance degree and UKZN was my first choice. I have managed to get all the necessary information in order to apply to study here. I cannot wait.’
Pupils and parents who visited the College of Law and Management Studies information stands at both the Pietermaritzburg and Durban Open Days heard about why a career in marketing, information technology, business, management, accounting, economics and finance were all excellent options for a successful future.
In Durban, hundreds of prospective students and parents enjoyed a maths presentation in which numbers whizz Dr Msizi Mkhize amazed everyone with how it is possible to “speak maths” and how maths is also part of the Bible! There was also a presentation by School of Accounting, Economics and Finance academic Ms Shelley Donnelley who drew comparisons between a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Bachelor of Business Science degree. School of Law academic Mr Steven Mnyandu shared insights on why Law is not just for lawyers.
‘I want to be a Chartered Accountant and help my family with school fees for my two younger brothers and also help my mom financially to thank her for putting me through school,’ said Grade 12 learner, Nolwazi Dlamini.
The crowd also took the opportunity to engage with the College’s academic and support staff who explained in detail requirements and possible benefits of studying within the disciplines offered by the College of Law and Management Studies.
Not to be outdone, the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science pulled out all the stops to entice learners to study for a career through the College.
Academics and postgraduate students had exciting and interactive stands. Flashing and fluorescent chemicals bubbled, balls balanced in mid-air, flames shot skywards, hovercraft hovered, robots ran around, rain gauges dripped, plants were dissected, and anything from fruit, fish and geological formations were examined under microscopes.
The College’s scientific magicians wowed the crowds with regular science shows explaining the wonders of fire and other chemical mysteries.
Formal presentations by registered students on programmes offered by the College of Health Sciences gave visiting learners, parents and teachers an opportunity to engage and ask questions related to the College. Student funding was discussed and learners were informed about funding options available. The Decentralised Clinical Training platform was explained with emphasis given to why the platform is of benefit to clinical students and the community at large.
Students from the College of Health Sciences offered basic health screening where audiences got an opportunity to get tested for blood pressure, glucose, fitness levels, and body mass index. There was a variety of demonstrations on clinical and anatomy issues, dental therapy, biokinetics, as well as CPR demonstrations and microscope viewing, among others. |