Universities generally have their own cultures and traditions that students get accustomed to when they live in their residences and certain spaces such as day houses. Each of the residences in one institution would also have its own culture and practice on how its tenants conduct themselves, and their manifestos are normally what define the residents’ academic standing and distinction.
At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), students have the opportunity to leave a legacy as they redefine residence cultures and customs as part of the University’s Residences and Day Houses project.
The Renaming and Rebranding of the identities of the 31 student residences and day houses is a joint and long-term project that involves a new culture for each residence between all stakeholders of the University of Johannesburg.
The first phase of the renaming and the rebranding of UJ residences and day houses was completed by the end of 2015 and it was a tremendous success. The new names for the 33 student residences and day houses reflect the brand and the values of the University of Johannesburg as the pan-African epicentre of critical intellectual inquiry, its role in society, its location in the City of Johannesburg, and its focus on global excellence and stature.
Communication between the University management and students is pivotal in this project.
As part of the second phase of the major renaming and rebranding make-over, UJ student residence committees met over the weekend (27 and 28 February 2016) to discuss the re-branding approach through a interactive and consultative development phase. These discussions entailed among others, the brand story, logos, slogans, and brand manifestos.
With guidance and mentorship from Ms Roela Hattingh, Lecturer: Strategic Communication in Marketing, students from the residences and day houses participated in groups, brainstormed their ideas in breakaway sessions, and writing concrete manifestos, among other things. About the Renaming and Rebranding of the identities of the 31 student residences and day houses:
You may contact Dr Rose Laka-Mathebula, Executive Director: Student Affairs, should you have any questions, on 0115592042 and email: roselm@uj.ac.za.