Why Choose Rhodes 2018 - Graduate SA

Why Choose Rhodes?

2018/2019

www.ru.ac.za

Rhodes Universitywww.ru.ac.za

Student Bureau

Tel:0466038276 fax:0466038300

Email:[email protected]

Visit our website:www.ru.ac.za

Prospec�ve students:www.ru.ac.za/studentzone

Download applica�on:www.ru.ac.za/applying

Postal Address

PO Box 94

Grahamstown

6140

This booklet is a summary of a great deal of informa�on.

For much more detail, everything you could possibly want to

know, go to

h�p://www.ru.ac.za/admissiongateway

Why Choose Rhodes? 2018/2019

CONTENTS

ABOUT RHODES PG 1-5

ADMISSIONS PG 6-12

FACULTY OF COMMERCE PG 13

FACULTY OF EDUCATION PG 14

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES PG 15

FACULTY OF LAW PG 16

FACULTY OF PHARMACY PG 17

FACULTY OF SCIENCE PG 18

SUBJECTS PG 19

FINANCE PG 20

CAMPUS LIFE PG 21-26

Choosing a university is not an easy task not least because there is so much at stake. The

three or four years most young people spend in higher educa�on are some of the most

important of their lives as they mature and prepare themselves for the rest of their lives.

The choice of degree programme, as well as the reputa�on of the university awarding the

qualifica�on is something that will affect job prospects and, in addi�on, all this comes at

great financial cost. Few will get away

with spending less than R100 000 per

year – a substan�al amount in anyone’s

budget par�cularly if an interest-

bearing loan of some sort is being used

as a means of funding. Even if support

from the Na�onal Student Financial Aid

Scheme is available, much of the

funding awarded may well end up being

carried as a loan into the future.

Most young people and their parents look at the choice of a degree programme and a

university with the idea of career prospects at the forefront of their minds. O�en, young

people have an idea that they want to follow a par�cular career – journalism, accoun�ng,

or the law, for example, only to find, once they are enrolled, that studying for these

par�cular professions is not what they imagined.

There is more to consider than the chance that a young person may not end up ‘liking’ the

programme they have chosen however. An undergraduate qualifica�on serves as the

basis for all further learning in an individual’s career. Choosing the ‘right’ qualifica�on is

therefore really important.

ABOUT RHODES

1

Dr C Boughey - Rhodes University Deputy Vice Chancellor


VOCATIONAL VERSUS GENERAL ACADEMIC FORMATIVE QUALIFICATIONS

In recent years, the idea of voca�onal qualifica�ons preparing individuals for a par�cular

job or career has won support from parents, students and employers. As a result, many

universi�es have chosen to develop highly specialized programmes leading to

qualifica�ons in par�cular areas.

While this might seem like a good idea,

par�cularly in the context of employers

claiming they need graduates to ‘hit the

ground running’, it is worth considering

some of the latest research on this

approach. Much of this research has

been done in Australia, a country which

arguably led the way in developing

voca�onal qualifica�ons. The research, done by the likes of Leesa Wheelahan and

reported in her book Why Knowledge Ma�ers, argues that narrowly focused voca�onal

qualifica�ons fail to develop the powerful theore�cal knowledge which, ul�mately, will

serve graduates be�er in the long term. Although many people believe that theory is

‘imprac�cal’ knowledge, Wheelahan, and others in South Africa such as Stephanie Allais,

point out that understanding theory allows us to move beyond the immediate contexts

and situa�ons in which we find ourselves to new contexts and situa�ons. Equally

importantly, it is theore�cal knowledge which allows us to imagine worlds which have

not yet even come into existence.

Many of those calling for voca�onal qualifica�ons point out the rapidly changing nature

of contemporary workplaces no�ng that jobs performed today may not even exist in ten

2

ABOUT RHODES


3

to fi�een years. If this is the case, then the argument made by people such as Wheelahan

and Allais is really important. We need to equip graduates with the tools to work beyond

what is currently the case in new jobs and completely new work areas.

Rhodes University never followed the

route taken by many other South

African universi�es in the early 2000s

in developing highly specialized

voca�onal qualifica�ons. Rather, a

decision was taken to retain the

‘general forma�ve’ degrees which

expose students to a broad base of

subject offerings before they become more specialized in two ‘majors’. At the �me this

decision was taken, Rhodes University academics argued that they wanted to ‘teach

students to think’ rather than to train them for specific roles in the workplace. In

hindsight, and given the research described above, it would seem that this was, indeed, a

sound argument.

