The College of Humanities in partnership with the Writing Place hosted a virtual academic writing workshop for its students, facilitated by its tutors. The workshop focused on the different aspects of academic writing such as structuring an academic essay, content and paragraph writing, and covered both intext referencing and compiling reference lists using various referencing styles.

The workshop was presented in isiZulu and English. It targeted first-year students who are not familiar with academic writing requirements and basic styles and was also a refresher for returning students.

Academic Development Officer in the College Mr Lindani Sthembele Maphumulo, who spearheaded the workshop, said, ‘Academic writing is a skill that you learn and acquire. Transitioning from high school to an academic environment can be a stressful process. These workshops ensure that regardless of the student’s background, everyone is prepared and transitioned to the academic space. It also paved the way for online learning.’

He believes that the workshops are important because they give students an opportunity to ask questions, to have live interaction with facilitators, and to gain skills to excel academically.

‘During the course of the year, we will be working with various structures such as Student Support Services, Academic Monitoring and Support and the Writing Place, amongst others. We will also continue with student orientated workshops, focusing on ensuring that no student is left behind, fails, or faces difficulties in excelling academically. We will do this by providing all the necessary tools to excel in their studies,’ said Maphumulo.