Unisa’s College of Graduate Studies (CGS) has launched a series of 25 short videos aimed at facilitating postgraduate students’ onboarding. The visual presentations guide students through the university’s wide range of support services, affirming the university’s commitment to intensifying academic support. This initiative is designed to promote student success and to ease the transition into their postgraduate journeys.

Speaking at the launch, Prof Tennyson Mgutshini, Executive Dean of CGS, said: "As Africa’s largest university, Unisa is committed to providing students with structured guidance, academic resources and a strong support network, thereby fostering excellence in postgraduate education."

Recognising the complexities of the postgraduate journey, the videos introduce key systems, milestones and processes – from registration to graduation and beyond.

Prof Tennyson Mgutshini, Executive Dean, College of Graduate StudiesEssential topics covered

The videos highlight crucial support services, including academic tools like myUnisa and Moodle, the student-supervisor relationship and Unisa’s performance-tracking dashboard. They also cover the use of Turnitin to uphold academic integrity, ethical clearance procedures and administrative support systems.

A dedicated video takes students through accessing Unisa’s vast library, which is the largest in Africa, empowering them to navigate and tap into its rich resources effectively.

Strengthening academic and research success

The video, titled Postgraduate Research Training Programme, details available academic resources, ranging from dissertation writing guidance to research development workshops. These are tailored to meet students’ diverse academic needs.

The video on M&D Research Examination Process, covers examination and graduation processes, scholarship and bursary opportunities, support for international students and students with disabilities, and research training. These videos also offer guidance on every stage of the postgraduate journey, from proposal development to publication.

Additionally, the Insights of Graduates video provides inspirational testimonies from Unisa graduates, spotlighting themes like perseverance, mentorship, financial support and the significant impact of accessible resources. Their messages affirm that success is achievable with determination and the right support.

Engaging with Unisa’s ten catalytic niche areas

Students are encouraged to participate in Unisa’s ten catalytic niche areas, which are aligned with the university’s academic and Africanisation agendas. These areas focus on critical societal, economic and environmental challenges and foster cutting-edge research with continental impact.

Further support: A partner in the postgraduate journey

Beyond academic support, further support is available from the Directorate for Counselling and Career Development, which helps students navigate common challenges like time management, isolation and academic pressure, acknowledging that their well-being and resilience are key to success.

Mgutshini asserted that through this initiative, CGS reaffirms its commitment to cultivating a supportive and enriching academic environment. He elaborated: "These videos are more than just guides; they are companions through every phase of postgraduate study at Unisa." He further assured that they help students grow academically and professionally, ultimately, making a lasting impact in their fields. Mgutshini concluded: "We are committed to preparing our postgraduate students beyond their qualifications, but also for the professional world."

Click here to access the video series.

Click here for the YouTube versions of the videos.

* By Hanli Wolhuter, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Graduate Studies