SO, IF YOU CHOOSE RHODES UNIVERSITY, WHAT WILL YOU GET?

With the excep�on of the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, students enrolling at Rhodes

University follow a degree programme which allows them to explore a number of subject

areas in their first year. One of these subjects may be the subject (for example, journalism

or law) that they hope to specialize in. Exposure to this wider range of subject areas not

only ‘teaches students to think’, as our academics argued nearly twenty years ago, but

also opens their eyes to a wide range of looking at the world from different perspec�ves.

In the second year of study, most students have iden�fied their two ‘majors’, the subjects

ABOUT RHODES


they want to study for all three years of the undergraduate curriculum. In most cases,

students can explore at least one more subject to widen their educa�on. Only in the third

year does the focus fall on two subjects.

Throughout all three years of the programme, the focus is on ge�ng students to use

theory to ‘see the world differently’ and to develop their ability to make evidence-based

arguments. They learn to make these arguments in spoken and wri�en forms and, as

they do so, develop into well-rounded graduates with the ability to func�on in a wide

range of job areas and careers.

Once they graduate, some students may choose to add a professional ‘top up’

qualifica�on to their broad based undergraduate degree. This is not absolutely

necessary, however, and our own research shows that our graduates are highly

s u c c e s s f u l i n s e c u r i n g

employment even with a basic

bachelor’s degree.

IN ADDITION . . .

On top of what, in the light of

contemporary research, has

been iden�fied as a very sound

approach to programme

design, students at Rhodes

University are also exposed to

high quality teaching. Rhodes

4

ABOUT RHODES


University was one of the first

universi�es in the country to work on

developing its academic staff as

professional educators in higher

educa�on. The work of our Centre for

Higher Educa�on Research, Teaching

and Learning is renowned in this area

and staff in the Centre now offer

courses that aim to enhance the

teaching capacity of academics at many other universi�es across the country. In

addi�on to lectures, students in all courses a�end tutorials which allow for more focused

discussion and a�en�on.

If a student lives in one of our many halls of residence, then learning is extended into the

living space with numerous ac�vi�es. The wardening staff in each hall area also

responsible for contribu�ng to students’ academic progress so, for example, at the

beginning of the second semester each student is invited to a one-on-one interview with

her/his warden to discuss performance in the June examina�ons and to try to address

any shortcomings in the way, for example, �me is organized.

In short then, Rhodes University has much to offer students in this most cri�cal period of

their young lives. We do hope you will consider us when making one of the most

important decisions ever!

REFERENCE

Allais, S. 2014. Selling out educa�on. Ro�erdam: Sense Publisehrs.

Wheelahan, L. 2010. Why knowledge ma�ers in the curriculum. London: Routledge.

5

ABOUT RHODES


ADMISSIONS

6

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: NSC AND IEB

Your applica�on will only be considered for admission to the University if you qualify for a

Bachelor’s degree study AND you sa�sfy faculty requirements. To qualify for a Bachelor’s

pass status, learners are required to take seven subjects, four of which are

compulsory(two languages, Life Orienta�on and either Mathema�cs or Mathema�cal

Literacy) and three of the learner’s own choice from the subjects on offer at the school.

To qualify for degree studies at a University at least four of the seven subjects must be

from the list of ‘designated subjects’ set out below and the student must have obtained

an achievement ra�ng of 4 (adequate achievement 50- 59%) or above in these four

subjects.

NOTE: if you meet the minimum admission requirements this only means that you are

eligible for selec�on; it does NOT mean that you will necessarily be accepted.

Designated Subjects List:

Accoun�ng, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Consumer Studies, Drama�c Arts,

Engineering Graphics & Design, Economics, Geography, History, Informa�on Technology,

Languages, Life Sciences, Mathema�cs/ Mathema�cal literacy, Music, Physical Science,

Religion Studies, Visual Arts.


