Support services
Our University offers a comprehensive range of support services to ensure the wellbeing, inclusion, and success of all students and staff. Below is an overview of the primary support units and the services they provide.
Disability Unit
The Disability Unit is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for students and staff with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in campus life and achieve their academic goals.
The Unit offers:
- Academic support and adaptations: Assistance with special arrangements for tests and exams, access to tailored study materials, and adaptations to curricula and assessments.
- Assistive technology: Provision of specialised computers, screen readers, magnifying and text-to-speech software, Braille embossers, and digital magnifiers.
- Physical access: Guidance and support to improve accessibility across campus facilities.
- Awareness and advocacy: Training sessions for staff and students to promote inclusivity and understanding of diverse learning needs.
- Holistic support: Referrals to mental health services, counselling, financial aid and other student services as needed.
- Consultative support for staff: Advice and resources to help staff create effective learning environments for students with special needs.
Wellbeing and psychosocial support
Stellenbosch University adopts a holistic approach to wellbeing, focusing on the physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social, and spiritual dimensions of health for both students and staff.
The support services include:
- Wellness programmes: Initiatives such as the BeWell programme support personal growth, resilience, and academic success through mentoring and wellness-based activities.
- Employee wellbeing: Staff have access to health promotion, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services, and support for psychosocial challenges.
- Workshops and training: Sessions on stress management, time management, and personal development.
- Mentorship: First-year students are paired with mentors for guidance and support throughout their transition to university life.
- Crisis support: 24-hour confidential crisis lines for urgent psychological or emotional assistance.
- Inclusive environment: Ongoing efforts to foster a caring, supportive, and inclusive campus culture for all members of the university community.
These support services work together to ensure that every student and staff member at Stellenbosch University has access to the resources and assistance needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Equality Unit
The Equality Unit promotes social justice and tackles issues of discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence. It serves both students and staff with a focus on creating a safe and inclusive campus.
Services include:
- Complaint facilitation: Lodging of formal and informal complaints of unfair discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and abuse.
- Case management: Professional support from anti-discrimination and harassment case officers.
- Mediation: Confidential mediation services to resolve conflicts amicably.
- HIV/Aids support: Free HIV prevention, testing, and counselling services, as well as condom distribution.
- LGBTQIA+ support: Counselling, discussion groups, and training to foster a welcoming environment for all gender identities and sexual orientations.
- Gender non-violence initiatives: Awareness campaigns, training, and support regarding gender-based violence and gender bias.
- Training and awareness: Educational programmes and resources for staff and students on diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
Campus Health Service
Campus Health Service (CHS) provides accessible, integrated healthcare to students and staff on both the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses.
Key offerings include:
- Primary health care: Diagnosis, treatment, and management of common health concerns.
- Doctors and nurses: On-site consultations with medical professionals; free nursing consultations for students.
- Family planning and immunisation: Services for contraception, routine vaccinations, and travel health requirements.
- HIV testing and counselling: Confidential testing and support available to all.
- Mental health referrals: Collaborate with the Centre for Student Counselling and Development for psychological support.
- Emergency care: Access to 24-hour crisis support and emergency medical services.
- Health promotion: Wellness campaigns and information sessions to promote healthy lifestyles.
These support services work together to ensure that every student and staff member at Stellenbosch University has access to the resources and assistance needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
