Nelson Mandela University is gearing up for the start of
formal academic activity next week, following an earlier agreement to use this
week to prepare students and allow time for the finalisation of their funding
and registration statuses.
The University will continue with a multi-modal approach to
learning and teaching, with campuses being readied for the return of those
students who will be partaking in on-site mask-to-mask academic activity and
staying at University residences.
This week has therefore seen some new students arriving on
campus and participating in the ongoing orientation programme, which is aimed
at assisting them in getting “digi-ready” in preparation for the online aspect
of their studies.
Staff working in the offices that are critical to ensuring
as smooth as possible a transition to the academic year, who have been working
remotely as a result of the pandemic, have returned to campus to fast-track
processes and assist with any enquiries.
Registration
As funding confirmation continues coming in from the
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and more students are cleared
for registration through the University’s financial concessions, there has been
a significant growth in the number of students registering for their 2021
studies.
To date, a total 20 467 students have registered, which has
risen from 12 356 at the same time last week. Of these, 18 725 (up from 11 023)
are undergraduates – including 3 452 first year students – and 1 742 (up from 1
333) are postgraduate students.
These figures are set to increase as students register,
which will continue until 5 April. Late registration will take effect
from then, until 16 April.
For students who have been admitted to the University, and
confirmed their acceptance, SMSs are being sent with the relevant information
to enable their successful registration. This is line with the University’s
commitment to ensure that all admitted students register.
Once registered, new students should e-mail their student number, campus
(where their qualification will be offered) and a head-and-shoulders photograph
of themselves to [email protected] for Nelson
Mandela Bay campuses and [email protected]for students studying at the George
Campus.
Returning students need not obtain a new student card, as their current card will be
renewed upon registration for 2021.
Financial Aid
The University’s Financial Aid office has been working to
load NSFAS funding statuses and clear students for registration. Allowances
have been paid to 7 060 students, with 6 434 in the process of being disbursed
at present.
For “missing middle” students, who are academically
deserving but do not qualify for NSFAS funding, although struggling to afford
fees, a number of applications have been processed towards the University’s
financial concessions. For those who meet the criteria, the concessions include
the rollover of debt, a down-payment exemption, being cleared for registration
and signing an acknowledgement of debt (AOD) form.
Thus far, 4 553 applications have been received, with 2 561
of those having been assessed, and 1 734 approved. For those approved, 576 AODs
have been issued. This is an ongoing process, with numbers expected to increase
as more applications are received and processed.
Residences
As students arrive on campus, the Student Housing Office has
been allocating rooms to those admitted to residences. Thus far, 4 466 students
have arrived to take up their places at the University’s on-campus and
accredited off-campus residences. At the Nelson Mandela Bay on-campus
residences, 1 762 have been allocated rooms, with 335 at George Campus. At the
Bay and George off-campus residences, 2 302 and 67 students have been allocated
rooms, respectively.
Permits
Staff and students needing to be on campus should be in
possession of an e-Permit, in keeping with the ongoing COVID-19 compliance
measures and the University’s efforts to monitor numbers on campus.
More than 11 050 e-Permits have been accepted and issued to new and
senior students to date.
Coronavirus Information
It should be noted that although we may be in the less restrictive
lockdown Alert Level 1, the virus remains active. As such, students are urged
to continue with their COVID-19 safety protocols of wearing masks, maintaining
physical distance and ensuring good hygiene practices.
For additional coronavirus related information, go to the My Mandela Return to Campus Student
Guide or consult
the coronavirus website.
