Limpopo Region Orientation Manual 2014
Limpopo Region Orientation Manual 2014 Contents 1. Welcome ................................................................................................................................................... 3 2. Our Service Commitment.......................................................................................................................... 3 3.The Limpopo Region .................................................................................................................................. 4 4. Applying, Registering and Studying with Unisa ........................................................................................ 7 4.1 Getting to Know Unisa ............................................................................................................................ 7 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7 4.2 Choosing Unisa ........................................................................................................................................ 8 4.3 Joining the Unisa family .......................................................................................................................... 8 4.4 Studying with Unisa ............................................................................................................................ 11 4.4.1 Tutorial Services ......................................................................................................................... 11 4.4.2 Counseling .................................................................................................................................. 15 4.4.3 Library Services .......................................................................................................................... 15 4.4.4 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Support ..................................................... 16 4.4.5 Assignments Administration ...................................................................................................... 18 4.4.6 Examinations .............................................................................................................................. 18 5. Mobile Services Units .............................................................................................................................. 19 6. General Remarks ..................................................................................................................................... 20 2|Page 1. Welcome The Regional Director and the staff of Unisa in the Limpopo Region welcome you. Unisa’s mandate is to develop human capital in South Africa and abroad by providing equitable access to higher education for all people wherever they may be. Unisa’s regional offices are a testimony to the university’s commitment to bringing higher education as close to the people as possible. 2. Our Service Commitment The Unisa Limpopo Region makes the following commitment to all our students: To create equitable learning opportunities by providing accessible and relevant services To provide accurate information and prompt service every time , all the time To be approachable, responsive and professional at all times To be respectful of client confidentiality The University of South Africa (Unisa) is the only dedicated Open Distance Learning (ODL) University in South Africa. Through Open Distance Learning Unisa aims to: Remove possible barriers (geographical, time constraints, and funding) to access to higher education Offer flexible learning: You study from home or wherever you are, at your own pace. You will receive interactive study material comprising of study guides, CD’s and DVD’s. You can apply, register, access library facilities and submit assignments online. Unisa students do not have to attend classes and can study on their own, in their own time, wherever they are Provide comprehensive support: Unisa supports you through: Interactive study material MyUnisa, an online student portal Tutorial support system Discussion classes Reading, writing, and numeracy support Automated sms and email messages Extensive library facilities Video conferencing Internet access for Unisa students at various Multi-Purpose Community Centres throughout the country, for free! Professional, career, study and personal guidance & counselling Unisa Offices near you for all your enquiries Access to computer laboratories and basic computer training For any enquiries and questions about Unisa visit: www.unisa.ac.za 3|Page 3.The Limpopo Region There are three offices in the region: Polokwane (the hub), Giyani and Makhado Location Physical and Postal Address Polokwane Learning Centre 23 A Landdros Mare Street Polokwane Services Offered Face-to-Face Tutorials, Video Conference Tutorial Sessions Discussion Classes Work Integrated Learning Placement Reading, Writing & Quantitative Literacy Workshops and Consultations End User Computing (EUP) practice sessions Access to internet Basic Computer Training Video Conferencing services Services in MultiPurpose Community Centres (MPCC’s) Library services: issuing, renewing, requesting and returning of library materials Training on the use of online information resources Library Material