Message from the Rector

The year is already in full swing with
January something of the past.  With the registrations nearly finalized and the starting of classes we are getting into the rhythm of yet another exiting.  We already had two successful meetings with parents in our ongoing endeavour to build good and mutual relations with them.  The first meeting was to, amongst other, discuss the consequences of outstanding debt of students to their parents.  A common understanding was reached with the parents on the consequences of non payment of fees and a commitment to quality education and sustainability of the campus.  The second meeting was to welcome all first years and their parents to the campus.  Our core business being teaching, learning and research was emphasized and that we strive to develop well-rounded, quality students, able to contribute towards society and the country.   
The campus also played host to the 19th Annual Southern African Association for research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) International Conference.  The conference took place from 18 to 21 January and was attended by more than 300 delegates, all academics from around the African continent and other parts of the globe such as Israel, China, and  the United States of America.  The aim of the conference was to generate knowledge and improve research in Mathematics, Science and Technology in the pursuit to build a bridge into the future. 
The registration process went smoothly and we have received about 8 000 applications for first time admissions.  The target for first year intake is 2 000 and the total number of students registered to date is 7397.  I want to thank all departments who were involved with the admission and registration process for the hard work and long hours they have put in.      
Congratulations to Prof Ebenso (Physical Chemistry) and Prof Khalique (Mathematics) who recently obtained NRF ratings of C1 and C2 respectively.  Four NRF rated professors, Prof Moori (B rated Mathematician), Prof Petersen for research in the Deans office, Dr Makuden-Petersen for economics and Prof Frank for financial management joined the campus raising the total of our rated professors to nine.
A total of 12 new academic staff members have joined the campus since November 2010 to date.  Welcome to the Campus and the NWU family.
The Soccer Institute has once again done us proud with their successful defence of the University Sport South Africa (USSA) soccer title.  The Mafikeng campus is once more proud winners of the 2011 cup.  A big thank you also to the many other sporting codes  that represented the campus very well at the recent USSA games.

 Published by Koos Degenaar 10 February 2011