Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Study at Unisa2017
Study at Unisa2017
2017
Define tomorrow.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Re-admission to Unisa in 2018 4
Do your assignments 48
2 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
INTRODUCTION
This brochure has all the tips and information you need to
succeed at distance learning and, specically, at Unisa.
STUDY @ UNISA 3
RE-ADMISSION
TO UNISA IN 2018
STUDY @ UNISA 5
UNISA RE-ADMISSION
6 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
RE-ADMISSION
IN 2018
YES
NO
ADMISSION DECLINED
NO
Failure to pass the required number of modules
will result in you not being able to study further
at undergraduate level.
STUDY @ UNISA 7
PREPARE FOR
STUDY SUCCESS
You have already made the decision to study. What do you have to do to
You may have been thinking about studying get there?
for a long time, and this opportunity means a Think about what you are committing to
lot to your career and personal development. for the next 3 to 6 years. Think realistically
Whether you are a new student, or a about what you need to do given your current
returning student, you need to take some circumstances. This will help to minimise
time to think about how you will commit disappointments and putting yourself under
yourself throughout this process and what unnecessary pressure.
you need to put in place to focus on your
studies. The following questions may help Now reflect on your thinking about yourself as
you to affirm (or re-affirm) your commitment a student. The biggest commitment you have
to your studies: to make is the commitment to yourself: Do
you believe you are capable of completing your
Where are you now? qualification?
Think about your circumstances (your career,
studies, personal circumstances). What do you already have in place
that can help you to succeed with
What do you want? your studies?
Think about what you hope will change and
what you would like to achieve by completing
your qualification. What do you need to put in place
to help you succeed
with your studies?
STUDY @ UNISA 9
ASSESS
YOURSELF
SHADOWMATCH WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
Unisa uses a system called Successful students in various
Shadowmatch to give you information qualifications are asked to participate in
on the habits and behaviours that will the assessment in order to establish a
contribute to your study success. Once benchmark or shadow.
you have completed the assessment,
you will receive a report comparing your
habits to those of the top-performing
students in your area of study (the
benchmark/shadow). If your habits and 19
habits
ONLINE
COMPLETION
behaviours do not match the benchmark
participants are Single log on
of top performers in their area of rated on
study, it may be more difficult for you
to perform to your full potential and
this may inuence your success in your
chosen qualication. You will also receive Conceptual fitness
a personal development plan to help you Task efficiency It will only take
improve the habits which contribute to Attitude 30 minutes
success in your chosen eld of study.
UPON COMPLETION
For more information about YOU WILL RECEIVE:
Shadowmatch, visit http://bit.ly/1HiT03e Personal report
Personal development plan
10 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
This programme is very
good and its a fact, it
did help me understand
a bit more about myself.
Thank you Unisa.
Shadowmatch gave me
tips that I never noticed
as I started my studies.
I am now so sure about
the career I chose.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Thanks for this
PERCENT motivational tool that I
learnt more about what regard as a means for
habits will help them sharpening my reasoning
succeed strength.
STUDY @ UNISA 11
CREATE
SPACE
IN YOUR LIFE TO BE A
DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENT
12 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
+ +
NEGOTIATE SUPPORT
Your study success is not only dependent on your own efforts you need other people, such as
your family, employer and friends. Negotiating the support of others means that you will help
the people in your life understand the demands of open distance learning (ODL), and that you
will communicate your challenges, successes and needs in terms of your studies. Negotiation is
a give and take situation you also have to think about what you can give back to those who
support you. This can range from giving others feedback about your study process, spending
time with them when you are not studying and including them when you reward yourself for
your success. And, of course, dont forget about getting the necessary support to cover the cost
of your studies. Unisas Student Funding Division (DSF) offers services to assist you in obtaining
funding to cover the cost of your studies. Bursaries and loans are available to academically
deserving and financially needy students to relieve the stress of worrying about paying for your
studies. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/studentfunding for more information or contact the Student
Funding Officer at any of Unisas regional offices.
STUDY @ UNISA
MY STUDIES @ UNISA 13
CONNECT
ONLINE
Computers and the internet are becoming more THE BENEFITS OF ONLINE STUDY
and more essential in the workplace, in life and It saves so much time. You can submit
in education. In distance learning, especially, assignments or get results at the click of
these online tools play a huge role in your a button.
study experience, because you dont attend You can connect with other people so much
face-to-face lectures at Unisa - you connect to more easily too, which makes a big difference
your university from a distance. The internet is when creating your academic network.
simply the fastest, most effective and efficient Work that you type on a computer is easier to
way to do that. By embracing computers and read, easier to correct and easier to manage.
encouraging our students to use the internet, By using online systems regularly, youll
were better preparing them for the demands of develop those online skills, thus preparing you
the digital age. for the digital future.
14 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
1
GO TO my.unisa.ac.za
https://my.unisa.ac.za
3
CLAIM YOUR
myLife e-mail account
4
WRITE DOWN
your password and
keep it safe
STUDY @ UNISA 15
CONNECT ONLINE
UNISA RADIO
Unisa Radio keeps you updated and informed on a whole
range of Unisa-related topics. Their programming consists of
music, informative interviews and talk shows. Where to tune
in? You guessed it. Unisa Radio is on the internet. Access it
via radio.unisa.ac.za or by clicking on the Unisa Radio link on
myUnisa.