Courier services Inter library loans Contact Details Mr. Mpho Rakoma (Acting Head Facilitation of Learning) Tel: 015 290 3443 email: [email protected] Mr Petrus Skosana Tel: 015 290 3419; email: [email protected] Ms. Mercy Mokgele Tel: 015 290 3431; email: [email protected] 4|Page Location Physical and Postal Address Registration Centre 29 Landdros Mare Street Polokwane Giyani Office No 11 Masingita Complex, P.O. Box 4868, Giyani, 0826 Services Offered Contact Details Administration Services Applying to study with Unisa Self-help registrations Payment of accounts, Applying for financial assistance Applying for Student Cards All enquiries including mobile services Assignments and exam enquiries Mr Jerry Malemela Counselling Services Professional Counselling Services Face to face Career Counselling Face to Face & VC Academic development skills workshops (e.g. study skills, exam prep skills, time management skills) Job search skills & entrepreneurship skills Networking skills Personal counselling Website : Access our website for self-help resources General enquiries Applications and self-help registrations Financial Ms. MJ Lephondo Tel: 015 290 3417 [email protected] assistance Assignments and exam enquiries Tutorial services and discussion classes Video conferencing Tel: 015 2903418 email: [email protected] [email protected] Ms Lethabo Mbungi Tel: 015 812 2005 Fax: 015 812 2405 email: [email protected] or [email protected] 5|Page Physical and Postal Address Location Makhado 87 Krogh Street Standard Bank Complex P.O. Box 4367, Makhado, 0920 Services Offered General enquiries Applications and self-help registrations Financial assistance Assignments and exam enquiries Contact Details Ms Aluwani Muneri Tel: 015 516 3334 Fax: 015 516 3414 email: [email protected] Tutorial services and discussion classes Video conferencing Accessing Polokwane Learning Centre (23 A Landdros Mare Street) You need a student card to access the Learning Centre in Polokwane. A once off fee of R45 is payable. Student cards are processed at the Registration Centre 29 Landdros Mare Street. The card gives you access to: Library Seminar Rooms End User Computing Laboratory Video Conferencing Room Unisa campuses throughout the country Place card here Place card here Operating Hours Business hours 8H45 to 16H00 weekdays Library hours 7H45 to 20H00 weekdays 8H00 to- 16H00 Saturdays Closed on Public holidays Campus opens 7H00 to 10H00 weekdays 6|Page 4. Applying, Registering and Studying with Unisa The use of technology is increasingly becoming the main driver of Open Distance Learning. The university communicates with students via email, sms messages, and through the web. It is advisable to be familiar with these technologies, especially the web, in order to take full advantage of the learning environment at Unisa. 4.1 Getting to Know Unisa Each office has an Information Desk for various enquiries including: • Study programmes to register for; • Exemptions, credit for courses passed elsewhere; • Calendars and Information brochures; • Exam enquiries: Exam Time Tables, Exam Centres, and Supplementary Examinations • Study material; • Access cards / Student card • Centre for Business Management Short Courses Contacts Name Telephone email Mr. MJ Malemela 015 290 3430 [email protected] Ms. MJ Lephondo 015 290 3457 [email protected] 7|Page 4.2 Choosing Unisa Once you have decided to study with Unisa the next step is the application process. You must apply before you can register. There are usually two application periods, one for each semester. NB: Unisa’s academic year is made up of two semesters - First semester starts in January and second semester starts in June Contacts Service Contact Person Telephone email Admin & Student Funding Mr MJ Malemela 015 2903430 [email protected] [email protected] Counselling & Guidance Ms M Lephondo 015 290 3457 [email protected] Click MyChoice for further information on the application process 4.3 Joining the Unisa family Students can register In person at any Unisa office Through the Self-Help facility at any Unisa office Online via the Unisa Website Through postal registrations. NB Online registration is the easiest and most convenient Avoid Queues, Go Online! Access to financial assistance and support Financial services available at the regional office are: 8|Page National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): Bursary-Loans that are administered by Unisa. o o Applications forms for funding are available online. To qualify for NSFAS loans, students should be academically deserving and financially needy. o The student's financial needs are determined by the NSFAS Means Test. o The test determines what amount the family is expected to contribute and the amount granted by NSFAS. Edu-Loan Provides affordable loans to students If not employed, a family member can stand as surety (father/ brother etc.) Different payment terms available (6 months / 10 months) Loans charged at current lending interest rates Students can also approach banks for study loans or their employers for study assistance. For Student Funding enquiries: Ms. R. Maleasenya 015 290 3411 [email protected] [email protected] Payment Facilities & Options A cashier service is available to accept study fees Payment is