Tuks secures funding to boost student performance, offer mental health support

The University of Pretoria (UP) will receive R4-million in funding from the Kresge Foundation to help those students impacted by mental health and who need support.

The money will be spread over three years to help support students from different backgrounds achieve academic success and in other areas where they might need support.

University spokesperson Sashlin Girraj said the funds will go directly to projects that will help students with academic challenges and those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He said the funds will not be directly paid to students but to the projects.

“The institution has consistently observed differential academic performance based on gender, race and socio-economic status for the period 2020 to 2023,” he said.

He added that significant challenges that hinder students from succeeding include mental health issues.

Girraj added that these challenges are adversely impacting the academic performance and progression of students.

“The projects will focus on increasing student access to mental health support via a mental health app.”

He said the funds would help to pay licensing fees to reputable online platforms and channels to make it possible for students to access mental health information and improve mental health literacy.

Girraj explained they will also help support holistic student initiatives in specific courses with high enrolment and high failure rates.

“Through funding, the institution will be able to put into place additional and personalised student support interventions.”

According to Girraj, the university will have increased capacity in terms of resources needed to track and guide students through their academic journey.

He added that the funds will help students receive wraparound support, which entails academic and psychosocial support, supplementing what they gain through teaching and learning.

“These support systems include mentorship, peer-led tutorial sessions, access to learning communities, academic advice, and mental health support to name a few.”

Girraj said to make sure the projects align with the students’ needs, they will be using data analytics to monitor student performance.

He also said that data analysis would identify areas where students may need additional support.

They also have a number of surveys and assessments, such as the UP Readiness Survey for first-year students.

“The surveys are conducted to gather information on student experiences, challenges, and expectations.

“This information is used to adjust and improve student support initiatives,” he said.

According to Girraj, no students have yet benefited from the project, as it is still going to be implemented.

He said the project is crucial because it will help students with graduating within minimum time, and improve semester course completion rates.

“The programme will monitor academic performance and success rates across different demographic groups to identify and address disparities,” said Girraj.

Director of Student Affairs at UP, Kgadi Mathabathe, expressed her gratitude for the support.

“Receiving funding from the Kresge Foundation and joining [student success initiative] Siyaphumelela 3.0 as a partner institution is a testament to a commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.

“This partnership allows the university to enhance initiatives that level the playing field for students, especially those from low socio-economic backgrounds,” added Mathabathe.

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