The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) Writing Centre recently hosted two pop-up events which aimed to raise awareness of the Writing Centre and its multiple services.
The Writing Centre, a unit under the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), strives to be responsive to the diverse academic writing needs of students. Its KwaDlangezwa Campus office is situated at DH5 building in the West Residence, while the Richards Bay Campus office can be found in Room A2 – 82.
The two pop-ups were held on separate days, starting at the KwaDlangezwqa Campus and concluding at the Richards Bay Campus.
Dr Nkosinathi Dlamini- a Writing Centre staff member – stated that in the past, some students would complete their qualifications without having any knowledge of the Writing Centre and its essential services. Planning the pop-ups was therefore one of the ways in which the unit was trying to resolve this issue. It began with presentations during the first year orientation week and was now spreading the message to the wider student population, Asanda Cebani, who organised the events, said.
During the gatherings, undergraduate and postgraduate students were encouraged to utilise the Writing Centre services for academic reading and writing skills development. They also competed in an array of games among which were spelling bee, referencing, hangman and crossword puzzles. These were thoroughly enjoyed by the students as the ultimate winners received great prizes.
Third-year education student Thobeka Buthelezi who participated in one of the academic games and managed to outsmart her peers was delighted and appealed to the Writing Centre to have more of such events.
Siyanda Mkhize, a second-year logistics management student who was one of the winners at the Richards Bay Campus pop-up, thanked TLC and the Writing Centre for hosting an “eye-opening” event.
Cebani extended her gratitude to the stakeholders that played a vital role in making the events a success. Said Cebani, “I would like to thank the Director: Teaching and Learning for allowing us to host this event; the UNIZULU Library for giving us their equipment and offering us space to host this event; my colleagues who helped in organising this event and making sure the event becomes a success; and Mr Lindokuhle Mkhize who is a coordinator of academic development [for sponsoring the gifts] that are being presented to students.”
– Mbuyiselo B. Mlaba