by Debit / credit cards only, no cash payments Electronic payments can be done through the Internet Direct deposits can be done into Unisa’s bank account at Standard Bank. Contacts Name Ms. E Teffo Telephone 015 2903416 email [email protected] [email protected] Click myRegistration for further information on registrations 10 | P a g e 4.4 Studying with Unisa As soon as you register, your study material becomes available electronically. You can download the material on to CD via Toasters at all Unisa Offices, or through MyUnisa (a special website for Unisa students). Click MyUnisa to visit. If you so wish, you can wait to receive study material via the post office. However, please note that this may take time. 4.4.1 Tutorial Services Unisa as an Open Distance Learning institution does not offer daily classes or lectures. There are however special classes called “tutorial classes” to support students during their studies. Please note: Tutorial classes are available for level 1, 2 modules. The classes offered are only for high risk, i.e., those that are difficult to study alone and are very challenging Students do not have to pay for attending tutorials, but you have to complete an enrolment form which is available at our offices. We are able to email this form to you A class will start as soon as students are registered for a module selected on the flyer Tutorial classes are conducted on Saturdays only from 8h30 to 15h00, and also during the week as the need arises Tutorial classes are available only for selected modules that are reflected on the tutorial flyer available at the tutorial desk in the registration foyer or at tutorial classes offices We have four venues where tutorials are offered, and the venues are as follows: - Unisa Polokwane offices Noorderland High School in Polokwane Kheto Nxumalo High School in Giyani Vhembe FET College in Sibasa Lephalale FET College in Lephalale NOTE: Please note that tutorials are not the same as daily lectures that are run by full-time conventional universities, Who is your Tutor? A tutor is a professionally and academically qualified person employed on a part-time basis by UNISA. 11 | P a g e How can I participate in tutorials? In order to participate in tutorials, students need to enroll for tutorials at the regional service centers by way of completing an enrolment form. There are no fees required. Types of Tutorials Face to Face Tutorials: Mainstream In a face – to – face tutorial, students and tutor(s) meet regularly at a common venue and on scheduled dates and times. These tutorials are conducted for two hours per module fortnightly. A face – to - face tutorial provides you with great opportunities to interact with your tutor(s) and other students (peers) and get a better understanding of the challenging areas of your study material. A semester programme is usually available at noticeboards and the regional website for students to know when and where these tutorials are taking place Face to Face tutorials: Science foundation These are tutorials designed for Science, Agriculture and Engineering students only. These tutorials operate similarly to the mainstream tutorials above. The difference between the two is that only those students identified through a list from Head office are the ones legible to attend the Science foundation tutorials. Which means, Science student not identified will have to attend the mainstream tutorials and not the Science foundation tutorials Tutorials take place on a fortnightly basis and the duration of each tutorial is two hours per session Video Conferencing (VC): Video conferencing is a two-way audio and video communication system that allows participants at different remote locations to see each other, hear and talk to each other in real time. We currently have Video Conference venues at the following centres: Unisa Polokwane offices Giyani offices E-tutoring This is a Computer-based tutorial support where students are linked to a tutor and communicate with the tutor through the internet medium. Marking of assignments is also provided through this 12 | P a g e means. Students who have the support of an e-tutor will receive an email from that tutor notifying them about the procedures to be followed. If you are linked to an e-tutor, you can still also attend face – to – face tutorials if they are available in your area. Work Integrated Learning Work Integrated Learning refers to compulsory “practicals” that are linked to qualifications the student is registered for. The student would not complete the qualification without undergoing WIL, which is sometimes called, Experiential Learning. The qualifications requiring WIL are few and this requirement is reflected in tutorial letter 101. Therefore, not all students are required to undergo WIL. The University has a network of employers or service providers who assist with the placement of students for practical work purposes. Before a student is placed, the student has to acquire a letter from the university indicating that he/she is a currently registered student and requires placement. The letter is acquired from the division of Facilitation of Learning: Tutorial services. Students are also required to attend some workshops on Job Search and Readiness before their