Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD)

This support caters for students who experience challenges with their academic performance or a student desirous of addition support services to excel.  Services are delivered through one-one-one sessions and includes Management techniques, strategies and educational assessments.

General Academic Support Services- All Students

Study skills -LASSI (Learning and Study Strategy Inventory)

• Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) is an academic screening tool which is designed to gather information about learning styles, study practices and attitudes of students.  After assessment, students receive assistance with time management, workload management, study skills and examination strategies, all of which are based on the need of the individual and are done on a one-one basis with the student and the Manager.
• The results of the test are used to develop a study programme for the particular student and the student is asked to make a commitment to practice the skills and strategies that are agreed on. In some cases, the tool is administered as a post test, at the beginning of the following academic year or semester to –
  • Evaluate changes in the student’s study habits and their success.   
  • Expose students to different learning strategies and effective study techniques.
  • Help students transition to self-learning by teaching them self-study, time management and strategies to cope with the rigors of university study.

Peer Tutoring Programme

• Peer Tutoring Programme is used proactively and is considered as an academic support technique.  Peer tutoring promotes students helping students. In the University environment, Peer Tutors are postgraduate students who have achieved grades A, A+, B+ in specific courses and who are willing to provide this service to the students who need it.  A student who requests Peer Tutoring is paired with the Master’s student who offers one-on-one assistance for the student/students having difficulties in a specific course.
• Peer tutoring benefits both students and tutors. Students who need assistance benefit by getting help from tutors who have been successful or are experts in the field of study and are in a unique position to help others learn the material. Tutors benefit by earning a stipend and deepening their understanding of the material by learning how to communicate it to others.
• All students of SLDD are eligible for peer tutoring.

Educational Assessment –

 LADS- Lucid Adults Dyslexia Screening

• Registered students can benefit from the LADS test. Students are referred by Lecturers/Department/ Faculty Staff usually when a challenge is identified in the classroom or while marking papers, however students can take the test based on self-referral as well, once they may suspect a type of learning disability.
• The LADS Test (Lucid Adult Dyslexia Screening) is completed by students to detect the probability of having dyslexia.  In instances where the results appear inconsistent, an Adult Check List for Dyslexia is administered to the individual for further assessment. Subsequent to the results of these tests the Manager SLDD will work with the student to strengthen challenging areas of their studies.

Time management Techniques

• Students interested in assistance with Time Management and are scheduled the earliest appointment with the Manager. Students can be referred by Lecturers/Department/ Faculty Staff / Counsellors etc. or even self-referral. This is suggested to be requested at the start to the middle of the semester so that techniques can be fully applied and the person will benefit the most from the programme

Examination strategies

• Students can be referred by Lecturers/Department/ Faculty Staff / Counsellors etc. or even self-referral. To benefit the most from this programme a student can implement techniques during the mid-term exam period and gain feedback on the best method for the individual

Workload management

• LASSI tests are used for students seeking assistance with workload management as it captures areas that a student may be struggling. Strategies implemented are on the need and schedule of the individual and sessions are done on a one-one basis with the student and the Manager.

Referrals to Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Students meet with the Manager where an assessment is done on their present status and factors that may have negatively affected or that may have influenced their academic performance.  Mutual solutions are explored and study plans are set. There may be the need for referral to other student services departments or the Counselling Services (CAPS).  The student is encouraged to visit for follow-up at least once a week or every two weeks. 

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