Posted on February 14, 2022
The University of Pretoria (UP) hosted its second virtual Welcome Day on Saturday. It was livestreamed to more than 10 000 first-year students, their parents, and guardians.
To adhere to social distancing restrictions and COVID-19 protocols, UP took the decision to stream the event from its Future Africa institute and campus. Welcome Day provides new students and their parents with the unique opportunity to be formally introduced and welcomed as members of the UP community. Despite not being a face-to-face occasion, this year’s event did not lack prestige. Pages on UP’s Virtual Campus were viewed more than 26 000 times, during the event.
In his address, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tawana Kupe reassured first-years and their parents that the university is looking at reopening more activities, while keeping safe. “Although we are all meeting virtually, we are looking forward to seeing you all on campus soon, as this year will begin to assume a degree of normalcy.”
He added that surviving the COVID-19 pandemic was not an easy feat and lauded the resilience of the first-year students for having made it to UP. “The students we welcome today are part of history, having written their exams during unprecedented times – the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that you are here demonstrates your resilience,” Prof Kupe said.
UP Student Representative Council President, Thuto Mashila encouraged the incoming first-years to be bold as they begin an important chapter of their lives. “I would like to remind you all to be bold and to lead where you can. This will teach us to think for ourselves and to innovate and to be important role players in our future society. During my four years here, these were a few lessons that I learnt. I also feel strongly that these skills that we learn here will aid us greatly in our careers.”
First year BSc Extended Programme student Andziso Muchini from Malamulele in Limpopo, said he was attracted to UP because of the institution’s reputation. “Most of my friends are here, so through hearing from them I decided that I too wanted to come to UP,” Muchini said.
Ashleigh Heenan, first-year BA Law student said she enjoyed the thorough and concise nature of the Welcome Day programme. “I thought it was very thorough and concise about what we need to learn and known as first-years. I also thought it was presented superbly. It was a really good experience.”
The Durban native added that she is looking forward to making new friends. “I also want to get involved in student life. I want to have fun while still getting my academics in order!” she said.
Leriche Fourie, first-year Chemical Engineering student said she enjoyed the virtual Welcome Day. “I enjoyed it. I found it really insightful, and it helped me understand what to prepare myself for. It made me excited for the year ahead,” she said.
The 2022 Welcome Day was hosted on UP’s Virtual Campus, an online platform that allows visitors the opportunity to explore the University’s facilities and campus life through a combination of 360-degree Page 2 of 2 panoramas and videos, as well as course-related information. Radio personality and UP alumnus, Alex Caige was one of the moderators.
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