The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is entering its last phase of its registration. Close to 82% of its new first year undergraduate cohort has already registered at a rate faster than previous years.
Prof Kinta Burger, Registrar, UJ says the numbers confirm that the University’s online-only registration system is working efficiently and that it is embraced by the students. “Admission to UJ is competitive, and the University can only admit a limited number of students. The planned intake of undergraduate first-year students for 2020 is 10 500. This will make UJ home to around 50 000 students.”
Prof Burger urged prospective students to take caution when approached by individuals offering assistance in the registration process and promising placement. “UJ has noted that there are individuals and agencies promising academic admission and funding to prospective students. The University is not in agreement or partnership with any third-party agencies or individuals to process applications or registrations,” said Prof Burger.
First-year orientation
From tomorrow (28 January 2020), thousands of new first-year undergraduate students will be attending the University’s orientation programmes as part of their transition into the University environment.
“We will be introducing them to the rich array of academic services and support systems offered by the University that will enrich their student experience,” says Prof Burger.
She pointed out that almost 5 000 postgraduate and 1 500 international students have already registered. “This is a very clear indication that the vast majority of the University’s students and community want the 2020 academic year to get under way,” says Prof Burger.
Orientation is essential in welcoming students to UJ and engages them with the traditions and values of the Institution’s community. The University’s orientation programme, also known as the First Year Seminar (FYS), will see thousands of new first-year students exploring UJ’s campuses and facilities. The programme, which ends on Friday 31 January 2020, assists students to transition from high school to tertiary education, while creating opportunities for them to meet lecturers and get to know their fellow students.
During FYS, new students are acquainted with a range of academic development and support services at the University, including the library, writing centres, computer facilities, counselling and career development centres – while also learning about the dedicated team looking after their safety, as well as services available at the health clinics on each campus.
Says Prof Burger: “In their first year, UJ students are also assisted by third or fourth-year students who do well academically, are good communicators, are able to identify with students’ needs and act as an interface between students and teaching staff. The student advisors also assist first-year students living in UJ residences. We offer this as part of the UJ First Year Experience programme.
“The aim is to ease the students’ transition from high school and help them adapt to the University environment and to achieve academically. There is a strong focus on tutorials and close monitoring of student performance throughout the semesters to immediately identify students at risk of failure.”
The University’s online registration process will remain open until Friday, 31 January 2020. However, spaces are very limited and fill up quickly. Students should register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment if a programme is full before 31 January. Students that need assistance should contact the call centre 011 559 4555 or make use of the newly introduced online Chat Bot on the UJ website.
The 2020 academic year will officially start on Monday, 3 February 2020. The University is determined that it will, again, in 2020, make a positive difference to the lives of many thousands of young people. To do so, UJ has implemented a number of measures to ensure that its students are able to benefit from a productive start to the new academic year.