Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, the Makerere University acting Dean of Students has issued major guidelines to fresh men and women ahead of orientation which is slated to kick off on Monday 22nd February 2021 until 27th February.
Namuwonge has assured freshers that the Dean of Students office puts the student at the centre of everything it does and students’ experience at Makerere University is as important as their success.
Namuwonge kicked off the guidelines by breaking down how the university manages accommodation and the steps students should take before securing where to sleep. Other issued like food, health were also addressed.
Below are the guidelines issued to freshers;
ACCOMMODATION
University’s Halls/Hostels of Residence
There are nine Halls of Residence available to undergraduate students on the Main Campus. Six of these are for men (Lumumba, Livingstone, Mitchell, Nkrumah, Nsibirwa and University hall); while three are for women (Africa, CCE Complex and Mary Stuart). Each admitted student to the University is attached to a Hall of Residence as part of the identity of that student; and never automatically for accommodation purposes.
The nine Halls of Residence accommodate a total of 3900 students’ types of programmes from all years of study in line with current University policies and practise. For 2020/2021 academic year, we have reduced the numbers of students accommodated in halls of residence to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Limited space will be available to first year students, both government (from selected degree programmes and for students with disabilities); and for private sponsored students who will have applied and obtained authorization to become residents from Dean of Students. Bed space in the University’s Halls of Residence is limited so it is never automatic that a Government Sponsored or indeed any student shall be resident, until this has been confirmed with both offices of the Dean of Students and the Warden.
Students admitted through the Diploma and Mature Age Entry schemes are not eligible for accommodation in the University’s Halls of Residence. Similarly students admitted to the External or Distance Degree programmes are also not eligible for full time accommodation in the University’s Halls of Residence, except during face to face sessions.
Non-resident Government sponsored students will be paid Living-Out Allowance (LOA) and are therefore advised to register with their respective halls of residence upon arrival, while Non-resident private students should be catered for by their sponsors.
Student’s stay and usage of facilities in Halls of Residence is guided and regulated by the University Rules and Regulations, which all students would study and get acquainted with. A mattress and a pillow, one blanket two pairs of bed sheets and a bed cover, a mosquito net, cutlery; (spoon, fork and place), a basin, jerrycans and any other basic items for personal use are some of the essentials resident students should carry with them when the university opens halls of residence to students.
However, electric gadgets such as; cookers, fridges and music systems are not allowed in the Hall of Residence.
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: HOSTELS AND RENTALS
Over 90% of undergraduate students reside off campus in privately owned and operated hostels and rental units. These are known as Non-Resident Students. Non-Resident students from Kampala, Entebbe, Mukono, Wakiso and other such similar surrounding areas may opt to commute from home.
All Non-Resident students are required to register with the Warden’s office in their respective Halls of Attachment as indicated on their admission letters.
CATERING
The University’s catering service are available through six food courts operating in the kitchen and dining Hall of: Nkrumah/ Nsibirwa Halls, University Hall, Mary Stuart Hall, Galloway House and Kabanyolo Hostel. The service provider operating in these food courts serve meal to student and other members of the University community on either cash basis or as agreed between the service provider and the clientele. All students may access meals at the food courts, irrespective of admission category.
In order to facilitate fast processing of allowances, Government sponsored students should register with their Hall of attachment as soon as they arrive at campus. All Government sponsored students are advised to bring with them some money to help them access meals as the University processes allowances.
All resident students are advised to pay for meals at the food courts nearest to their Hall of Residence, because the University students Regulations prohibit cooking in Halls of Residence
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
Know where to go for help.
From now henceforth you will be expected to be more self-reliant. You are responsible for what you do, for ensuring that you do the work that will be required of you.
While we expect you to assume a new level of responsibility please realise that you are not alone. It you find things difficult don’t run away; seek help. Part of being responsible for yourself is to recognize when you need support for others.
TALK to people. Talk to your roommates, classmates, your friends and students’ Guild leaders. We know peer support contributes hugely to students’ success. Contact your Hall Warden, your Lecturer and don’t forget pastoral support provided by the University Health Services, Counselling and Guidance Centre and the University chaplaincy and the Mosque. Additionally, you are encouraged to make use of our partnership with the BANG program that has rich program for student engagement.
EXTRA – CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Make the most of your time at Makerere University. Makerere University has a range of experiences that will be availed to you. You will have abundant opportunities to flourish as a student and as a person.
The University boasts of splendid sports amenities amongst the finest in East Africa. There is something to cater for every taste, the swimming pool, the pitches, the basketball courts, squash courts and avail them, enjoy them and while here join one or more of the many clubs and societies on campus eg. Cultural clubs, academic clubs and many others.
Please appreciate that extra-curricular opportunities are linked to high quality student engagement and success.
COVID-19 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
The University takes responsibility for students seriously. The wellbeing and safety of our students is central to our planning. We will be actively working with Makerere University Health services and other key stakeholders to implement our plan. We encourage you to observe SOPs by wearing face masks, hand washing and sanitisation.
