The University of South Africa (Unisa) reassures students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programme that they will be supported throughout the programme's phase-out.
A news article from last week caused concern among students, suggesting they would be left uncertain about their studies. The university refutes this claim, stating they provided accurate information to the journalist.
The university is concerned about the gross distortions in both the heading and parts of the content of the article, particularly considering that it provided the reporter with sufficient correct information when responding to his media enquiry.
Unisa clarifies that the BSW programme still exists, and they have a plan in place to help current students. This plan includes helping students finish their coursework on time and offering extensions to those who need them.
Why the programme is ending
The BSW programme was replaced with a new, accredited version in 2018. The old BSW was approved by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
Unisa implemented a CHE-approved Teach-Out Plan to support students enrolled in the old programme. This plan gave students until 2018 (first year), 2021 (second year), 2022 (third year), and 2023 (fourth year) to complete their studies.
The university maintained communication with these students throughout the Teach-Out Plan, ensuring they could finish the programme on time.
During the entire period of the Teach-Out plan, the university communicated constantly and provided support to the affected students to ensure that they were able to complete the programme within the required timeframe.
Some students couldn't finish the programme within the allotted time frame. To address this, Unisa requested and received an extension from the CHE until December 31, 2026.
Unisa emphasises its commitment to students by securing this extension and ensuring everyone has a chance to complete the programme.
This was done precisely because the university has the interests of the students at heart and wants to ensure that all students are afforded adequate opportunity to complete the programme.
The CHE commended the university for their communication with all parties involved.
The CHE has also commended the university for its commitment to engage with all stakeholders pertaining to this matter.
Unisa will contact all affected students and encourage them to rely on official university channels for information.
"The university will communicate formally with the affected students; and also urges them to rely on official university communication for accurate and correct information," a Unisa spokesperson said.