CALCULATE YOUR ADMISSION POINT SCORE (APS)

Example

SUBJECT PERCENTAGE POINTS

English Home Language 78% 7,8

Addi�onal Language: Afrikaans/ IsiXhosa 73% 7,3

Mathema�cs 69% 6,9

Life Science 70% 7,0

Drama�c Arts 89% 8,9

Accoun�ng 73% 7,3

Life Orienta�on 90% 0

Addi�onal Mathema�cs 60% 0

TOTAL POINTS 45,2

ADMISSIONS

7

Apply online visit: www.ru.ac.za/admissiongateway


Degree Subject Required Points Dean’s discre�on Extended studies

Commerce Mathema�cs 45 38- 44 34- 37

Educa�on Two languages at

level 4 (50 - 59%)

Maths/Maths Lit 40+ 32- 39

Humani�es 45 34- 44 30-34

Pharmacy Mathema�cs,

Life and Physical

Sciences 45 40- 44

Science Mathema�cs,

Physical science

or Life Science 45 38- 44

All Facul�es Life Orienta�on is not counted for points, but you are

required to obtain at least level 4 (50%) for acceptance.

Law

ADMISSIONS

8

As from 2019 a small number of students will be admi�ed

into LLB1, with the view to complete the LLB in four years.

The other access points to the LLB remain available, with

the majority of students entering the LLB degree a�er

obtaining a first Bachelor’s degree with Law as one of the

major subjects, to complete the degree over two years; or

with a Bachelor’s degree without Law as a major, to

complete the degree over three years.


MINIMUM FACULTY REQUIREMENTS

DEAN’S DECISION

If you do not meet the required APS score of 45 points for automa�c acceptance, you

may s�ll be considered for a place at Dean’s discre�on. Such places are usually offered to

students with an APS score of 38-44 with some extra condi�ons (see extended studies

below). It is therefore important to give full informa�on when comple�ng the applica�on

form as this is the informa�on that the Dean will use for making a decision.

EXTENDED STUDIES PROGRAMME

This is an alterna�ve route to university studies at Rhodes. A limited number of students

who show poten�al to succeed are exposed to a carefully designed and suppor�ve

learning environment which enhances their ability to succeed at Rhodes University. This

op�on is for students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds on condi�on that they

take their degree over an extra year at University. It is therefore very important to give full

informa�on when comple�ng the applica�on form as this is the informa�on that the

Dean will use in making a decision.

NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS (NBT)

It is recommended that all first-�me university entering South African applicants write

the NBT. If the applicant does not meet the automa�c entry requirements the NBT

results will be used by the Dean to make decisions on applica�ons. These test results can

also be used if a candidate does not meet the entrance requirements in their final

examina�ons.

There are two tests: The Academic and Quan�ta�ve Literacy test (AQL) consists of two

components namely, academic literacy and quan�ta�ve literacy. All applicants should

write the AQL test. The second is a Mathema�cs test (MAT), this test is for applicants who

ADMISSIONS

9Why Choose Rhodes? 2018/2019

wish to enter the following facul�es: Commerce, Pharmacy and Science.

These tests are wri�en throughout the year at various centers. For further informa�on

about NBT, dates and venues please visit: [email protected] or call 021 650 3523

INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An APS score of 40 points and above will receive a firm offer, 37-39 points will remain on

hold un�l the end of September to be considered by the Dean if space is available.

Candidates who offer a combina�on of Advanced level (A), Advanced Subsidiary level

(AS), Ordinary level (O), Higher Interna�onal General Cer�ficate of Secondary Educa�on

(HIGCSE) and Interna�onal General Cer�ficate of Secondary Educa�on (IGCSE), five (5)

different subjects are counted. The basic minimum requirements for admission to the

University is a cer�ficate of Full Exemp�on or Foreign Condi�onal Exemp�on from the

Matricula�on Board (visit: h�p://he-enrol.ac.za). Applicants who have passed A levels

are eligible for full exemp�on provided the passes in approved subjects meet the

FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

A level: symbols A- E (minimum of 2 subjects)

AS level: symbols A-D (4 subjects and 1 at O level)

O level: symbols A-C (maximum of 3 subjects)

At least 2 subjects at A level and 3 different subjects at O level or 3 subjects at A level and 2

at O level

HIGCSE/ IGCSE QUALIFICATION

HIGCSE: symbols 1- 3 (4 subjects) IGCSE: symbols A- C (1 subject)

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)

3 High level (HL) subjects: grade 4 4 SL subjects: grade 5

ADMISSIONS


Symbol/ Result/ Grade Points Awarded

A, O & HIGCE IB A level AS level HIGCSE O level & IGCSE IB

IGCSE HL SL

A 1 7 10 9 8 5 10 7

B 2 6 9 8 7 4 9 6

C 3 5 8 7 6 3 8 5

D 4 4 7 6 7 4

E 3 6 6 3

For candidates who offer A and O levels and HIGCSE and IGCSEs five different subjects

are counted. An addi�onal one fi�h(1/5)of the total is added to this total. Zimsec

students only-deduct three points for a final count.

