Unisa released a statement where they spoke on new strategies, registrations for 2021 as well as the supplementary examinations. One might recall when Unisa having a growth in students was questioned and now, the University has addressed it.
Unisa released a statement where they spoke on new strategies, registrations for 2021 as well as the supplementary examinations. One might recall when Unisa having a growth in students was questioned and now, the University has addressed it.
Previously, Unisa was meant as a University where individuals who have jobs and are working have the opportunity to study from home and gain a qualification. However, a shift was seen in recent years as more Unisa students are people who matriculated and are only studying from home.
This then lead to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the department issued a letter discussing the over-enrolment of Unisa’s student numbers which then lead to Unisa meeting with the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Council of Unisa on 2 January.
During this meeting, the shape and size of Unisa was spoken about and conversely, how effective the support given to students in order to succeed.
Now, Unisa will see a decrease in the number of first-time entering students in 2021. They explained:
This resolution is meant (1) to enable the university to effectively support the students, and (2) to guarantee the sectoral financial resources and sustainability of the university and the sector.
Unisa’s 2021 academic year will begin in March. This, Unisa says is to ensure that Unisa’s calendar aligns with the Post Education and Training Sector (PSET) with first-year registrations in March 2021. With Matric results being released on 23 February, this would then aid the late start.
“Additionally, many universities will only be completing their academic year by March 2021. This will enable new students entering the university sector and those transferring from other institutions to enrol at Unisa.”
Unisa registrations are now open for 2021 and will continue for the next two months to ensure that the students are not disadvantaged and to eradicate any possibilities of a backlog.
As for supplementary examinations, Unisa has said that arrangements will be made to ensure that students who need to take supplementary examinations, as well as examinations for Honours students during February, are accommodated.
Unisa concluded their announcement with saying, “The university is committed to the provision of all the assistance that the students would require in dealing with these matters.”