We hope that this website will give you a real sense of what the Education Development Unit is about, whether you are considering applying to the unit or already in the unit.
We are a vibrant ‘family’, providing a ‘home-away-from-home where we provide a shared environment where you will be supported to maximise your chance of getting your degree and acquiring a range of graduate attributes and qualities that will stand you in good stead in your life, as well as your career.
We aim to be part of the development of well-rounded students who will acquire the appropriate skills to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of South Africa.
What is the Education Development Unit?
The Education Development Unit (EDU) Commerce is the home of the Academic Development (AD) BCom, BBusSc and Actuarial Science programmes. The unit generates the work of these programmes and works with a variety of education initiatives throughout Commerce. These include tutor training, mentoring, workshops about teaching and learning, introducing a range of relevant skills, and developing multiple forums to facilitate a supportive and reflective learning environment in the faculty.
The Academic Development Programmes
The AD programmes address the University policy of promoting both equity and excellence. The primary purpose is to attract and retain students who have experienced gaps and disparities in education and life experiences. The AD programmes have been designed to allow completion of a BBusSc degree over a four or five year period and a BCom degree over a three or four year period. A range of other experiences and value-added opportunities are offered. It also provides students with various types of support that enhance a comprehensive range of education and life skills.
Being a part of the EDU
We have a dedicated team of outstanding lecturers at the first year level. Three lecturers have been awarded the university’s Distinguished Teacher Award. Many first-year results outperform mainstream results, and graduation rates are impressive.
Being on this programme means that your progress is monitored. You have regular contact with the AD Officer to develop solutions to your day-to-day and academic concerns. In the first year, you will have a mentor and a range of opportunities to interact with your fellow students to develop and practice collaborative learning and communication skills. Specific support exists in Language and development and Mathematics and a range of additional interventions at varying levels and courses in the degree.
We focus on developing a range of graduate attributes. In addition, the focus is on social responsibility, leadership and developing the wide variety of talents that the students bring to the university.