On 22 March 2023, the Wednesday after Human Rights Day, Groenkloof Campus played host to the FLY@UP activation, which sought to reinforce the message that every student should hear and take to heart: Make your mark!

When asked about the reason for the FLY@UP activation, head coordinator Tayla Jonker explained that the aim is to make students aware of what the University offers to support them throughout their journey to the completion of their studies. The services made available to Tuks students include, for example, counselling and health services, which could impact positively on the well-being of students and their ability to achieve academic excellence.

Teenagers who enrol for studies at universities face many hurdles. The FLY@UP campaign offers them a Roadmap towards Your Finish Line that provides detailed information on how to cope with hurdles encountered along the way. Students need time to make adjustments, come to grips with academic challenges and deal with module or lecture concerns, which are some of the hurdles faced by every student. The roadmap also contains guidelines on how to deal with problems, for example by contacting Student Administration or even applying for a STARS mentor.

Small incentives that include a pocket roadmap and a bookmarking ruler are handed out to encourage students take note of how this campaign can be beneficial to them in the long run. ‘Our goal is to make sure students complete their degrees on time,’ Tayla stated. The University strives for excellence and is ready to equip its students with the tools they will need to ensure that they will complete their studies on time.

One third-year student, who chose to remain anonymous, said she finds it reassuring that FLY@UP constantly tries to motivate students to stay the course and complete their studies. She added that it also keeps her motivated as she prepares for her practicals. The success of the FLY@ UP activation is determined by the number of interactions it has with the students, and judging by the steady increase in student traffic since the beginning it is clear that this has been another successful FLY@UP campaign.