16 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
LEARNING ONLINE SKILLS
If you dont know how to use a computer, there are numerous online courses that teach basic computer skills.
Its important to understand a word processing program (such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice Writer),
how to receive and send e-mails, and how to search the internet. The Goodwill Community Foundation has
over 750 free online computer classes available on their website: http://www.gcearnfree.org. In addition
to the online lessons, there are mobile apps that you can download to your Android phone, iPhone or iPad
to help you learn on the go. The online classes available cover aspects of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, etc), as well as internet and e-mail basics.
The various search engines available on the internet are indispensable whether youre doing research or
looking for training courses. Use specic keywords such as basic Windows 7 tutorial or basic Google
search techniques to dene your search.
STUDY @ UNISA 17
ORGANISE
YOUR
STUDIES
BEFORE YOU RECEIVE YOUR
STUDY PACK
Even before you receive your study pack, you can Check that the module codes in the
get ready to study. You can inventory letter match the modules for
download your study material and tutorial which you have registered.
letters from myUnisa Check that the information on your student
confirm all your contact details on myUnisa card is correct. The student card confirms
check which prescribed books you need and that you are a Unisa student (accompanied
make arrangements to obtain your books by your ID or passport) and grants you
access to libraries, examination venues
YOUR STUDY PACK and other campus facilities. Keep it with
All your study material is available on myUnisa (study you when you visit any Unisa facility. If you
material for fully online modules is only available on lose it, you can request another one by
myUnisa). Study packs are also sent to students via sending an e-mail to despatch@unisa.ac.za
courier or post (depending on the option you selected or an SMS to 43579.
at the time of registration). Once youve received your Check your personal barcodes which youll
study pack you should do the following: need for each printed assignment you
Read the inventory letter to make sure that all the submit via the post office or assignment
material in the study pack matches the inventory box. You can request additional barcodes
letter. If not, send an e-mail to despatch@unisa.ac.za from Unisa by sending an e-mail to
or an SMS to 43579. despatch@unisa.ac.za or an SMS to 43579.
18 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
STUDY @ UNISA 19
ORGANISE
ORGANISE
YOUR STUDIES
YOUR STUDIES
SCAN
SCAN YOUR
YOUR STUDY
STUDY MATERIAL
MATERIAL
Spend about
Spend
your
about 2
study
2 hours
hours per
pack,
per module
including
modulesto
your
toscan
study
scanthrough
throughthe
guides or
thematerial
materialyou
modules online
youreceived
receivedinin
documents.
your study pack, including your study guides or module online documents.
11
READ
READ YOUR
YOUR TUTORIAL
TUTORIAL LETTERS
LETTERS
22
Carefully read
Carefully read through
through all
all your
your tutorial
tutorial letters
letters and
and make
make notes
notes of
of assignment
assignment
dates,
dates, examination dates, prescribed books, recommended reading and
examination dates, prescribed books, recommended reading and additional
additional
information included
information included by
by your
your lecturer.
lecturer.
BUY YOUR
BUY YOUR PRESCRIBED
PRESCRIBED BOOKS
BOOKS
Each
Each tutorial
Tutorial letter
Letter101
101has
hasaalist
listofofprescribed
prescribedbooks
booksandandrecommended
recommendedreadings.
readings.
Buying your
your books
books from
from an
an official
official Unisa
Unisa bookseller
bookseller will
will ensure
ensure that
that you
you get
get the
the
33
Buying
correct
correct editions. When ordering, please include the name, ISBN number and edition.
editions. When ordering, please include the name, ISBN number and edition.
The recommended
The recommended readings
readings on
on your
your list
list are
are available
available from
from the
the library.
library. Find
Find the
the
approved
approved Unisa
Unisa booksellers
booksellers on
on our
our website
website at
at http://bit.ly/1oysnyq
http://bit.ly/1oysnyq
CREATE
CREATE A
A FILING
FILING SYSTEM
SYSTEM
Create aa filing
Create filing system
system for
for each
each module
module where
where you
you can
can file
file all
all your
your tutorial
tutorial letters,
letters,
study notes, assignments and everything related to that module. When
study notes, assignments and everything related to that module. When downloading downloading
44
your study
your study material,
material, organise
organise the
the material
material for
for each
each module
module in in separate
separate folders.
folders. Use
Use
your Microsoft OneDrive online storage space (or any other cloud storage
your Microsoft OneDrive online storage space (or any other cloud storage service service
such as
such as Google
Google Drive,
Drive, Box
Box or
or Dropbox)
Dropbox) toto save
save your
your study
study material
material and
and all
all other
other
documents related to your studies online. This way you can access these
documents related to your studies online. This way you can access these documents documents
anytime, anywhere
anytime, anywhere and and on
on any
any device
device with
with internet
internet access.
access.
20 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
2
3
1
STUDY @ UNISA 21
GET STARTED
WITH YOUR STUDIES
Step 1: Step 3:
Start by thinking about when you will study. Take a look at your planning. What do you
Where will you find time to study? Think about now realise about your time? Will this work
all your commitments and think about the time for you? Do you need to change the time you
when you are at your best. If you are working a spend on some activities? What do you need
full day, for example, would it be better for you to reprioritise?
to get up earlier in the morning to study or are
you able to study late at night? Step 4:
Complete another weekly plan where you
Step 2: include blocks of study time.
