Welcome Message from the Dean of Students
Welcome as you embark on this exciting stage of your career
I hope that the orientation programme and this booklet, which contains a great deal of important information, will make it easier for you to select the right courses and to settle into the rhythm of University life quickly and easily. You have also been given a “Support at Rhodes” booklet. Please take the time to read it carefully. You can also refer to our web page: www.ru.ac.za/deanofstudents
Orientation is an important week in the life of all first year students, and getting the best out of it is really up to you. We are guided by some important principles, which I share with you here:
1. To provide each student with sufficient advice and information to enable them to make sound academic choices.
2. While keeping the focus on academic induction, to encourage students to balance academic and social activities, and to make lasting friendships.
3. To foster a culture which promotes tolerance and respect for human rights and celebrates diversity.
4. To create an appropriate environment for living and learning in harmony.
5. To enhance equity in respect of race, gender and sexual orientation.
6. To place high value on the uniqueness, personal dignity and self-worth of every student.
7. To emphasize the essential balance between personal freedom and social obligations in residential communities.
By the end of this week of orientation, you should have gained a good understanding of how the University operates, what courses are on offer and which ones you should sign up for, and what other opportunities and support are available to you. In order to help you make these choices, there are a wide range of workshops, information sessions and lectures during orientation week. Try and attend as many of these as you can, so that you are in a good position to make decisions which will affect your future experiences at Rhodes positively. Good decisions are made with a clear head, so please ensure that you get sufficient sleep during the next few days as well! As a student, you are now personally responsible for managing your academic programme and social life, and for making the right choices as to how you spend your free time.
Occasionally, and unfortunately, things can go wrong. If you are in despair, in crisis or in serious trouble, and don’t know where to turn, please remember that you can get help at the office of the Dean of Students: room 241 in the Central Admin building, just to the right of the main staircase. You can make an appointment by emailing us, (dean.students@ru.ac.za) or come during our ‘open-door” hours: Tuesdays and Fridays between 09h00 and 10h00.
Good luck - I wish you a rewarding, enjoyable and exciting time at Rhodes. And always remember: you are here to get a degree!
Dr Vivian de Klerk
Dean of Students