ADMISSIONS

12

POINTS/RATING TABLE:


The Faculty of Commerce offers three degrees at undergraduate level and comprises four

departments: Accoun�ng, Economics, Informa�on Systems, and Management. The

Commerce faculty prepares its graduates for the leading roles they will be expected to

play in their professional lives in the new millennium.

Degrees Subjects Fields

Business Science Mathema�cs Computer Science

(BBS) Economics

4 years 70% Informa�on Systems

Management

Quan�ta�ve Management

Bachelor of Mathema�cs General curriculum

Commerce 50% Accoun�ng

(BCom) Law

3 years Inter-faculty

Bachelor of Mathema�cs Environmental

Economics 50% Mineral

(Beco) Social Sciences

3 years Business Sciences

Bcom Extended Mathema�cs Addi�onal literacy and numeracy

Studies 50% courses

4 years

FACULTY OF COMMERCE


Rhodes University offers two ways to qualify as a professional teacher. The first op�on is

to complete a four-year Bachelor of Educa�on (Founda�on Phase Teaching) degree. The

second op�on is to complete a Bachelor’s degree in another Faculty and then cap it with

the one year Postgraduate Cer�ficate in Educa�on (PGCE). If you are planning to do a

PGCE please check your undergraduate curriculum with the Dean of Educa�on. This is to

ensure you have the appropriate subjects required for teaching in your Undergraduate

degree.

Degrees Requirements Phases

Bachelor of 40+ Founda�on Phase Teaching

Educa�on 32-39

(BED FP)

4 years

Postgraduate Bachelor’s degree Founda�on Phase Teaching

Cer�ficate in (Grade R-3)

Educa�on (PGCE) Intermediate Phase Teaching

1 year (Grade 4 - 6)

Senior Phase Teaching

(Grade 7-9)

FET Teaching (Grade 10-12)

14

FACULTY OF EDUCATION


Faculty of Humani�es offers an excellent liberal art educa�on- an educa�on for life and

an educa�on which is forma�ve for almost any career choice. A liberal arts educa�on

provides students with cri�cal reasoning skills, in par�cular the ability to analyse and

evaluate arguments, to probe for hidden assump�ons. It allows students to enjoy the

worlds of music, drama, literature and languages.

Degrees Requirements Study Areas

BA 45+ Languages, Anthropology, Sociology,

34-44 (Dean’s Discre�on) Psychology, Philosophy, Drama, English

Literature, Poli�cs, Legal Theory etc.

BSS 45+ Psychology, Sociology, Poli�cs,

34-44 (Dean’s Discre�on) Anthropology, Economics,

Management etc.

BFA 45+ Fine Art Prac�ce, Art History and Visual

34-44 (Dean’s Discre�on) Culture

Bmus 45+ Instrumental Music, Music Theory etc.

34-44 (Dean’s Discre�on)

BJourn 45+ Same as a BA or BSS with only

34-44(Dean’s Discre�on) Journalism in the 4th year

BA/BSS 30-34 points Limited Curriculum (Journalism &

Extended Anthropology or Poli�cs & Sociology in

Studies the first year)

15

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES


The LLB degree is the minimum academic qualifica�on for prac�sing law in South Africa.

At Rhodes, the LLB degree is offered as a four-year programme, a two-year programme,

or a three-year programme. As from 2019, a small number of LLB1 students will be

admi�ed to the faculty. The majority of students who wish to pursue legal studies will

register for a general degree in another faculty. Students may select courses from a wide

range of subjects and a variety of permuta�ons exists. Only in their second year, a�er

obtaining sufficient informa�on to make a proper decision, do students decide which

route to follow. It also enables students who discover in their first year that they are not

suited to a career in law to change their study direc�on without forfei�ng a year of study.

The faculty’s resources are limited and students’ academic results play an important role

when applica�ons for admission into the LLB are considered.

Degrees Requirements Focus

LLB A small number of students who Law

4 years meet the admissions criteria (to

be published in the course of

2018), will be admi�ed to the

faculty of Law as LLB1 students

as from 2019.