Take stock of what you do and where you
spend your time. Use the table on the next
page as an example of how to do this. Be
completely honest so that you can get a realistic
overview of how you are currently spending
your time.
STUDY @ UNISA 23
SCHEDULE EXAMPLE
6:00-7:00 Prepare and Prepare and Prepare and Prepare and Prepare and
travel to work travel to work travel to work travel to work travel to work
7:00-8:00
11:00-12:00 Family
time
12:00-13:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Family time
14:00-15:00 Reading
15:00-16:00
19:00-20:00 Family time Family time Family time Family time Family time
23:00-12:00
12:00-4:00
24 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
YOU HAVE SOME OPTIONS.
YOU CAN
use the physical year planner you
received with this brochure
download a planner from the
internet
use the calendar app on your
cellphone or computer
use the calendar on myUnisa
STUDY @ UNISA 25
SCHEDULE
TIME
SCHEDULE STUDY TIME
Allocate enough time to
work through your study guides
(if your module has one)
read your prescribed books
It is important that you think about what you You need to set a study
will have to sacrifice (or put on hold) to
complete your qualification. programme for yourself for
the year and allocate sufficient
STEPS TO FOLLOW:
Calculate the number of weeks until the time to work through the
exams.
Deduct 2 weeks from that time for nal
study guides, to study and
exam preparation. read the relevant sections
Divide the work in each study guide into
chunks. of the prescribed books,
Schedule these chunks into the weeks you to incorporate additional
have available, giving more time to more
difficult work. material if necessary, to
Include 2 hours at the end of each week
do the assignments and to
to evaluate your progress.
prepare for the examinations.
26 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
STUDY @ UNISA 27
SCHEDULE TIME
For 12-credit modules, you will need to spend at least 120 hours
working on the module. This includes approximately 50 hours of
reading and studying the learning material, 40 hours of doing
activities and assignments, and 30 hours of preparation for the
examination.
For 24-credit modules, you will need to spend at least 240 hours
working on the module. This includes approximately 100 hours
of reading and studying the learning material, 80 hours of doing
activities and assignments, and 60 hours of preparation for the
examination.
28 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
50 hours reading 12-CREDIT MODULES
and studying the You will need to spend at least 120
material hours working on the module
40 hours doing
assignments and
activites
30 hours preparing
for examinations
80 hours doing
assignments and
24-CREDIT MODULES activites
You will need to spend at
least 240 hours working on 60 hours
the module preparing for
examinations
STUDY @ UNISA 29
EFFECTIVE
LEARNING
STRATEGIES
30 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
1
STAGE 1
Exploration
STUDY @ UNISA 31
EFFECTIVE LEARNING
MEMORISE
While you may understand the information you
study, therell always be material that needs to
be memorised. This is the last stage of studying
and preparing for exams, and can only be done
effectively once you understand the material.
It should take up to 15% of your time. While youll
need to argue points of view, form opinions and
analyse texts, youll also need to memorise facts,
ideas and keywords. Memorising is the second
part of xation. By memorising information,
3
you develop reasoning skills based on a sound
factual foundation. Like everything worthwhile,
STAGE 3
memorising can be difficult. Testing
EVALUATE REVISE
Evaluating your performance against existing goals Work through old exam papers and discuss
helps to set more realistic goals in the future, the material (with lecturers and fellow
prepares you for exams and gives you an idea students) using language appropriate to your
of the volume of work required. Evaluate your subject matter. Reference the facts youve
progress at the end of each study week by asking memorised and note areas that still need
these questions: work or memorising.
Did I commit to the time I wrote down and did
I use my study time effectively? If not, what do I Testing yourself is also part of this stage.
have to do differently this week to manage my It involves using your notes to test yourself,
study time more effectively? answering old exam papers (available on
Am I coping with the content or do I need help myUnisa), and discussing your material with
to understand it? Who must I ask for support? lecturers and fellow students. It should take
Are there additional commitments I need to 10% of your time.
schedule for next week?
32 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
STUDY @ UNISA 33
CREATE YOUR
PERSONAL LEARNING
NETWORK
Distance learning is a different way of learning
there is a physical distance between you and
Unisa. For most of us, this means that our previous
learning experiences will not have prepared us for
the Unisa study journey. Unisa has a number of
support services for our students from tutorial CONNECT WITH YOUR
support to counselling, to online tools. The LECTURER AND E-TUTOR
distance in distance learning means that most Unisa is changing. Most of our tutors the
of your interactions with Unisa will take place at experts we employ to help you are now
a distance mostly in digital format. Your study e-tutors, communicating exclusively via
world will be the environment you create a myUnisa. Theyre there to guide you, give you
room at home, a desk somewhere at work and, of advice, explain difficult concepts and generally
course, the connections you make and the virtual enrich your Unisa experience. e-Tutors are
networks you develop. experts in their elds. Theyve been down the
same road and theyve excelled, so they can
CONNECT ONLINE also advise you on effective study and research
myUnisa (https://my.unisa.ac.za) is Unisas online methods, help you plan and schedule study
student portal and is your most important time, and help you to develop study skills.
study tool. Its your lifeline the primary link
to your university. Its how you communicate You may, of course, also contact the lecturers
with Unisa and how Unisa communicates with responsible for your modules. Your Tutorial
you. Dont forget to also claim your free myLife Letters 101 and myUnisa will contain the
e-mail account, which Unisa will use to send you contact information and process to follow
important information, notices and updates. when contacting your lecturers.
