STUDENT SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR THE SCIENCE STUDIES AT SMU IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is newly established university in South Africa. A student referral system and a mentorship programme are run simultaneously to provide support to students in coping with the challenges of higher education. This study aimed to investigate the worth and challenges of the support structures provided to the student. Purposive sampling was used to select the samples. In depth interviewing was employed using guides. Social, psychological and financial difficulties were the found to be the main sources of student issues. The participants hailed the approach that it attempts to be responsive to their needs, instead of an assumption about their problems. The challenges included that full-time academic personnel were required to serve on the support system as well as perform in their core activity of teaching. The system however needed to be reviewed to offer a holistic intervention of all aspect including security on the campus. Some of the student problems were not listed on the referral system guidelines and an inclusive participation was required.