Dear Fellow Student

My name is Tienie Fourie and I come from a super small town (Olifantshoek) in the Northern Cape, but this year you will get to know me as a member of your HK. I am one of the deputy Prims and I am in charge of first years and Academics. That means if you have any problems, be it social or Academic, I will be there to listen and to help. And in the rare event that we cannot handle the problem on our own, I also know who to call in time of need.

As you might have heard from other people, University is not the same as school. This is very true, and since you are at University to study – academics will be your most important priority here at Stellenbosch. That is why together with your mentor (each first year gets assigned to a senior) I will be there every step of the way to support you and to make sure you cope with the academic load.

Secondly I am HK of first years. It is my privilege to get to know every first year and to ensure that you enjoy your stay in Academia. Anything you want to communicate to the HK, you can tell me and I will make sure your voice is heard. I am not only here to ensure you are enjoying Academia, I am also here to represent all first years.

That's all from my side and I can't wait to meet you!!

Kind regards
Tienie Fourie

What does your portfolio entail?

As head of academics I am in charge of mentors for first–years. I am also HK of first–years, and these two portfolios combined entail assuring the acclimatization of the first–years into their new social and academic paradigm.

What would you like to achieve with your portfolio this year?

I want to ensure that a prestigious academic reputation and structure forms within Academia, and that all the new first–years succeed in what is expected of them, both academically and socially.

How are you going to do this?

By spanking them!

:)

With a proper support system that the mentors provide, and through well–planned and executed administrative ventures, this goal is easily within reach.

What do you perceive to be obstacles for your portfolio?

Within my portfolio it is sometimes needed to rely upon others for feedback and reports, and this introduces delays and errors within the system.

Describe your portfolio in one word?

Supercalifragilisticexpialidotious!

What are the strong points in your portfolio you need to build upon?

We have a very enthusiastic, competitive and positive group of first–years that respond well to our direction, and they have genuine spirit and loyalty to Academia, and with them on our side we can't lose!

What is the legacy you want to leave when passing the portfolio to the new HK?

I want to leave a well–structured and efficient system in place for managing the academics and first–years, so that consecutive HKs can more easily slide into the role and not have to relearn all of the lessons that made it so challenging.

Fellow Students

The purpose of this portfolio is bringing people of different backgrounds and cultures together, having them co exist happily respecting one another. This applies to both international and regional students. Diversity is more of an atmosphere, a feeling of acceptance you want to have in your residence for one another. The best thing about this portfolio is that it can be interwoven into the other respective portfolios as well.

Moletsane Mophethe

What does your portfolio entail?

My portfolio is diversity and cluster. The purpose of the diversity part is in bringing people of different backgrounds and cultures together. Having them co–exist happily respecting one another's traditions and beliefs. The idea of the cluster aspect is in being able to share, exchange and feed off the resources and ideas of the other residences at the university that comprise the cluster.

What would you like to achieve with your portfolio this year?

This year I would like to achieve the integration of students from different backgrounds into university society and life. Making them feel as if they belong at the university and their differences are what make them unique and special, something to be proud of, not shy. The cluster has both social and academic functions. Through this students can gain useful tools for both university life and the real world, which enables them to enjoy themselves in this process.

How are you going to achieve this?

This can be made possible by firstly having a mind map of what my goals are (if you don't set a goal then you never actually know what you are working towards). Secondly I will sit down on a regular basis with the cluster as well as other HK and plan well the necessary steps which will draw us closer to achieving this final goal, and lastly by executing these plans.

What are the major obstacles in your portfolio?

I personally believe the sky is the limit, but one thing which tends to hinder progress and development is the constraint of time. All things which must be integrated into a system properly must take time.

Describe your portfolio in one word

Dynamic!!

What legacy would you like to leave behind for the other HK?

By setting the wheels in motion for a grand master plan will bring about a positive change in the integration of students to this new phase of life. Laying a foundation on which the coming HK can build upon, by using cluster and diversity.