BA/ Bcom / BSc Law Be registered in one of these Combined Law:

5 year (3 degree and facul�es: Commerce, Humani�es Commercial, Patent or

2 LLB) & Science Environmental Law etc

Subject: Legal theory 3 (60%)

LLB A Bachelor’s degree without Law Law

3 years subjects Pharmacy comprises of a number of subjects

16

FACULTY OF LAW


concerned with the produc�on, custody, distribu�on and use of medicines. Pharmacy as

a profession provides an essen�al component of the health services of the na�on and

involves a mul�-disciplinary degree which forms a unique link between the broad fields

of the basic sciences and the Pharmaceu�cal Sciences. Pharmacy is the channel through

which the advances of modern science and technology provide the agents needed in the

preven�on, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at Rhodes University is a 4 year programme. The

Curriculum for this degree is laid down by the South African Pharmacy Council and all

students must pass all courses of this prescribed curriculum to be awarded the degree in

Pharmacy. Whilst the general curriculum is prescribed, each of the universi�es that offer

pharmacy, have a different emphasis, thus making transfers between different Schools or

Facul�es of Pharmacy in South Africa difficult. In the final year students are permi�ed to

select elec�ves and will undertake a research project in par�al fulfilment of the

requirements for the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree.

Pharm 1 Pharm 2 Pharm 3 Pharm 4

Anatomy & Anatomy & Research

physiology physiology 2 Project

Chemistry Pharmaceu�cal Pharmaceu�cal

chemistry 2 chemistry 3 Pharmacotherapy

Cell biology Pathology 2 Biosta�s�cs Elec�ves

Introduc�on Microbiology 2 Pharmacology 3 Pharmacology 4

ICT

Mathema�cs LS Pharmaceu�cs 2 Pharmaceu�cs 3 Pharmaceu�cs 4

Biochemistry Biochemistry 2

Founda�ons of Pharmacy Pharmacy prac�ce 2 Pharmacy prac�ce 3 Pharmacy prac�ce 4

ONE DEGREE – MANY CAREERS

FACULTY OF PHARMACY


The ordinary first degree is taken over three years and the key feature of the BSc is its

flexibility. Within the confines set by the �metable, it is possible for students to combine

subjects in myriad ways to create curricula that meet their par�cular interests. This

flexibility includes allowing students to take a major subject from commerce, the

humani�es and law such that students can major in environmental science and

anthropology, biochemistry and law or geology and economics. As a Faculty, we

appreciate the value that can be added by allowing students some flexibility when

choosing their subjects. The BSc does not set out to educate or train a student for a

par�cular career but rather allows for the construc�on of a knowledge and skills base

that prepares a student for a wide range of possible careers or advanced study in their

chosen subject. Emphasis is on discipline specific knowledge and skills as well as the cross

cu�ng skills including experimental design, data collec�on, analysis and interpreta�on,

and scien�fic communica�on, that form the essen�al base for research. The flexibility in

curriculum design creates an opportunity for students to decide if they are a�racted to

trans- disciplinary academic training and educa�on.

Degrees Subjects Fields

Bachelor of Mathema�cs 60% Biological sciences

Science (Bsc) Physical sciences Earth sciences

3 years Life Science 50% Life sciences

Bachelor of Mathema�cs 70% Informa�on systems

Informa�on systems Computer Science

(Bsc InfoSys) Economics

3 years Management

18

FACULTY OF SCIENCE


19

FINANCE


FEES

Fees are set by the University Council during October or November each year, the exact

fees will be published in the fees booklet sent to all students in December.

If you are offered an academic place at the University you will be asked to pay a non-

refundable deposit to book your academic place and residence (if required). The deposit

will be credited to your account when you register. Full details of amount due will be

detailed in the le�er of offer.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

South African NSC candidates

APS Humani�es and Commerce Science and Pharmacy

53 – 56 points Full Tui�on Full Tui�on

51 – 52 points R35 251 Full tui�on

49 – 50 points R33 779 R33 779

47 – 48 points R29 940 R29 940

South African candidates with foreign qualifica�ons

APS Humani�es and Commerce Science and Pharmacy

>=48 points Full Tui�on Full Tui�on



Calculated on final grade 12 results, no applica�ons required.

SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS

Awards are made at the end of each year. The awarding of these is based on the

achievements and performance of a student throughout the year. Two Sutherland Old

Rhodian bursaries are awarded to first-�me entering students.