34 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
+ +
STUDY GROUPS
Being isolated and removed from your lecturers and fellow students is often one of the
major challenges of distance education. You can overcome this by joining and forming
study groups with fellow students. Being part of a study group will allow you to discuss
problems, link new subject matter to sections of work you have already mastered and
check that your understanding of a module is the same as how others understand it.
For more information about establishing and managing a study group, visit this webpage:
http://bit.ly/1Oh3msZ
TUTORIAL CLASSES
Tutorial classes allow students to interact, collaborate and learn from one another.
Discussions are facilitated by experienced tutors, focusing on problem areas, key issues and
themes. While the trend at Unisa in 2017 is more towards e-tutoring, physical tutorials
are still held at some centres. Check with your closest regional centre to see if tutorials are
offered in your modules.
STUDY @ UNISA 35
REGIONAL
CENTRES
VISIT A UNISA REGIONAL
CENTRE TO Indicates Unisa regional
connect to Unisa hub
get advice
meet other students Indicates Unisa regional
make use of Unisa services service centre
have conversations with counsellors (limited services)
use our Academic Literacies Services
use a computer (* there are a limited
number of computers available at the For more information on Unisaa regional
regional centres) centres, go to www.unisa.ac.za/regions
36 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
GAUTENG LIMPOPO
Pretoria/Sunnyside Polokwane
Florida Makhado
Johannesburg Giyani
MIDLANDS Ekurhuleni
Rustenburg Vaal
Bloemfontein
Limpopo
Kimberley
Potchefstroom
MPUMALANGA
Kroonstad
Mbombela (Nelspruit)
Mafikeng
Gauteng Middelburg
North West Mpumalanga
Lesotho
Northern Cape
KWAZULU-NATAL
Durban
Pietermaritzburg
Eastern Cape
Newcastle
Richards Bay
Western Cape
Wild Coast
EASTERN CAPE
WESTERN CAPE Mthatha
East London
Cape Town
Port Elizabeth
George
STUDY @ UNISA 37
COUNSELLING
SERVICES
Unisas counselling services provide career, During and after your studies to
academic and personal support to students. identify opportunities through
Support is available online and by e-mail, in career research
person, by telephone and by letter. prepare for job opportunities
(searching for jobs and presenting
You can have conversations with a yourself to employers through
counsellor before application and your CV writing, online brand
registration to and interview skills)
prepare yourself for the demands of open learn how to create an effective
and distance learning professional network
get career guidance and counselling to consider postgraduate study
help you link your studies to your career opportunities
development
38 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
STUDENT
AFFAIRS
Unisa doesnt have the same face- STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
COUNCIL (SRC)
to-face contact that you get at a The SRC is a committee of student leaders elected
campus-based university. We do, by the students themselves, representing the
students and ensuring that the student voice is
however, care for the wellbeing considered in matters of governance and whenever
and development of our students important decisions are made. If there is anything
you wish to bring to the attention of the SRC, you
- physically, emotionally, culturally can contact them via the regional centres or on
myUnisa.
and socially.
Visit myUnisa or www.unisa.ac.za/src for more
The different directorates and information on the SRC.
STUDY @ UNISA 39
LIBRARIES
The library is one of the Unisa students Library app
indispensable resources. Knowing how to use it You can download the library app from the Google
(and using it extensively) is central to the successful Play Store or Apple App Store:
Unisa student experience. The Unisa library is http://www.libanywhere.com/m/917
the largest academic library in Africa, containing
over 2.7 million items, including books, reference This app will allow you to
resources, e-books, e-newspapers and e-journals. log into your library account
scan any books barcode to check if the Unisa
Collections include library has the book in its collection
journal collections search the library catalogue
audiovisual collections request material
archives and special collections renew items
locate a branch library near you
The library provides free training sessions to
students, covering library procedures, how to Requests
search for material using the catalogue, etc. You can request material electronically, by fax or by
If you dont yet know how the library works, post (electronic is the preferred method). Requests
book one of these sessions as soon as possible can be made at www.oasis.unisa.ac.za or m.oasis.
by going to www.unisa.ac.za/librarytraining unisa.ac.za (for mobile devices) or via the Library
site on myUnisa.
As a registered student, you have free, unlimited
library access for the current academic year. Faxed requests: +27 12 429 8128
This membership is cancelled directly after the (lists not accepted)
completion of your nal examination of that
year. Your membership is re-activated upon re- Postal requests: The Manager: Request Services,
registration. Being a member allows you to Department of Library Services
borrow material PO Box 392, Unisa 0003
request material
access the librarys electronic items Requested items are sent to you free of charge.
