International grant boost for student retention and success at Unisa

Through the efforts of Unisa’s Student Retention Unit (SRU), under the leadership of the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL), the university has become one of 20 South African universities to have secured a share of a $6 million grant from the Kresge Foundation, which is based in the United States. The aim of this grant is to help universities enhance their efforts in improving student retention and success, which is exactly what the SRU strives to achieve.

Dr Phumza Makgato-Khunou (Director: Instructional Support and Services) and Lekau Rachidi (Manager of the SRU) proudly displaying the grant pledge

Because every success has a foundation, the SRU joins this vital network of South African universities to solidify its initiatives in creating a student-centred culture of success at Unisa.

What does this mean for students at Unisa? The next exciting steps forward will see the SRU introducing four new student support projects. These projects will be implemented over the next three years, with the support of Siyaphumelela (“we succeed” in isiXhosa). The Siyaphumelela initiative, launched in 2014, is unquestionably a key stakeholder in growing student success initiatives in higher education in South Africa.

Tomorrow belongs to those people who prepare for it, so keep your eyes on Unisa’s communication channels to ensure you don’t miss any information about the launch of the student support projects.

Sithi Halala – Ntinga ntaka ndini to the Student Retention Unit!*

*"Ntinga ntaka ndini" is a popular phrase among amaXhosa, loosely translated as
“fly high, bird”, meaning: “The sky is the limit!”

* Submitted by Ziyanda Febana-Mkila, Student Success Practitioner, SRU, and Siyaphumelela Co-lead