Noluvuyo Mgomani and Roman Adams where amongst the students celebrating their first year at UCT

A function was held at the UCT Sports Club recently for first-year students on the faculty's Extended Degree Programme (EDP). This programme takes the form of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) degree taken over a period of four years instead of the requisite three years. Candidates are selected on the basis of demonstrated potential, academic suitability and commitment. The advantages of being on the EDP include access to dedicated mentors as well as the ability to better balance course load and student life at UCT. Film and Media student Roman Adams says "University can be very difficult however the EDP programme is very useful in terms of motivating us and helping us to become more confident in our abilities. Because of the resources available to me here, I know that I am going to make it."

In her address to the students, which was conducted in fluent isiXhosa, Associate Professor Kathy Luckett outlined the objective behind the cocktail event: "Sidibanela iinjongo ezimbini: ukuthi enkosi kakhulu kwimentors zethu ngawo wonke umsebenzi onzima abawenzileyo - bengabhatalwa, ukunqwenelela impumelelo bonke abafundi kwi-exams zabo."

"We are gathered here for two reasons: to express our gratitude to our mentors for all of their hard work, for which they have not receive any form of payment and to wish all of the EDP students the best of luck for their end of year exams."

Peter Anderson; Kay McCormick; Richard Mendelsohn; Kathy Luckett and Rethar Jansen (back row) with the 2011 mentors Robyn Human, Mimi Suliman and Jez Da Mota Ribeiro (front row)

The EDP programme is made possible through the ongoing commitment of a number of academic and undergraduate office staff members who offer curriculum advice services and academic mentorship to the students. These individuals include Dr. Peter Anderson, a senior lecturer in the Department of English Language and Literature, who has been deeply involved in the initiative for a number of years and who continues to run weekly seminars for students taking non-quantitative courses. Special acknowledgement was also reserved for Professor Kay McCormick who has been interim manager of the EDP programme whilst Kathy has been on sabbatical this year.

The event provided an opportunity to thank the EDP's 'super mentors': Robyn Human, Mimi Suliman and Jez Da Mota Ribeiro - who have worked tirelessly throughout the year, often going the extra mile to ensure the well-being and successful integration of this year's EDP students. It was quite fitting that the evenings entertainment was provided by the very talented jazz saxophonist Tim Mashitisho, who is also a first year EDP student.

First year jazz saxophonist Tim Mashitisho wows the crowd with cover versions of popular R&B songs

More on the EDP:

There are currently 438 students registered on the faculty's EDP, of which 76 are potential December 2011 graduates. Since its inception in 2006, the programme has demonstrated excellent results, measured in escalating graduation rates year-on year.