You can also visit http://libguides.unisa.ac.za
40 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
STUDY @ UNISA 41
LIBRARIES
Unisa libraries: Muckleneuk Campus, Polokwane, Returns
Sunnyside, Durban, Cape Town, Science Campus The Unisa library now has a self-service system
(Florida), Johannesburg, Rustenburg, East London, where you can self-issue and return library
Nelspruit, Ekurhuleni, Pietermaritzburg and Akaki material at your convenience. You will need your
(Ethiopia). student card and library OASIS PIN. All library
material must be returned in person or by post
Mobile libraries (buses): Western Cape, Limpopo on or before the due date. Damaged or lost
(loan period for mobile libraries is one month and material must be replaced at the students cost.
one renewal is allowed depending on demand). Students will not be able to re-register for a new
year of study if there is outstanding library
Borrowing material or unpaid nes against their account.
You may borrow material at the lending counters
or at the self-service terminals in the library. Library services
Undergraduate students may borrow up to 8 Free training
items, postgraduate students up to 16 items, Lending services
undergraduate music students up to 12 items and Self-service photocopying and printing
postgraduate music students up to 20 items. (subject to the provisions of the Copyright
Act 98 of 1978)
Renewals Literature searches
You can renew your material in one of the Research support
following ways: Services for students with disabilities
online (oasis.unisa.ac.za/patroninfo) Subject-specic Library guide (LibGuides)
in person on http://libguides.unisa.ac.za
telephonically
Enquiries
Renewals will not be granted if there is a hold on E-mail: library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za
the item or there is an outstanding library ne on Tel: +27 12 429 3133/3134
your loan record. Only two renewals are allowed. This is a summary only. For full details on the
Items that cannot be renewed must be returned Unisa library - branches, procedures, rules,
to the library immediately. payment information, tariffs and so on - go to
www.unisa.ac.za/library
42 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
STUDY @ UNISA 43
ACADEMIC
LITERACIES
SERVICES
Our Academic Literacies Services focus on Undergraduate students
supporting Unisa students, from undergraduate The Reading and Writing Service will help you
level to doctoral level in any discipline, who aim to develop your competence in reading large
to develop the following literacy abilities for amounts of material for your studies and in
academic success: writing for different academic purposes. We offer
information literacy face-to face consultations where a member of
reading staff will help you to
writing read with greater understanding
learning literacy analyse and understand assignment questions
quantitative literacy (academic numeracy) brainstorm and compile an assignment outline
obtain feedback on your first and successive
Every Unisa learning centre has a face-to-face drafts of assignment answers
Academic Literacies Centre, with a reading practise self-editing for grammatical and
and writing, research writing and quantitative surface errors
literacy service.
In addition, workshops will be run through the
semester or year to build your confidence in your
ability to read and write academically.
44 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
The Academic Literacies Digital programme (AcaLit Digital programme) is available to undergraduate or first-
time Unisa students who want to develop their academic literacy competence, ranging from academic English
to numeracy. Send an e-mail to aLitDig@unisa.ac.za with a request to join this programme on myUnisa.
The Quantitative Literacy Service provides students in all disciplines and at different levels with opportunities
to consult a facilitator about calculations, concepts, graphs, equations, fractions, decimals and negative
numbers through workshops and face-to-face consultations. Workshops (both general and discipline specific)
are offered each semester which address critical aspects of quantitative literacy.
STUDY @ UNISA 45
DEAL
WITH CHALLENGES
RELATED TO YOUR STUDIES
WHAT IF THINGS GO WRONG?
During your studies, you may experience challenges related to your studies, or challenges at home and
work that impact on your studies. For example, if you receive feedback on an assignment that you do not
agree with or you have regular conicts with a colleague at work.
When a conict situation arises, it may be due to your perceptions and assumptions about others, or a clash
of values or unresolved issues from the past that keep on re-surfacing. It may be helpful to take time to
reect on the situation to avoid a perpetual cycle of trying to solve what you think is a problem (but may no
longer be a problem). When a challenge arises, use the following questions to reect on the situation:
What is the problem/issue youd like to How can you use what you can control
solve? Where are you at present? Where towards resolving the issue?
are you stuck? What resources do you need? How can
How are you feeling about the issue? you access these?
What is inuencing how you feel about the Who do you need for support?
problem? What is your next step? What do you want
What are you hoping for? How do you see to focus on now?
things changing?
What have you accomplished so far to help Download this handout to help you reflect
you resolve this problem? on a current challenge you are
What can you control about this situation? experiencing and how you can manage
What cant you control about this this more effectively: http://bit.ly/1ssxFNc
situation?
46 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
STUDY @ UNISA 47
DO YOUR
ASSIGNMENTS
Types of assignments
Computer Science
students
Submitting assignments
via myUnisa
Assignment boxes
Submitting assignments
by post
STUDY @ UNISA 49
ASSIGNMENTS
FILL IN YOUR MARK-READING
SHEET AS FOLLOWS:
Space 1:
Initials and surname (eg S Bengu).
Space 2:
Full postal address, including postal code.
Space 3:
Student number (use one block per digit).
If your student number has seven digits,
the last square remains open.
Space 4:
Under each square in space 3 is a series
of digits from 0 to 9. Mark the digits that
correspond with your student number.
Mark your answer with a horizontal line
through each digit.
