EMAIL: GreenP@cput.ac.za / SallieA@cput.ac.za
19 July 2023
Dear Students
Kindly note that the content of this letter pertains to students in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.
We have reached the mid-point of Academic Year 2023, with much happening between the time that studies commenced and now. The year to date was marked by student protests that led to the closure of the university, and the resultant amended academic calendar. The general concern was that the academic project should continue, and that the assessment period for Semester 1 be concluded. While this was no doubt a stressful time for students and staff, as is customary, staff in the FBMS made every effort to ensure that students were supported academically, and emotionally where possible.
Semester 1 has been successfully concluded, and it is now time for serious reflection on progress to date. With CPUT’s system of continuous assessment, students have numerous opportunities to be assessed, to reflect on progress made and to plan how best to improve results for Semester 2.
Students who excelled in Semester 1, well done to you – continue to be diligent, conscientious, and determined to succeed. Sometimes plans and good intentions do not always materialise – students who have not progressed as planned in Semester 1 will need to ensure that time on task is intensified, that assignments are submitted on time and that studies are viewed as investments for long-term planning. Success starts with regular class attendance and total engagement with subject content.
In addition to academic support, the FBMS arranged collaborative co-curricula activities for Semester 2, such as Entrepreneurship Tuesday for final year Diploma students and Advanced Diploma Students, and Money Wize Fridays for all students in the faculty. Students are invited to attend these webinars to be facilitated via Blackboard. Further information on this will be shared by respective departments.
Given the amended calendar, CPUT has a recess period of one week, from 24 – 28 July, with Term 3 starting on 31 July 2023. In terms of wellness, it is important to find appropriate leisure activities during this recess period before Term 3 commences in earnest. Time passes by swiftly – while Semester 2 seems like a long time there are only 12 weeks for learning and teaching, before the final summative assessments commence.
All the best for the rest of Academic Year 2023. May all investments in time, studies and effort reap rewards as intended.
Prof PE Green (Dean: Faculty of Business & Management Sciences)