Venues at the NMMU George Campus were filled to capacity with new Madibaz, and their parents who gathered at the campus to listen to the inspirational welcome of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Derrick Swartz (video-streamed from Port Elizabeth). This was followed by the welcome message of the NMMU George Campus Principal, Prof Quinton Johnson, and an opportunity to meet and liaise with professional support staff and lecturers of the various NMMU faculties represented here in George.
In his encouraging welcome address, Prof Johnson emphasised that our students are a “critical asset for a better future”. “Together we can make the world better”, he said, and concluded by wishing the new Madibaz a “great journey” with the NMMU.
The students, who are set to register this week for the programmes that they have been admitted to, were enthusiastically welcomed by How-to-Helpers – senior students and student leaders, as well as staff, who are dedicated to ensure that new entrants to the university feel welcome and comfortable in their environment. This winning approach, which has proven to increase student success rate, includes an orientation period during which all new Madibaz are introduced to all aspects of campus life, including the use of key facilities, such as the university’s Writing Centre, the library, computer laboratories and online resources, and much more. They are also introduced to sport and cultural opportunities, and other aspects of student life.
First students in the School of Natural Resource Management at NMMU George Campus (one of four schools within NMMU’s Faculty of Science) made full use of the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Campus Principal, Prof Quinton Johnson, after the official welcome ceremony for First Year Students and their parents held throughout all NMMU’s campuses on 25 January.
James Hart (centre) who has chosen to study Agricultural Management at NMMU George Campus, with his parents, Bobsey and Karen Hart.
Prof Quinton Johnson, Ms Lelanie Scholtz-Coetzer, Lecturer in the Business and Economic Sciences Faculty, new Madiba, Elricht Boucher (Game Ranch Management) together with his mother during the recent First year Welcome event at NMMU George Campus.
Carrie-Ann Swanepoel who will study Game Ranch Management at NMMU George Campus accompanied by her parents, Samantha and Anton Swanepoel, networking with Bianca Currie (right), lecturer in the School of Natural Resource Management.
Caleb Puren who will study BCom Accounting poses for a photo with Prof Quinton Johnson, NMMU George Campus Principal and his parents Cynthia and Colin Puren.
Ms Janice Walsh with her son, Tyron Walsh (Agricultural Management student); Kim Channing (Nature Conservation student), Greg Walsh, Mark Channing, Carm Smith (also a new Nature Conservation student) and Claire Channing saying their goodbyes after the recent Welcome ceremony at NMMU George Campus.
Lisa Xakwe is set to study BCom Business Management at NMMU George Campus. She is accompanied by her parents Isaac and Asisipho Xakwe.
Liso Menkonela (Agricultural Management), Sanele Ngobo (Forestry), Lonwabo Protas Kuboni (Agricultural Management), Simthambile Gwagwa (BCom General Accounting) and Siphokuhle Mhlawa (Game Ranch Management) enjoy the meet and greet during the First Year Welcome at NMMU George Campus.
Ms RT Releni accompanied her son, Mihlali Releni who has his sights set on the National Diploma:Tourism Management offered at NMMU George Campus, with fellow Tourism Management student, Azukile Kobe (far right) and Ms Luwgiswa Magqazolo.
Pieter Botha from Marketing and Corporate Relations at NMMU George Campus assisting First Year students during the on-campus welcome event.