Space 5: Space 7:
There is a unique assignment number at Code for course, half-course, paper or module (eg COS111-U).
the top of the assignment questions in your
tutorial letter. This number matches your Space 8:
answers with the answers on the computer. Assignment number.
It is used to mark your assignment. You
must use the correct assignment number. Space 9:
The question numbers on the sheet correspond with the
Space 6: question numbers in the assignment. Next to question
Mark the corresponding digit below each numbers are answer squares from 1 to 5. Mark the digit that
square of the assignment number, as you corresponds with your answer.
did with your student number.
50 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
SHORT QUESTION OR
ESSAY ASSIGNMENTS
These should be compiled using a word
processing package (eg MS Word) or
handwritten.
PRINTED ASSIGNMENTS
Use double-line spacing and leave a 5cm blank
1
Set the paper size to
space on the right-hand side of each page (for the A4, default tray, auto
lecturers feedback). Please follow the lecturers feed or auto select
instructions (found in your tutorial letters) and the
printed instructions on the assignment covers.
2
Please use a header for all word processor les, Set the left margin to
with your name, student number, module code at least 2.5cm and the
and assignment number. right margin to 5cm
4
Use common fonts
Dont embed objects from other programs eg: Times New
that require dynamic links. Rather, create a Roman or Arial
graphic of your spreadsheet or diagram, save
it as a bmp, jpeg or gif and insert this le into
Font size: 16 for
5
your document.
Keep tables simple. Complex tables can cause headings, 12 for
printer memory problems. normal text
STUDY @ UNISA 51
ASSIGNMENTS
COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS Please follow these guidelines. If you dont, you run
Submit programs or program output in either a text the risk of your assignment being returned to you
(ASCII) le or in a word processor le. Only submit unmarked. Your list of assignments per module will
one le per assignment you may have to combine be updated on myUnisa. Its your responsibility to
different les into one document. You can create a ensure that your assignments are received by Unisa.
single pdf document that combines different source To enquire whether the university has received your
les. We suggest using a xed width font (eg Courier), assignment, go to myUnisa or send an e-mail to
so that your documents are more readable and assign@unisa.ac.za (include your student number in
the indentation remains correct. Converting your the subject line).
document to pdf will ensure that your le presentation
remains exactly as you intended. Refer to your tutorial Assignments may be
letters for the submission formats of assignments on submitted via myUnisa (online)
myUnisa. placed in a Unisa assignment box
posted to Unisa (not recommended)
TIPS FOR COMPLETING ASSIGNMENTS submitted via courier (there is no charge if the
Completing your assignments assignment is submitted in an official Unisa
successfully involves envelope at the service point of the universitys
reading the assignment questions official couriers)
collecting the facts
compiling a structured response using We recommend that you type your assignments
study guides, prescribed books, readings, on a computer, print them to PDF and submit
discussions and the internet them online via myUnisa.
using headings and subheadings You will receive a status message and a reference
number conrming that your assignment has been
Assignments should consist of successfully submitted. You may only submit one
an introduction file per assignment on myUnisa. Zip files are only
a main heading accepted in some circumstances, so please follow the
a summary of the key facts instructions provided in your tutorial letters.
using proper referencing, including
a bibliography You must retain copies of all your assignments
Leave a space in the margin for comments.
52 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
STUDY @ UNISA 53
ASSIGNMENTS
SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS
VIA MYUNISA
Use a le format that can be uploaded to
myUnisa. These formats are listed in the
Specify the type of le drop-down list Dont wait until the closing date
on the submission screen. A pdf le is the Try to submit your assignments at least 3
preferred option (formatting and layout is working days before the due date, as you
retained). Please do not submit assignments may experience unforeseen problems (eg
in write protected/read only pdf formats. your internet connection is down) on the
Use only the Adobe pdf format. Information day you want to submit your assignment.
on pdf converters can be found on the
myUnisa homepage under Electronic Dont submit the same assignment via
resources. Navigate to the assignments tool two separate channels (eg myUnisa and
on myUnisa to start the process. When you the post). Any documents/assignments
click Continue, your assignment will be uploaded to myUnisa must be virus free.
uploaded to the Unisa network. This may If you repeatedly submit documents with
take several minutes depending on the size viruses, you may lose the right to use
of your assignment and the speed of your myUnisa.
internet connection. Once the assignment
is received, its details will be displayed on
your screen for nal checking. You can either
go back and make corrections or click on
Submit assignment to submit it.
54 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
Assignments submitted via myUnisa which are marked onscreen
(except multiple-choice question assignments, blogs, portfolios
and discussion forums) will be available for viewing on myUnisa.
Notication of the marked assignment (together with a link) will
be sent to your myLife e-mail account. Download your marked
assignment, so that you have access to it even when you are offline.
Unisas Assignment Division will not accept requests to cancel
assignments submitted via myUnisa. It is your responsibility to ensure
that the content of your assignment is correct before you submit it
via myUnisa.
