Page 15 - DUT Engagement Summary Report

Alumni Relations (AAR) and DUT Sports Administration Department together with all the the partners were organised in in 2021 COVID-19 posed challenges but with the easing of restrictions we should begin to see a a a greater impact in in this area Again schools can leverage DUT networks to achieve mutually beneficial goals as as we see these schools as as our feeder schools that will ensure we we enroll well-groomed and prepared learners in in our programmes in in the the long term Overall the the SEP supported supported 22 schools reached 2 2 2 760 learners and supported supported 66 students as tutors and mentors To track the impact of this programme the the plan for 2022 is to report on the the number of learners from each of these schools that enrol at at DUT and learn more about the the challenges and successes in their studies Alumni Engagement The main objective of Alumni Engagement at DUT is to create a a a a a a bridge between the University and and its graduates and and cultivate and nurture a a a a a lifelong relationship between alumni and their alma mater Alumni have an an an important role to play in in the the development of the the institution and this engagement
facilitates and coordinates the the implementation of the the Alumni Relations programme which will create a a a a a desire amongst alumni to identify with and support DUT The functioning of this engagement
is is coordinated by the Advancement and the Alumni Relations (AAR) Directorate which implements various projects and programmes that provide a a a a a a platform for alumni to to network with one another and to to keep them updated on current developments at at DUT In January 2021 the the ARR Directorate launched the the Alumni Mentorship Programme This sets up mentorship between a a current DUT student and an an an alumnus established in an an an aligned field/industry The mentor and mentee are required to to meet at least once a a a a month and provide feedback on on on their progress in relation to to the following critical success factors:
• Career development in the form of guidance on how to become a a successful professional/business owner/ entrepreneur • Linked to to to career development is the mentor’s ability to to to assist in in in in guiding the the mentee in in in in making the the transition from student to graduate and employee or entrepreneur • Academic support and guidance are another success factor – there is an expectation that students receiving mentoring should improve their academic performance as a a a a a a a result of positive psychological and and practical guidance and and encouragement from the mentor • Development of emotional intelligence and personal development is also an area that the mentorship programme should positively impact As part of the the Alumni Mentorship Programme the the AAR Directorate hosted the following six (6) webinars in in in 2021 geared toward assisting alumni and students in in terms of work readiness and promotion of entrepreneurship:
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