FINANCE

20

NATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SCHEME (NSFAS)

The NSFAS student centred means that: All applica�ons must be submi�ed directly to

NSFAS online (www.nsfas.org.za)

For further details, please contact:

NSFAS Offices

Tel: 0860 067 327 (sharecall)

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nsfas.org.za


ACCOMMODATION

Rhodes is a residen�al campus. Approximately half of our students are accommodated

within our 55 Residences and the other half of the students stay off campus and are

referred to as Oppidans.

RESIDENCES

The Rhodes residen�al system is a key factor con�bu�ng to this tradi�on of friendship

and kinship. We currently have fourteen halls of residence. Each hall has houses of

between 50 to 120 students, grouped around a central dining hall. Each hall has 4 houses

with its own cons�tu�on, rules and tradi�ons. Each residence has its own character,

created by the students who live there. Some halls have both men’s and women’s houses,

while others are for men or women only. While the vast majority of student rooms are

single, some first year students may be allocated to the few double rooms in various

residences; applica�on may also be made for a double room.

Each hall has a Hall Warden who is responsible for the general running, organisa�on and

management of the hall. A Hall Commi�ee, consis�ng of the House Wardens, Sub-

Wardens and Senior and Head Students of each house in the hall, acts as an advisory

body to the Hall Warden. A house commi�ee, consis�ng of the house warden, Sub-

Wardens and members elected by the students, takes the same kind of responsibility in

ma�ers affec�ng the house. In this microcosm of the democra�c process each student

can play a role in formula�ng the lifestyle of their house or hall. Hall and House Wardens

are always available to help and advise students, but their func�on is not that of a

surrogate parent or ‘watchdog’. Rules are kept to the minimum needed for maintaining

an orderly, peaceful environment conducive to studying and community living.

CAMPUS LIFE


LIFE IN RESIDENCE:

The rooms in residence are equipped with all the basic furniture and comforts needed,

but students may decide to bring a few extras to make their rooms feel more like home.

All rooms have a bed, wardrobe, mirror, worktable and chair, table lamp, bookcase,

carpe�ng or a mat, and a heater. Many rooms have a small bedside locker and a

washbasin (with hot and cold water in certain residences). Curtains and bedding are

provided, but towels are not, so three or four towels should be brought by students,

including swimming towels. Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms, for

which basic cleaning materials are provided. Students o�en wish to set an individual

stamp on their rooms. This can be done in several ways, perhaps by subs�tu�ng their own

curtains, duvet cover and carpet. A bean bag or cushions make the furnishings more

interes�ng. Other useful items might include a tray, coffee mugs, ke�le, jug, teaspoons

and glasses, coat hangers, an alarm clock and a torch (as no candles are permi�ed).

The residences are graded according to their loca�on and to the facili�es available (e.g.

availability of hot and cold water in each room). Each residence has at least one TV lounge

with DSTV and DVD access in the common room. Over the years, students in certain

residences have raised funds for the purchase of addi�onal ameni�es such as pool tables.

Each residence has its own ‘laundere�e’.

Some residence Halls have their own web pages which give a good idea of residence

life at Rhodes University; links to these pages can be found at:

h�p:// www.ru.ac.za/studentlife/residences

22

CAMPUS LIFE


OPPIDANS

An oppidan is an inhabitant of a University town, a student living off campus in

accommoda�on rented independently of Rhodes, also known as an Oppi in short.

There is an Oppidan Commi�ee whose purpose is to engage with students and look a�er

their interests through keeping open channels of communica�on. They also assist

oppidan students by providing a support base in the transi�on between schools and

University. They organize events in order to foster a sense of togetherness, so that oppies

do not feel excluded from University life because they do not leave on campus. Advice is

given on signing lease agreements and being an employer.

Through the oppidan commi�ee first year students can request to be assigned a mentor

who will assist them adjust and se�le to the University life off campus.

In the Stephen Bantu Biko building there is an oppidan dining hall. Students can book to

eat their meals there (lunch & supper). There is an oppidan common room where tea and

coffee is available, and students can relax there in-between lectures by watching TV,

DSTV or playing a game of pool. A free bus service is available un�l 10pm on weekdays to

transport oppidans.

Visit: h�p://www.ru.ac.za/oppidan for further informa�on

SPORTS

Rhodes University has a large number of ac�ve sports clubs for you to choose from. The

wide range of ac�vi�es is well supported by excellent compe��ve and recrea�onal

facili�es and equipment, and students are able to experience and par�cipate in pursuits

not offered at school. All the sports facili�es, excluding those required for rowing, sailing

and canoe, are located on campus and within easy walking distance from the residences.