Community Interaction

Community Interaction involves the outreach to people in the community who are in need. We as students learn from and with the community we work with. A huge part of RAG is about giving back to the community. In the beginning of each year, each residence takes on a long term community project. This project is done with the One–Stop Service at Maties Community Service. Academia has chosen the Pebbles Project for 2010 which involves tutoring children between grades 1–12 on 9 different wine farms in the Stellenbosch region. We are partnered with Silene, Aristea and Kolonieshof for this project. The tutoring will be happening twice a week and volunteers will help us to achieve the goal of facilitating these children to reach their Academic goals.

Above: Photo of Academia, Aristea and Silene's HK's of Community Interaction at one of the farms of the Pebbles Project.

Academia's RAG partner for 2010; is Silene and we are going to do a small RAG community project with them at Meerlust Wine Estate. We will be taking old clothes and crayons to the children at the afterschool there. Volunteers will also join in and we will spend some time with the children. This will be taking place during RAG and all First Years are encouraged to take part.

For more information on the Pebbles Project please visit www.pebblesproject.co.za

Green

Academia wants to become more environmentally friendly and to do so we have decided to bring in a recycling system for the flats. This recycling system involves the division of wet waste and dry waste. Wet waste is anything that is thrown away which can decompose such as food. It is also as the name says "wet". It is therefore un–recyclable and needs to be transported to the dump. Dry waste on the other hand is any product which CAN be recycled; this includes paper, glass, plastic etc. The division of wet and dry waste will have the consequence of reducing the amount of waste which is transported to the dump (which at this moment is full). The less waste in the dump, the more waste will get recycled and the better it is for the environment.

The recycling system will therefore start in each flat with special two–compartment bins each compartment for the respective type of waste. Therefore each student would not have to go out of their flat to recycle. This is a small vision which can have a huge impact in the long run.

The new phase of Academia will be the first phase to have this implemented as it is already more environmentally friendly with solar panels, better water usage facilities and the like.

I look forward to partnering with the rest of Academia to serve our community and help empower our nation.

What does your portfolio entail?

Community Interaction – it involves the outreach to people in the community who are in need. We as students learn from the community we work with. A huge part of RAG is about giving back to the community. In the beginning of each year, each residence takes on a long term community project. This project is done with the One–Stop Service at Maties Community Service. There are also small projects throughout the year.

Green – this portfolio is about being environmentally friendly. Going green is a popular saying that means that you are becoming more aware of the effects of global warming and that you've made a choice to live more environmentally friendly/green. This is important, especially when NOW is the time that these changes need to be made. The worldwide Climate Crisis will not go away and this portfolio helps look at what we as students can do to be more kind to our environment.

What would you like to achieve with your portfolio this year?

Community Interaction – I would like Academia to be part of a long–term project, specifically tutoring children. I would also like Academia to have more small projects.

Green – It would be ideal if we could make Academia more environment friendly, and to start recycling within each flat/room. It also would be helpful to market GOING GREEN so that more students become aware of the Climate Crisis.

How are you going to do this?

Community Interaction – Academia has chosen the Pebbles Project for 2010 which involves tutoring children between grades 1–12 on 9 different wine farms in the Stellenbosch region. We are partnered with Silene, Aristea and Kolonieshof for this project. The tutoring will be happening twice a week and volunteers will help us to achieve the goal of facilitating these children to reach their Academic goals. Academia's RAG partner for 2010, is Silene and we are going to do a small RAG community project with them at Meerlust Wine Estate. We will be taking old clothes and crayons to the children at the afterschool there. Volunteers will also join in and we will spend some time with the children. This will be taking place during RAG and all First Years are encouraged to take part. For more information on the Pebbles Project please visit www.pebblesproject.co.za

