The exceptional performance of a record number of 308 first-year students, having obtained an average of 75% or more in their June 2013 examinations, demonstrates the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) commitment to support its first-time entering students from school-to-university transition and complements the strategic direction of the institution.
This year produced one of the highest number of first-year top achievers since the inception of UJ. The University’s First Year Experience Programme (FYE), an initiative offering academic skills reinforcement with an accent on students mentoring fellow students was key in this achievement. The 1 285 student tutors, selected from third-year level, and up, do well academically, are good communicators, are able to identify with students’ needs and act as an interface between students and teaching staff. UJ also introduced academic advisors in university residences and approved off-campus accommodation facilities. Under UJ’s Academic Excellence Programme, 250 student advisors are serving 2 000 first-years in 25 residences.
Three students obtained an average of 89% plus. Rezanne Neethling, who matriculated from Helpmekaar Privaat Skool, obtained an overall average of 93.4%, and is studying towards a Bachelors of Accounting degree. Melissa Annandale received a more than admirable second place with an average of 89.5%. Annandale is studying BSc Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, and she matriculated from Hyde Park High School. Bianca Fisher, who matriculated from King David School (Linksfield) is studying BCom Human Resource Management and achieved an average of 89.4%. Bianca’s identical twin sister Talia Fisher is part of the top achieving group with a score of 87.80%. She is also studying BCom Human Resource Management.
Six top achievers hail from UJ Metropolitan Academy in Crosby. UJ Metropolitan Academy is the University’s high school and is co-sponsored by Metropolitan. The Academy nurtures selected high school learners from disadvantaged communities who demonstrate potential for success in studies at higher education institutions.
The Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences produced 112 of these achievers, followed by the Faculty of Management with 43, and the Faculty of Education with 41.The Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty Engineering and the Built Environment boast with 36 and 34, top achievers, respectively. The Faculty of Law yielded 15, and the Faculty of Science, 13. The Faculty of Health Sciences produced 9 top achievers, followed by the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture with 3. Two of the top achieving students enrolled for combined degrees.
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Rensburg, is Accounting student Rezanne
Neethling, who was the overall UJ top achiever
for 2013.