placements. The workshops are offered at the University by the Counseling division Students should inform the University once they acquire some placement, because in most cases, the onus lies with the student to acquire placement Study Groups This is a system where students organise their own self-help groups. The work consists of a series of assignments carried out on a cooperative basis by the groups, working as teams. Study groups choose a group leader to ensure that the groups are organised and disciplined. Everyone in the group is asked, sooner or later, to be a group leader. This ensures that each member develops leadership skills Study groups are usually followed by report backs, and the tutor could be consulted to clarify difficult areas identified by each group Study groups can also be established on MyUnisa where the lecturer can access the discussion and provide feedback online 13 | P a g e Discussion Classes Discussion classes are offered by module lecturers on specific dates indicated in the tutorial letter 101. Students may also be invited by the lecturer through sms messages. Discussion class sessions are offered through: Face-to-face Video conference Academic Literacies Free Academic Literacy (AcaLit) services are offered to students in Polokwane, Giyani & Makhado Centres. AcaLit services are aimed at assisting students to improve their Reading, Writing and Quantitative Literacy Skills. Acalit services further assist students in overcoming academic challenges pertaining to effective learning, and the application and articulation of material learned in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) environment. The underlying principle is to access students, provide academic literacy services to them, and thus assist them in the learning process. Invitations to attend workshops are sent to students through SMS. Students can also access information about workshops on the regional website, notice boards and posters. Students can also individually consult AcaLit facilitators through appointment and by visiting the AcaLit office. Free services include: Weekly Workshops One-on-One Consultations Electronic Consultations, using e-mails Contacts Name Telephone Mr M Rakoma 015 290 3443 [email protected] Ms FM Kunene 015 290 3407 [email protected] Mr JM Segooa 015 290 3417 [email protected] Mr BS Mnguni (AcaLit) email [email protected] 14 | P a g e 4.4.2 Counseling If you are having difficulties in your studies or in other areas of your life that affect your studies, there is a Counseling Unit to give you professional help and guidance. The services that are available for students include the following: Counselling and Guidance Visit us in person, or contact us by telephone/e-mail Study skills workshops Attend workshops to learn more about how to manage your studies at UNISA and how to prepare for exams Website Access our website for self-help resources for career management, employability, study skills and life skills Careers Resources centre Watch DVD’s about life skills and employability skills Career fairs and career workshops and seminars Attend career-related workshops and on-campus recruitment days Peer helper training Programme Train as a volunteer peer helper to develop your interpersonal skills and to enhance your career development Contacts Name Telephone email Ms. T Mulaudzi 015 290 3452 [email protected] Ms MJ Lephondo 015 290 3457 [email protected] 4.4.3 Library Services The library provides access to prescribed and recommended books, reference sources, audio-visual materials, and electronic databases. Undergraduate students may borrow a maximum of 8 items, postgraduate a maximum of 16 items Prescribed materials are available for short loan 15 | P a g e Training is offered in the use of online information resources. Training schedules are available on the library website and regional notice boards. Booking should be done in advance. Students have access to computers with internet to search for information resources, typing and sending assignments, etc. These computers can only be utilized for study related purposes. Students may access library resources at the following Partner institutions: Burgersfort Public Library, Sekhukhune FET College (CS Barlow & CN Phatudi), Mapodile Public Library. Wi-Fi internet connection is available to students on Campus Contacts Name Telephone email Ms. MMM Mokgele 015 290 3431 [email protected] Ms C Lekganyane 015 290 3433/36/01 [email protected] 4.4.4 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Support ICT Support Unit offers the following services: Computer Laboratory Services Video Conferencing (VC) services Multi-Purpose Community Centre (MPCC’s)/Telecentres Computer Labs The Limpopo Region has the following computer labs available for learners: Polokwane Microlab (Registration Building) Polokwane Work Lab (Unisa Learning Centre) Makhado Work Lab The computer labs provide the following services: Access to the internet Access to myUnisa and myLife Computer Basic Training Course Dedicated Lab Assistance The computer labs do not have printers but there is a fee-based Xerox printing facility in the Polokwane Library. 