Involvement in sport at Rhodes holds the promise of opportunity, achievement,

enjoyment, the establishment of lifelong friendships and, above all, a well-rounded

23

CAMPUS LIFE


university experience. If you are serious about your spor�ng and recrea�onal pursuits

and also want to experience the enjoyment and camaraderie that sport can provide,

Rhodes University is the place for you! Sports people at Rhodes form a closely knit

community.

The friendly, in�mate experience of the campus makes it easy to meet new people, and

each sports club is a centre of social ac�vi�es with mee�ngs, prac�ces, fixtures and fun

events organized by students who are assisted by professional sports administrators.

SPORTING CODES AT RHODES

Aikido Aqua�cs Archery

Athle�cs Badminton Basketball

Canoeing Chess Cricket

Fly Fishing Goju Ryu Golf

Hockey Kung Fu Mountain

Netball Pool Rifle Hiking & Climbing

Rowing Rugby Sailing

Soccer Squash Surfing

Table tennis Tae Kwon Do Tennis

Volleyball Underwater hockey, scuba diving

All students are en�tled to make use of the excellent facili�es provided. All levels of sport

are catered for, enabling both compe��ve and recrea�onal sports people to fulfill their

spor�ng ambi�ons. In addi�on, the interresidence programme remains popular.

24

CAMPUS LIFE


SOCIETIES

Rhodes University boasts a vast variety of diverse Socie�es. They are broken down into

the following categories:

25

CAMPUS LIFE

ACADEMIC AND DEVELOPMENT

Ac�vate (student newspaper)

AstroSoc (Astronomy Society)

AWCA (African Women Chartered Accountant)

BMB (Biochemistry and Micro Biochem)

Chemistry

Golden Key (interna�onal Honour Society- by invita�on only)

Law Students

Oppidan press

ROCSOC (Geology)

RUPSA (Pharmacy students associa�on)

SIFE (students in free enterprise)

ZOOSOC (zoology students)

Entertainment and Skills

African Drum

Ballroom and La�n dancing

BUA Poetry

Chamber Choir

Deba�ng

GAMESOC

Hip Hop

Live Music


26

CAMPUS LIFE

Paintball

Photo Soc

Toastmasters

Wine Tas�ng

GENERAL

Amnesty Interna�onal

Black student movement

Galela Amanzi

Gender Ac�on Project

GRASS (green revolu�ons and

social solu�ons)

HABITAT for Humanity

Masincedane soup Kitchen

OUTRhodes

ROAR (Animal rights)

Rotaract

SHARC (HIV/AIDS resistance

campaign)

Shine (support and help in

educa�on)

INTERNATIONAL AND

CULTURAL

BOTSoc

East African

HSA (Hellenic Students Associa�on)

HSS (Hindu Students Society)

Lesotho

Malawian

Mapantsula

MSA (Muslim Students Associa�on)

Namibian

SwaziSoc

ZimSoc

POLITICAL

ANCYL

COPE

DASO

SASCO

Young Communist League

RELIGIOUS

ACTS (Catholics)

ANSOC (Anglican)

CHI ALPHA Ministries

His People

METHSOC

Rhodes Adven�st

Students Chris�an Fellowship

TASA (Apostle Associa�on)

VOG


27

CAMPUS LIFE

University life is not always plain sailing.

While some se�le down quickly and easily, others need a bit of help and support along

the way.

Through the office of Student Affairs Rhodes is geared to providing assistance of all kinds:

free and confiden�al support from the Counselling centre, professional and

comprehensive primary healthcare from the Health Care Center and the caring and

sensi�ve wardening staff who are ready to go the extra mile to ensure that students are

happy and able to focus on their studies.

Some students know where they are headed, others want to find out; either way through

the Career centre students get wide exposure to study and career opportuni�es with the

professional guidance to help match interests, abili�es with career op�ons.

The career centre offers year round advice and workshops to help students plan properly

for careers that lie ahead. A well- subscribed Graduate Recruitment Programme runs

during the third term where over sixty na�onal and interna�onal employers visit to

recruit students. Further details are available in the Student support guide booklet.

STUDENT SUPPORT


CAMPUS LIFE


Documents

Why Choose Rhodes 2018 - Graduate SA