The Deputy Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Marinda Oosthuizen recently invited new and current MSc and PhD candidates who started their postgraduate studies to a two-day face to face Onboarding Program to welcome the students to the Faculty. 

This workshop was arranged by Dr Monica van Niekerk, the postgraduate student advisor in the Faculty and the Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA). The Onboarding Program took place from 29 to 30 March 2023 at the Onderstepoort Teaching and Development Center (OTDC) and was attended by 30 MSc and PhD candidates. 

On day one the students were addressed by Me Myleen Oosthuizen for a library session, Prof Henriette van Heerden for Research Methodology, Scientific Misconduct and Plagiarism, Mr Velly Nkosi for an Introduction to ClickUp and a Security briefing from Mr Rowan Watson before lunch. After Lunch Dr Monica held a Student Wellness session where she discussed how to manage your time during your postgraduate studies. 

During day two Prof Vinny Naidoo, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Ethics Chair discussed the Ethics application process and how these applications are reviewed, and Prof Geoff Fosgate held an introduction to statistics session. Four final year students shared stories on their postgraduate experiences to motivate the new students in their studies. The students then went on a campus tour to familiarise themselves with all the important places on campus, and the day ended with a braai at the cafeteria.