#ChooseUP Day on Saturday, 9 September 2023

On Saturday, 9 September 2023, the University of Pretoria proudly hosted its annual #ChooseUP Day. This significant event, held annually in August/September, serves as a warm welcome to prospective grade 12 learners who have received conditional admission offers contingent upon their matric/school-leaving results. It provides an invaluable opportunity to acquaint them with UP, its dedicated staff, sprawling campuses, diverse faculties and an array of student services.

The Department of Library Services played an integral part in this event, with active participation from all its libraries. The libraries include the Merensky 2 Library and the Makerspace, led by the guidance of Elsabé Olivier, Gerda Ehlers and Christelle Steyn; the OR Tambo Law Library, overseen by Audrey Lenoge; the Education Library, nestled on the Groenkloof campus and managed by Clara Ngobeni; the Medical Library, situated on the Prinshof campus, under the watchful eye of Kabelo Kgarosi; and the Jotello F. Soga Library, located on the Onderstepoort campus, overseen by Myleen Oosthuizen.

Prospective students, alongside their parents, were extended a warm invitation to explore the library of their choice. They had the opportunity to engage with our dedicated staff members, who were on hand to provide insights into the available spaces, the wide range of services offered, and the abundant resources available to students.

The Merensky 2 Library received a wealth of positive feedback from these prospective students and their parents. These heartening comments reinforce the idea that engaging with prospective students in this manner is truly rewarding:

• "This library is amazing. Your staff are putting in a lot of effort to facilitate students' academic journeys."
• "What a wonderful experience to visit the library again after 40 years. Your staff members are so friendly."
• "I loved my first experience in the library. I will definitely spend a lot of time here next year."
• "My experience in the library made me feel like there are a lot of fun ways to study."
• "The Makerspace looks fantastic!"
• "The very friendly staff makes it super welcoming."
• "I found the Makerspace very interesting! I visited on #ChooseUP Day and I am looking forward to spending lots of time in the library next year!"
• "Really AMAZING! Such a beautiful library! Can't wait for 2024!"

The University of Pretoria and the Department of Library Services extend their sincere gratitude to all who attended #ChooseUP Day and made it a resounding success. We eagerly anticipate welcoming these prospective students to our libraries and supporting them in their academic journeys.

The photo album of the #ChooseUP Day at the Merensky 2 Library can be viewed HERE.