16 | P a g e Video Conferencing (VC) services Video conferencing is a two-way audio and video communication system that allows participants at different remote locations to see each other, hear and talk to each other in real time. Video Conferencing offers the following services: Discussion Classes Oral examinations Portfolio presentations Tutorial classes Students workshops Meetings including, staff assemblies, SRC elections etc. Video Conference services are currently available at the following centres: Polokwane Centre Giyani Centre Makhado (to be installed soon) Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCC’s)/Telecentres UNISA has agreements with Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCC’s) throughout the Region. The purpose of these agreements is to provide UNISA students with access to internet/computer facilities, for academic purpose, free of charge. For more information contact: Name Telephone email Mr. P Skosana 015 290 3431 [email protected] Mr DB Harpestad 015 290 3449 [email protected] Mr DB Sikhosana 015 290 3400 [email protected] Mr J Madisha 015 290 3419 [email protected] 17 | P a g e The following services available at these centres: Administrative services Access to MyUnisa Retrieve and print Exam timetable Retrieve and print student Academic Record Retrieve and print exam results Retrieve and view student financial record Change exam venues Change student biographical information Tracking student study material Creating study fees quotation Academic services Submit assignment online Receive assignment feedback Retrieve, download and print study material Online Discussion forums Retrieve Lecturer and Tutor contact information Access online library Access UNISA Face Book and Twitter Access Mylife student email account Internet research for academic material Check prescribed books Access and download previous exam papers. To view location of MPCC’s click here 4.4.5 Assignments Administration The process of studying involves periodic submission of assignments to your lecturers for assessment and feedback. Assignments are a key part of the learning process and it has been established that students who submit their assignments tend to do well in the examinations. Make sure to read and understand Tutorial Letter 101 where information on assignments, such as due dates, can be found • The region provides assignment collection boxes at all Unisa offices • Assignments can also be submitted on the mobile buses • Please submit assignments on time, using the prescribed stationery • Stick to assignment time-lines as stipulated in your tutorial letter 4.4.6 Examinations There are 28 examination centres in the region • The examination venue is chosen during registration; please ensure that you have chosen a venue nearest to you. • Exam venue changes should be made a full month before examinations start • Check your time-table and ensure you come to the exam venue at least fifteen minutes before the starting time 18 | P a g e Contacts Name Mr A Harris Telephone 015 290 3418 email [email protected] [email protected] Click myStudies for further information on studying at Unisa 5. Mobile Services Units In order to reach out to students outside the main offices, Unisa introduced two Mobile Services Units: The Mobile Library and the General services unit. The mobile units have scheduled stops at Examination Centres and Multi-Purpose Centres nearest to you. The schedules for the dates and times that the mobile services will be in your area can be found at the following places: Notice Boards at Unisa Offices On the internet click this link: Unisa Online - Mobile Services MyLife emails Sign In Mobile services contact details: Location Contact Phone email Polokwane Mr. F Baloyi 015 290 3413 [email protected] Ms MMM Mokgele 015 290 3431/33/36 [email protected] Giyani Ms L Mbungi 015 812 2005 [email protected] Makhado Ms AA Muneri 015 516 3334 [email protected] The following services are provided on the mobile buses General Services Mobile Unit Pre-registration Information Applications and Registrations Payments to Unisa Assignment Submission (MyUnisa and by hand) MyUnisa and MyLife Training Access to the internet DVD Viewing ICT based counselling Mobile Library Training o Library catalogue o Database Access to data base and online searches Issuing, renewing and returning of Library material (e.g. books) Requesting library materials electronically 19 | P a g e 6. General Remarks For enquiries: Service Name Telephone email Applications, Registrations, Assignments and Examinations Mr MJ Malemela Tutorial Classes, Discussion Classes, PCL Ms. F Kunene 015 290 3465 [email protected] VC, ICT Services and MPCC Mr P Skosana 015 290 3419 [email protected] Library Ms C Lekganyane 015 290 3433 [email protected] Counseling Ms MJ Lephondo 015 290 3457 [email protected] 015 290 3418 [email protected] [email protected] Student’s Right to Complain As a student of Unisa you have a right to complain about any aspects of the university’s service delivery Please utilise the following e-mail address for your complaints and\or suggestions : [email protected] You can find us at Unisa Online - Limpopo Help us to help you toward your success To give feedback contact Mr. G Dire: [email protected] Or use this email: [email protected] 20 | P a g e
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