Record crowd of parents join orientation

A RECORD 1 774 people flocked to UCT for parents' orientation on February 4, contributing to the event's “resounding success”. According to one of the organisers, head of functions Judy Smit, over 900 parents, more than half of those who attended, were from out of town.

Though the programme was similar to last years', Smit said several factors had probably contributed to the high attendance figures. “Firstly, the programme was well-timed and kicked off at 15h00 instead of 10h00, giving local parents greater opportunity to attend. Secondly, the programme was flexible.”

The latter included visits to information stalls, every hour-on-the-hour talks, library and Campus tours, a welcome by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Njabulo Ndebele, and addresses by deans.

These were last on the programme, some sessions ending at 21h30, which indicated volleys of questions and a healthy interest in academic matters. The event was also timed to coincide with the opening of residences.

---

---