Green – Academia wants to become more environmentally friendly and to do so we have decided to bring in a recycling system into the flats. This recycling system involves the division of wet waste and dry waste. Wet waste is anything that is thrown away which can decompose such as food. It is also as the name says "wet". It is therefore un–recyclable and needs to be transported to the dump. Dry waste on the other hand is any product which CAN be recycled, this includes paper, glass, plastic etc. The division of wet and dry waste will have the consequence of reducing the amount of waste which is transported to the dump (which at this moment is full). The less waste in the dump, the more waste will get recycled and the better it is for the environment. The recycling system will therefore start in each flat with two bins instead of one. Therefore each student would not have to go out of their flat to recycle. This is a small vision which can have a huge impact in the long run. The new phase of Academia is also more environmentally friendly and has solar panels as well.

What do you perceive to be obstacles for your portfolio?

For both portfolios cooperation/interest can become a problem. However this can be overcome if both portfolios' and their visions are marketed well.

Project coordination and management must be done well, otherwise the projects will fail.

Describe your portfolio in one word?

Community Interaction – enrichment

Green – future

What are the strong points in your portfolio you need to build upon?

Vision, planning, organisation, recruitment of volunteers, marketing.

What is the legacy you want to leave when passing the portfolio to the new HK?

I would like to believe that we helped many community members during the long–term and small projects and that we GAVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY in a big way.

For the Green portfolio I hope that Academia showed that a small change can make a huge difference in the future of many students' lives. That those students go out into the world knowing how to be GREEN and how much it matters to the EARTH.

In general I want all the students of Academia to be proud of their 'res', the HK and what Academia as a whole has accomplished.

The Exec & Admin is made up out of four Portfolios. The Primaria, Secretary, Treasurer and JOOL Admin.

Select one from the menu above to view the portfolio explanation and questionnaire.

Portfolio Explanation ~  Portfolio Questionnaire

Portfolio Explanation ~  Portfolio Questionnaire

Portfolio Explanation ~  Portfolio Questionnaire

Portfolio Explanation ~  Portfolio Questionnaire

Cultural

Academia is a learning community of South African and international students. Our status has recently been changed to a University Residence, and therefore the opportunities for taking part in University organised cultural activities is far greater. The activities we have planned are to take part in Massaser and Kleinser (which will be explained upon arrival) as well as to facilitate the all–round development of Academians in providing opportunities to attend various cultural events in and around Stellenbosch.

Maintenance

Academia is the University's biggest residence. Academia is your new home and maintenance is an important part of everyday life. The Academia office has dedicated maintenance staff who we as a HK aim to assist in making sure that all maintenance requests are followed up. This is done through the maintenance book which is kept in the office. If you have any requests regarding maintenance, the office is where you should go. We are proud of where we stay and maintenance starts with respect for that which has been entrusted to you. Please help look after your new home for 2010.

What does your portfolio entail?

Culture – Facilitating cultural activities centered around our diverse district, as well as those cultural activities that Academia organises. Making sure residents have as much fun as possible in all the cultural activities.

Maintenance – Controlling and making sure that the maintenance process in Academia is running smoothly.

What would you like to achieve with your portfolio this year?

Culture – There are some events in which Academia has not yet taken part in over the years. My goal is to incorporate Academia in these events and to make sure our residents are exposed to as many cultural opportunities as possible.

Maintenance – To ensure that all Academia residents receive the necessary attention in this regard as well as timely service.

How are you going to do this?

Culture – We have all these events in the University itself, so there is no need creating the events.

By informing students how fun the events actually are they will partake in them and grow a tradition.

Maintenance – The HK's have their own book, so they will record the external maintenance problems in Academia, it is up to the students to make sure problems are recorded in the maintenance book in the office and I will be checking up on this book to make sure things are happening smoothly.

What do you perceive to be obstacles for your portfolio?

Culture – People not actually getting involved

Maintenance – Students not writing their complaints in the maintenance book.

Describe your portfolio in one word?

