On Saturday, 3 February, the new cohort of first-year students and their parents were officially beckoned into the NWU family during the 2018 Welcome Day. The Welcome Day, coordinated by the Department of Student Life, is hosted annually and serves as an important communication platform between the new first-year students, their parents and members of the university community.
The programme of the day saw several speakers taking to the stage, including: Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis, the deputy vice-chancellor for the Vanderbijlpark Campus, Prof Lumkile Lalendle, the executive director for student life and Thokozani Hadebe, the chairperson of the Student Representative Council.
Part and parcel of an integrated NWU
In his address the vice-chancellor said that through the university’s new unitary model, the NWU belongs – in equal parts – to all its students. “The moment you enrolled at the NWU, you became an equal partner,” said Prof Kgwadi and added that no student should ever feel that he/she is merely being accommodated. All students should feel part and parcel of an integrated North-West University.
“As registered students you have now entered into a binding contract with the university, that sees you enjoying co-ownership and, as in the case of any contract, both parties should deliver on the set expectations, “said Prof Kgwadi. These “expectations” include the NWU’s commitment towards a safe learning environment as well as the provision of quality education. On the part of the students, the expectation is that each student will make the most of the opportunities provided to them (academically and socially) and, to graduate within the prescribed time frame.
Known as the “father-in-loco” for all students, Prof Kgwadi reassured parents and guardians that the wellbeing of each student remains a top priority for all members of the various management structures – including that of the elected student leadership.
In closing, Prof Kgwadi said: “You are now part of our proud and highly sought-after university family – a family known for its distinguished talent and excellence, student-centred focus and unequalled support.”
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark recently welcomed the new cohort of first-year students and their parents into the NWU family during the 2018 Welcome Day.