ASSIGNMENT BOXES
If you live near Pretoria, Midrand, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Polokwane or Durban and prefer to
deliver your completed assignments personally, you may post your assignments in the assignment
boxes, preferably two days prior to the assignment due date, at these campuses. Please do NOT
post envelopes containing money in any of the assignment boxes. Unisa does everything possible to
ensure that assignments reach us safely, but the university cannot take responsibility for the loss of
assignments as a result of fire or theft. Assignments posted to the university must be in the envelopes
supplied to you when you registered. Except for weekends and public holidays, the assignment
boxes are emptied daily by Unisa staff. The collection time is approximately 07:00. If you submit an
assignment via an assignment box and do not receive confirmation via SMS from Unisa within 7 days
of submitting the assignment, please contact the Assignment Division.
For more information about the location of additional assignment boxes, visit http://bit.ly/1MMpUir
STUDY @ UNISA 55
ASSIGNMENTS
SUBMITTING WRITTEN/TYPED No assignments may be posted or
ASSIGNMENTS BY POST e-mailed directly to lecturers or academic
departments. The university will not accept
(NOT RECOMMENDED)
assignments or portfolios submitted via
e-mail or fax. Please dont submit different
Attach an assignment cover page with your name
sections of the same assignment separately.
and postal address, student number, module unit
code, assignment number and unique assignment
Please note:
number.
Proof of receipt of an assignment by Unisa
Number each page.
remains your responsibility.
Staple each assignment (excluding MCQ
assignments) into a cover (check the page order).
The assignment due date is the date on
Post each assignment in an individual Unisa
which the university must receive your
C4-size assignment envelope (extra postage is
assignment.
required for C4 sized envelopes).
Indicate your module code, assignment
Marked assignments will be returned to you
number and student number on each page.
approximately 5 weeks after the closing date
for the assignment. Portfolios, projects and
Due to delivery delays by the South African Post
practical work, however, wont be returned
Office, we advise you to submit assignments via
and the results will only be released with the
myUnisa (online), by courier or at a Unisa regional
examination results.
office.
56 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
+ +
Allow for at least 3 working days for the assignment to reach Unisa.
You will receive an SMS conrming that the university has received your
assignment, so please ensure that Unisa has your correct cellphone
number. You can also check on myUnisa if the university has received
your assignment. You may submit an assignment before the due date,
but your assignment will not be marked before the due date. If you dont
submit your compulsory assignment(s), you may forfeit your admission
to the examination for that module.
Please keep copies of all your assignments for cases where the original
assignment is not received either by a lecturer or the university. Unisa
may request a copy of an assignment.
Assignment results
Assignment results can be viewed on myUnisa: https://my.unisa.ac.za
SMS (you will receive an SMS with your assignment result as soon as
the result becomes available)
STUDY @ UNISA 57
PREPARE FOR
THE EXAMS
Examination
preparation skills
Practical issues -
exam timetables
and exam venues
What if you miss
your exams?
FI concession
Plan, study hard and prepare. Know the exam rules and regulations.
Be SEATED in the examination venue 15 Ensure that you receive the correct
minutes prior to the commencement time. question paper. You will receive zero
Know what type of exam it is (open book for your exam if you write the incorrect
or not). paper.
Know what stationery you need (calculator, Read the whole paper before you start
pens and pencils, etc) and take extras just writing.
in case. Prioritise do the easy questions rst.
Take your student card, ID (ID document, Attempt all the required questions.
passport or drivers licence) and exam Remember to read the instructions
timetable with you to the exam. carefully.
No student will be allowed to enter Check your answers.
the examination venue without these
documents.
STUDY @ UNISA 59
EXAM
CENTRES
Your examination centre was conrmed at CTA levels 1 and 2 students should note that examination
the time of registration. It can be checked on centres for these exams are limited to venues used for
myUnisa. All examinations in one examination tests during the year. CTA exams take place prior to the
period must be written at this centre unless October/November examination period. Applications
you apply, in writing, to Unisa to change for CTA venue changes must be submitted to Unisa by
the venue. Unisa will conrm whether it is 31 July. Please note that some third-level College of
possible to change your venue (depending on Accounting Sciences modules will be written at CTA exam
availability, venue capacity and the closing date venues.
for applications). Again, this can be done on
myUnisa. Important dates
Unisa reserves the right to change your examination
You can do this via venue due to logistical and/or operational reasons.
myUnisa
e-mail (exams@unisa.ac.za) (include your If we do need to change your examination centre, you will
student number in the subject line) be notied by
SMS 43584 15 April for the May/June semester
Fax +27 12 429 4150 examinations
15 September for the October/November
To change your examination venue, apply before examinations
28 February for the May/June examinations 15 December for the January/February
31 July for the October/November examinations
examinations
15 October for the January/February Remember to check your final examination timetable
examinations on myUnisa.
60 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
EXAMINATION TIMETABLE
The timetable you received when you registered contains
the preliminary dates for all examinations. These preliminary
dates are also on myUnisa. Unisa will only change these dates
if its absolutely unavoidable. Once dates have been nalised,
an official timetable will be posted to you approximately one
month before the commencement of the examination period.
It will also be uploaded to myUnisa.
STUDY @ UNISA 61
WHAT IF
YOU MISS
YOUR EXAMS?