Culture – Exciting

Maintenance – Hammer

What are the strong points in your portfolio you need to build upon?

Culture – Academia has not been highly involved in the past, but we have an extraordinary amount of talent in Academia just waiting to explode.

Maintenance – Having two dedicated and hard working maintenance people, working full time for Academia ensuring that the job is done to top standard.

What is the legacy you want to leave when passing the portfolio to the new HK?

Culture – People knowing how exciting the cultural events of the University actually are. Taking part in events and growing to become the best in future.

Maintenance – Creating a system whereby all maintenance issues will be dealt with timely and effectively.

Goals

Our goals for marketing are to:

• Create an awareness, anticipation and excitement for events
• To inform Academians about important dates and information
• To create awareness of our future plans and goals about the development of Academia so that we can all play a role in the transformation of Academia.
• Through marketing we want to portray our standards, values and morals so that all Academians may have respect and show dignity towards Academia as an institution and to fellow Academians as friends. It is important that although we are promoting high standards; we still promote responsible fun in keeping with the atmosphere of Stellenbosch.

What does your portfolio entail?

Thinking out of the box in a creative and fun way, while still being able to get the necessary information across to residents or the broader community.

What would you like to achieve with your portfolio this year?

Our goals for marketing are to: Create an awareness of events, To inform Academians about important dates, To publicise of our future plans and goals for the development of Academia.

Thereby we can all play a role in the transformation of our residence.

How are you going to do this?

Different marketing strategies would be: Posters, Flyers, Banners, Flash mobs, Random objects

All these strategies would be used to promote the message that we would like to portray.

What do you perceive to be obstacles for your portfolio?

Cost of marketing and the different interests of people.

Describe your portfolio in one word?

Creativity

What are the strong points in your portfolio you need to build upon?

Thinking out of the box

What is the legacy you want to leave when passing the portfolio to the new HK?

Through marketing we want to portray our values and morals so that all Academians may show respect for Academia and treat each other with dignity. Leaving the foundation of striking a good balance between social responsibility and fun in all our marketing.

Safety, Security, Discipline

The safety and security portfolio as well as the discipline portfolio are clear as to their content. This year I really hope to let Academians live in an environment which is both safe and secure, within Academia and as far as possible outside of our boundaries. I feel that people can only aspire to their full academic potential and grow to be successful if the environment they live in is comfortable and secure. With regards to discipline a firm yet fair stance will be taken, and the appropriate procedures will be adhered to. I really hope this year we can come together as a res and promote ourselves to the broader campus in a positive way.

What does your portfolio entail?

My portfolio entails the safety and security of the residents of Academia, as well as maintaining a level of respect and discipline among fellow residents.

What would you like to achieve with your portfolio this year?

I would like to build on the already established security fixtures as well as institute a more prominent disciplinary system.

How are you going to do this?

By speaking to the relevant people and assessing the previous systems that are in place and merely building upon them.

What do you perceive to be obstacles for your portfolio?

The lengths to which criminals will go in order to steal, also the fact that you have to deal with misbehaviours as they happen as they cannot be planned for.

Describe your portfolio in one word?

Moral.

What are the strong points in your portfolio you need to build upon?

The amount of help that is available for me from the outside.

What is the legacy you want to leave when passing the portfolio to the new HK?

A much safer and disciplined Academia.

Goals and Ambitions

As the HK of the Social Portfolio, it is our aim to enable Academia to interact and socialise with each other at every opportunity, and to extend and build upon our already strong community. Our biggest goal is to unite the first years with the rest of the residence through the events on our social calendar. Working in coordination; the social and marketing portfolios, will strive to ensure that the social events hosted in 2010 are of absolute stellar calibre. The reputation of the social events will ensure the gathering of Academians; to not only a place where a well deserved break can be enjoyed, but to a place where friends are made and bonds are strengthened. 2010 is Academia's ten year anniversary and our greatest desire is for Academians to interact and bond like never before. So that through good times and bad, the memories of meeting new friends, gaining of new experiences and sharing an amazing year together will forever be etched into our hearts.

