More than 8 400 students graduate during first graduation series
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) set a goal to progressively improve the graduation rates of undergraduate and postgraduate students and has achieved it with its 2013 output. More than 8400 students, who have embraced the fruits of their academic labour, will colour UJ’s Kingsway Campus in Auckland Park, Johannesburg with solemn gowns during the first series of UJ’s graduation ceremonies. The graduations are taking place in UJ’s Auditorium from 3 March to 8 April 2014.
The University’s overall student success rate grew from 81.5% in 2012 to 82.1% in 2013. The undergraduate student success rate was up by 1.2% from 82.1% in 2012 to 83.4% in 2013. The success rate of modules offered at a diploma level improved by 2.5% to 84.1%, while those offered at degree level showed a 0.5% improvement in 2013, compared to 2012. The success rates at diploma level increased by a phenomenal 11% the past five years.
The total graduates for this year’s first graduation series is 8 452, bringing the total output for 2013 to a pleasing 10 891, resulting in an admirable graduation rate of 22.56%.
“The excellent results are testimony to the dedication and hard work of our academics and the University’s First Year Experience Programme (FYE). A strong foundation in students first year allows them to build solid academic success.” says Prof Rory Ryan, Executive Director of Academic Development and Support, UJ. “The FYE initiative, with the emphasis on 1 285 student tutors mentoring fellow students, is designed to assist the school-to-university transition. As part of the UJ’s Academic Excellence Programmes, 250 trained student advisors are assisting first-year students in 28 UJ residences. Due to interventions such as these, the success rate for first-time entering undergraduate students increased to 81.1% in 2013. Given that quality education remains vital to national and global prosperity, these results are an important indicator of the stature of a university.”
Of the graduates who will receive recognition for their academic achievements during this series of graduation ceremonies, 6 949 are undergraduates and 1 505 are at postgraduate level. Apart from the 14 doctoral degrees to be awarded, 1 359 honours degrees and 132 master’s degrees will also be conferred. The graduates involve students from the University’s four campuses across all nine faculties.
The Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences is conferring 2 277 qualifications, followed by the Faculty of Management with 1 368. The Faculty of Humanities as well as the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment are awarding 1 259 and 1 231 qualifications respectively to new graduates. In the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Education, 662 and 521 students respectively are receiving qualifications. The Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Law are conferring 395 and 380 students respectively with qualifications. The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture will be awarding 361 qualifications during the University’s first round of graduations.
