The Directorate of Student Affairs (DSA) recently welcomed over 2000 first-year students to the University of Namibia (UNAM), through a series of in-person orientation activities across its 12 campuses.
Orientation included opportunities for students to learn about their academic programmes, faculties, schools, and meet peers. These activities are aimed at aiding students in transitioning from high school to University.
Kickstarting the programme was the academic orientation facilitated by faculty administrators. During this session, administrators introduced their respective roles and responsibilities. Staff members from different directorates also joined in on this information-sharing session.
Magriet Mainga, Dean of the Directorate of Student Affairs (DSA), welcomed students and thanked them for making UNAM their choice of study. She further urged students to adopt a new mindset and attitude to make it through university.
“Higher education is tough, relentless, and demands the highest degree of commitment to be successful. I want to tell you now, forget about your past accolades. The fact that you were the best learner at your high school, or in your region, or country, could be of very little meaning here at UNAM. What ultimately matters at University, is your tenacity”.
Mainga added that DSA is filled with specialists who are here to assist students. “If you struggle to make ends meet, don’t have accommodation, need academic counselling and guidance, love life is not going well or confused about your studies, come to us”, encouraged Mainga.
Orientation drew to an end with a string of fun activities, performances by local artists, and a tour around the city of Windhoek to familiarise students with their surroundings. Security officer, Leonard Ambulawaye, advised students to always be aware of their surroundings and never take shortcuts while in the city.
Education student Lirunga Gabriel stated that: “Orientation was very informative. I feel confident about the journey ahead. Plus, I would like to thank UNAM for the gifts I won”, said an excited Lirunga.
“Orientation gave me an idea of what goes on at university. It also confirmed that I have to improve my time management in order to make it at University. Despite this, I am ready for this new chapter”, said an elated accounting student, Lucia Simasiku.
Orientation is an annual activity that takes place at the beginning of the academic year in order to provide students with essential information about learning, and the overall experience and expectation of being a student at UNAM.
Story by: Barron Domingoes