You have worked hard throughout the semester or year to prepare for
your exam and it could be devastating to miss sitting for an exam
(eg by arriving 5 minutes too late). You could even have taken leave
for the exam and you cant see the possibility of not writing the exam
as you planned. As much as this is difficult, you need to understand that
Unisa has specific rules in order to create structure for the examination
process. The specific invigilator is not punishing you he or she is
just implementing the institutional rules. At that specific moment, as
much as it is hard to accept the news that you cannot write the exam,
it is also not effective for you to start an argument with the invigilator
about allowing you to write the exams, since this could create other
challenges. It would be more effective that you start thinking about the
options you have. Some of these options are listed on the next page.
62 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
AEGROTAT AND SPECIAL
NO
EXAMINATIONS
5
illness or death of a relative during the
examination period. Evidence of these
circumstances must be produced.
RE-REGISTER FOR
YES
THE MODULE
Fax: +27 12 429 4150
E-mail: aegrotats@unisa.ac.za (include your
If you are not eligible for an aegrotat or
student number in the subject line)
special examination, you will need to re-
Post: PO Box 392, Unisa, 0003
register for the module.
Please keep copies of your application to
ensure that Unisa has received your request.
STUDY @ UNISA 63
FI
CONCESSION
A nal-year student (undergraduate) who has one or two modules outstanding to complete a
qualication may qualify for assistance and potentially an alternative assessment opportunity. Most
students are granted a maximum of two assessment opportunities without being required to re-
register for the module. If both assessment opportunities have been utilised, you will be required to
re-register for the module at full cost. Modules selected as NDP (non-degree purposes) modules are
not considered for the concession. The outstanding modules are the modules required to complete
the qualication. Students must have written and failed the modules at the last available examination
opportunity. Note that not all modules are considered for the FI concession. Since the university
grants the FI concession opportunity based on the requirements met by the student, you are not
able to apply to the university to be considered for such an assessment opportunity.
Students registered for the January/February examinations who qualify for the second assessment
opportunity (in May/June) must still re-register for the relevant module before the closing date for
registrations. No late registrations will be permitted. To qualify for the second assessment opportunity
(supplementary examination), students must obtain a nal mark of between 40 and 49% in the
examination. Students who are unable to write their examinations due to ill health or work-related
commitments must apply in terms of the rules for aegrotat/special examinations. Students who are
unsuccessful at their second assessment opportunity or who are absent (for whatever reason) will have
to re-register for the module and pay the full tuition fees.
64 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
Students who fail supplementary exams (not
aegrotat exams) will not be considered for FI
concessions. Short learning programme modules
are not considered for FI concessions.
STUDY @ UNISA 65
AFTER THE EXAMS
STUDY @ UNISA 67
GET YOUR
RESULTS
PURCHASE A COPY OF YOUR DISCUSS YOUR PERFORMANCE
EXAMINATION ANSWER BOOKS WITH YOUR LECTURER
You may apply to purchase a copy of your Have a conversation with your lecturer to discuss
examination answer book. The cost is R35,00 what you can do differently as you prepare for
plus 60c per photocopied page. A payment of writing the same module again (either as a re-
R50 will cover the cost of 25 photocopied pages. registration or supplementary examination).
Only photocopies of the answer book will be
made available. These are sent via registered SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS
mail or e-mail once the application has been Most modules provide for two opportunities to
approved. This takes approximately 14 days. write the examination either a supplementary
Question papers and model answers/memoranda or aegrotat/special examination. Should your
and mark-reading sheets are not included. To module only provide for one examination
purchase a copy of your examination answer opportunity, you will not qualify for a
book, you must apply in writing using the supplementary or aegrotat/special examination.
prescribed application form. Examination answer Should a supplementary examination be granted
books are not available for modules for which and you are unable to write the examination, you
assessment is done by means of online timed will not be able to apply for an aegrotat/special
tests, oral exams or practicals. examination.
Enquiries about purchasing your exam script: Supplementary examinations may be granted
E-mail: purchasescript@unisa.ac.za provided you received a sub-minimum of 40% in
(include your student number in the subject line) the examination.
68 The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication (10 October 2016).
+ +
You cannot apply for a supplementary examination. Some modules do not make provision for supplementary
examinations this information will be included in your Tutorial Letters 101. If you qualify for a supplementary
examination (you must receive 40% in your examination to qualify for a supplementary exam), you will be notified
when you receive your results.
Your year mark is taken into consideration when calculating the nal result. Your year mark is only taken into account
if you meet the subminimum. You need to get 40% or more in the examination for the year mark to be taken into
consideration. If you get less. the final mark only consists of the mark you obtained in the examination. If you owe
tuition fees or library material, your results will be withheld and you will not receive notication of your supplementary
examination. Supplementary examinations missed as a result of this will not be rescheduled, nor will you be granted any
further examination opportunities.
STUDY @ UNISA 69
STUDENT VALUES
AND RULES
STUDY @ UNISA 71
INDEX
A C
Essay assignments 51 D
Aegrotat exams 63
Exam centres 60
Exam periods 61
FI concessions 64 App 40
F M
myUnisa 15
Notes: 30-32
Study material 20
R Support 13
Re-admission 5-7 T
Tutorial classes 35
S Tutorial letters 20
Semester modules 28
Shadowmatch 10-11 V
Social media 16
Student affairs 39 W
Student funding 13
Year modules 28
YouTube 16
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES