What is Academic Advising?

Academic advising is an ongoing and intentional teaching and learning practice that empowers students in their learning and developmental process to self-actualise, realise and connect their educational and career goals towards lifelong learning. This is done by providing students with information and connecting them to resources that are designed to help them reach their educational and career goals.

While it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to make decisions about his/her life and career goals, and to determine how those goals impact on their time at university, the academic advisor can assist the process by exploring different options and considering alternatives, identifying useful resources, and providing support in the form of mentoring, skills development and career pathway planning.

How to make an appointment

First check to find out when the academic advisor is available for consultation, then check your timetable to see when you are available, and choose a timeslot when you are both available. To book an appointment you can either:

• Email the academic advisor with your proposed timeslot, or

• Phone the academic advisor.

Academic Advisor (Student Academic Development):
Unathi Fipaza

Office       : North Campus, C-Block, Second Floor, Room C250

Email        : s215186486@mandela.ac.za

Tel           : 041 594 3299

Academic Advisor (School of Engineering):
Yonela Mashabala

Office       : North Campus, C-Block, Second Floor, Room C246

Email        : Yonela.Mashalaba@mandela.ac.za

Tel           : 041 504 3968

 

Student Responsibilities

  • As far as possible, try to set an appointment in advance with the academic advisor. While you are welcome to pop in without an appointment, there is no guarantee that the academic advisor will be able to see you.
  • Be on time for your appointment and remember to cancel if you cannot make it.
  • Come prepared by thinking about questions/concerns you would like to discuss and complete any questionnaires the academic advisor may ask you to complete in preparation for the session.
  • Take responsibility for making your own educational plans and decisions, and for completing tasks that may be set out after the advising session.
  • Monitor your own progress and ask for help when you need

Advisor Responsibilities

  • To help students define and develop realistic educational plans.
  • Connect students to useful resources and other advisors to advance their educational plan.
  • Provide accurate information to help students navigate the university system.
  • To monitor and track student progress.