What does your portfolio entail?

The social portfolio includes the planning, and execution, of all social events throughout the year. Events included are the 1st years welcoming party, Mr & Miss Academia, Greek Week, Pub golf, Huisfonsdans, House Dance and various other house gatherings and parties.

What would you like to achieve with your portfolio this year?

As the HK of the Social Portfolio, it is our aim to enable Academia to interact and socialise with each other at every opportunity, and to extend and build up on our already strong community. Our biggest goal is to unite the first years with the rest of the residence through the events on our social calendar.

How are you going to do this?

Organising social events, where the house is able to interact on a social and informal basis, is a key aspect in bringing people together. In coordination between the social and marketing portfolios, we as the HK of Academia strive to ensure that the social events thrown in 2010 are of the utmost calibre. The reputation of the social events will ensure the gathering of Academians, to not only a place where a well deserved break can be earned, but to a place where friends are made and bonds are strengthened.

What do you perceive to be obstacles for your portfolio?

The marketing of events, in coordination with the social portfolio, need to be sublime in order to get the word out to the house of the exact details regarding the event. Another obstacle is ensuring that every Academian is keen to attend the event and that the events aren't perceived to be "a first year/English/Afrikaans/4th year" event. All the events are for each and every Academian.

Describe your portfolio in one word?

Thrilling!!

What are the strong points in your portfolio you need to build upon?

Uhhhm...funny question (thought we'd have to build upon our weak poits??!?!). The strong point of our portfolio is the passion and desire that we (Sean and Jo) have for throwing events and parties. Everyone enjoys a good party, and we feel that who better to throw a bash than us! The weak point in our portfolio is getting the house excited about an event and thoroughly marketing the event to the house... If we manage to overcome this obstacle, we believe that Academia events will be unlike and other event.

What is the legacy you want to leave when passing the portfolio to the new HK?

At year end we would like to leave behind a well structured and carefully planned events calendar that would enable the new HK to not only be able to easily prepare and build upon the events already in place, but also be able to develop and integrate new social events.

Sport

Awareness of sport within Academia has indeed increased in the past several years. The portfolio as a whole has expanded with the addition of tennis and squash in the past year, running side by side with the more main stream codes such as rugby, soccer and hockey. The integration of a cycling club as well as a social water polo team looks imminent for 2010. Facilities that will be set in place for the forthcoming year include volleyball nets, basketball hoops, and a seven a–side soccer pitch, therefore creating a more active village of friends within the premises. Academia's sporting teams have built themselves a reputation in the divisions of the Residence leagues and we look forward to building on this promoting not only team cohesion but also the advancement of select individuals which may go along and represent the University at a more semi–professional level. Our main goal is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, involving Residence, displaying good values on and off of the turf therefore fostering pride in the Academia experience showing that we are indeed the largest on campus and rule it with sheer numbers. I am looking forward to the forthcoming year.

The Academia HK & Mentors

Click on a name above to see the bio and questionnaire for each HK member.

Alternatively navigate to the Mentor section to find out more about the mentorship program.

Mentorship

The mentorship program is a University initiative to help integrate the first year students to university life. There is difference between mentors and tutors (as to be found on the mymaties.com homepage), in that mentors care for the overall integration and adaptation of the first year, whereas the tutor is focused purely on academic development and integration.

Each first year is assigned a mentor, the mentor groups comprise of about 10 mentees per mentor and this ensures that personal attention is given to each first year. Feedback on the mentee's well being is done throughout the year by mentors to parents. This serves as a means to make sure that parents are aware of the progress of their child's integration.

The mentorship program is also the training ground for the future leaders of Academia. Here the group learns the structures of the residence and is able to assume the role of HK with far greater ease.