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Directorate: Instructional Support and Services (DISS)

About us

What Services are delivered by the Directorate: DISS

The new directorate of DISS was established in the new Unisa, when the former Department of Student Support (DSS) in the 'old' Unisa was mandated to broaden its responsibilities in line with the demands of the new comprehensive institution. The Directorate: DISS is responsible for the following key learner support functions:

  1. Development and coordination of all Instructional Support Services (face-to-face and through the use of ICTs) especially for the first and second year undergraduate studies
  2. Video conferencing
  3. The coordination of the Discussion / Contact classes
  4. Development of support strategies to cater for learners who require Work-integrated Learning placement opportunities

Further, the Directorate seeks to ensure that all the support services generated by its central unit and its decentralised components are delivered efficiently and are in line with the norms and standards as stipulated by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC).

What are the Objectives of the Directorate: DISS

The main objectives of the Directorate are to:

  • Ensure effective planning, delivery, evaluation and quality assurance of the tutorial support services to all the learners in Unisa; in collaboration with the respective Colleges, Schools and relevant academic departments.
  • Research, develop and plan the delivery of the various kinds of tutorial services through the use of a number of strategies which will include: organised face-to-face tutorials; video conferencing; on-line or telephone tutorials.
  • Facilitate the overall Co-ordination, scheduling and the organisation of the delivery of the discussion classes / contact sessions through effective liaison between the Colleges, Schools, academic departments, the travel division and the regional offices and learning centres.
  • Facilitate the planning, delivery, evaluation of the support services and work placement opportunities for unemployed learners in Unisa; in collaboration with the respective Colleges, Schools, relevant academic departments, the regional and learning centres.

Where do you find the DISS Directorate?

The Directorate operates the Central Planning and Co-ordination from the Sunnyside Campus in Pretoria.