Record turnout for parent orientation

Thousands of parents and guardians of first-year students recently spent time on campus to learn more about UCT and what their charges can expect in the year ahead.

Saturday morning and Monday afternoon saw around 1 500 parents (at each session) pack Jammie Hall to capacity where they were welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price and other members of the executive.

The Saturday afternoon session was also well attended with upwards of 1 000 parents coming onto campus for the five-hour programme, which consisted of a plenary, individual talks and a tea.

In his welcome, Price addressed a range of issues from what UCT is able to offer students in terms of support and assistance to the university's standing as a higher education institution in South Africa, and issues likely to arise in the coming year. Other speakers during this session were the new registrar Royston Pillay and SRC president Rorisang Moseli.

Following the plenary in Jammie Hall, parents then dispersed to attend talks by the deans of individual faculties where they could learn more about the specific programmes of study.

In addition, they could visit individual information stalls set up by, among others, the Fees Office and the Department of Student Affairs. After tea, parents were invited to attend a series of talks on a range of topics, including what their children would experience during orientation, career management, students wellness, the Jammie shuttle, security and residence life.

According to Campbell Lyons, manager of events and public relations within the Department of Communication and Marketing, the turnout this year exceeded last year's by several hundred. Last year was also the first year that parent orientation was extended over three sessions.

Story by Andrea Weiss. Photo by Michael Hammond