What is Advising, Access, and Success? A team committed to enabling flexible access with responsive support for success.
Why is it important? Students enter higher education in various ways, including strict selection, meeting the minimum requirements or through the recognition of prior learning (RPL). Therefore, we tailor academic support to diverse types of students.
How does it help? Enabling flexible access through the University Access Programme and Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to, mobility across and progression within education, training, and students’ career paths. Recognising and supporting students’ needs is a shared responsibility; the central academic advising team plays a powerful role in empowering and equipping students with knowledge, skills, and support to make informed decisions about their academic and career aspirations.
Academic Advising
UFS students who meet with academic advisors are more likely to pass more than 70% of their modules.
Academic advising support propels students along each of the 6 phases of their university journeys and ensures that they graduate in time. No matter where they are in their journeys, academic advising will help students find their way and keeps them going!
There are 4 categories of academic advisors:
Central (general) advisors:
Academic advising at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) focuses on student learning and educational experiences and seeks to connect students’ academic interests and skills to their personal and career ambitions.
The goal of academic advising is to instil good academic behaviours, such as time management, study skills, and goal setting that will promote access with success. Students are encouraged to access advising services throughout their student journey.
Through collaborative efforts and continuous communication, central advisors work closely with faculties to ensure that students know and understand that the university community cares.
Faculty/curriculum advisors:
Whilst CTL advisors provide general advice and connect students to UFS support networks, faculty advisors ensure that students stay on track with their curriculum and comply with the UFS’s general and faculty rules.
Curriculum advisors within faculties assist students with the following:
- Admission and progression;
- Registration of modules;
- Credit counts;
- Progression of studies;
- Module codes;
- Curriculum advice; and
- Faculty support.
Peer advisors: Are there to ensure that you connect with the correct support structures to get the support you need. They act as a referral point between you and the central office advisors. E.g., success coaches, tutors, and Residence Committees, etc.
Student support advisors: Are there to provide information, services, and support to ensure students are set for their student journeys. This support relates to administration and academics. E.g., Student Counselling and Development, Career Services, and Student Administration Services, etc.