UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO

Centre for Student Counselling and Development

Nurturing your well-being and growth – our dedicated professional team is here to support you emotionally, socially and academically

CENTRE FOR STUDENT COUNSELLING AND DEVELOPMENT

The Centre for Student Counselling and Development strives to be an innovative leader in the actualisation and enhancement of human potential and well-being.

About CSCD

VISION

The Centre for Student Counselling and Development strives to be an innovative leader in the actualisation and enhancement of human potential and well-being.

MISSION

The Centre seeks to empower university students and the wider community by providing an effective, efficient and dynamic psycho-educational service that is accessible, people–centered and developmentally orientated within a caring and enabling environment.

Director’s message

Welcome to the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) of the University of Limpopo. The Centre for Student Counselling and Development of the University of Limpopo, amongst others, strives towards improving and maintaining the mental health of students, the University community and the surrounding communities. Mental health and wellness are key to the UL student success. At the CSCD we offer in-person as well as virtual services to our clientele.

If you are not coping and experiencing any of the following challenges please consult at D Block:

  • Not coping with stressors and challenges of life?
  • Uncertainity about your career/subject choices?
  • Relationship problems?
  • Feeling hopeless, lost, sad and worthless?
  • Not coping with the academic pressures?

University life is both rewarding and challenging. Feelings and thoughts of fear, sadness, worry or something you haven’t identified yet, can derail you if you do not utilize the support services available to you.

The counselling and mental health services at the CSCD are at your door step. The services at the CSCD take place in a warm and welcoming environment, where all students are appreciated and treated with respect and dignity.

It takes courage to ask for help but it is the right thing to do. You are never too young, too strong, too weak, or too old to start.

No concern is too small. The services are free and confidential.

The CSCD provides a variety of services designed to meet the unique needs of all students.

The University has employed full time qualified student counsellors; all psychologists registered with the HPCSA.

The CSCD consulting hours are 07h30-16h00 Monday to Friday.

You are all welcome as a walk-in client to make an appointment at our offices at Block “D” or call us on the following numbers:

CSCD Reception 015 268 2437

CSCD Toll free number 0800 127 565

After hours: Campus Protection Services 015 268 6123

Telephonic help can also be obtained by calling the following numbers:

SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) 0800 567 567

Higher Health 24 Hour Toll-free Mental Health Helpline: Toll-free call 0800 36 36 36/SMS 43336

The CSCD, a safe community to support your mental health and the University’s educational goals, is committed to creating an environment based on our values of multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary and multi-theoretical practices that allows our diverse student body to access care, receive high quality services and take positive pathways to mental health.

Always remember: The CSCD is here to support all students in their endeavours to achieve success. The CSCD is here to hold your hand so that you can navigate through the academic jungle until you emerge victorious at the other end.

Contacts

Dr Makololo Mogane

Director

Email: makololo.mogane@ul.ac.za

Tel: (015) 268 2552/2437

 

Millicent Letsoalo

Senior Secretary

Email: ramaabele.letsoalo@ul.ac.za

Tel: (015) 268 2437 or toll-free 0800127565

CSCD Services
  • Peer Counsellors

    Peer Counsellors are selected from senior students who apply for the position on an annual basis. Students that meet the requirements and are subsequently appointed as Peer Counsellors undergo a training programme to equip them with the skills, they will need to fulfil their duties at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD). Peer Counsellors assist the CSCD in the various programmes at the CSCD, e.g. orientation of first-entering students, referral of students to psychologists at the CSCD, outreach programme, awareness campaigns, residence counselling, etc. Peer Counsellors fulfil their duties at the CSCD voluntarily, during which they gain valuable skills for self-development.  

    Internship-Registered Counsellors

    The CCSD has an internship programme for registered counsellors. Students who have enrolled for a BPsyc degree apply for the 6 months internship programme. Presently a maximum of 10 students can be accommodated. During the 6 months internship programme interns are exposed to the applicable theoretical and practical skills they need to complete to enable them to sit for the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) board exam. On meeting the relevant requirements as required by the HPCSA an intern can apply to become a Registered Counsellor with the HPCSA.

    Counselling/Psychotherapy

    Individual Counselling

    Counselling involves a student engaging with a counsellor/psychologist in a brief and focused way in order to allow a student to make more sense of their experience(s), conceptualise problems in different ways and find alternatives to move forward. Some problems might be more complex and long-standing and require further sessions. The Counsellor/Psychologist can also assist the client in identifying workshops, group counselling and relevant self-help resources. 

    Group Counselling

    Certain challenges are better managed in a group setting, where an individual can find support from peers who are experiencing similar problems or challenges.

    Online Counselling

    Online counselling can also be offered to registered students who are not in a position to access the service at the CSCD for face-to-face counselling.

    Workshops

    Workshops are presented on various topics such as Study Skills, Life Skills and Career Development. Brochures on various topics are also available on the CSCD website.

     

    Study Skills

    Career Development

    Life Skills

    Counselling & Psychotherapy

    • time management
    • study skills
    • reading techniques
    • memory techniques
    • tests & examinations, etc.
    • course selection
    • career choice
    • graduate placement
    • experiential training
    • vacation jobs
    • world of work, etc.
    • communication skills
    • assertiveness training
    • conflict & stress management
    • interpersonal relations, etc.
    • educational problems
    • personal problems
    • financial problems
    • assessment, etc.

     

    Psychometric Assessment

    Psychometric assessments are tests that are used to objectively measure an individual’s personality traits, potential, intelligence, abilities, behavioural style and aptitude. Psychometric assessments are used in for example career guidance and to assist in therapeutic intervention with a client.

    The CSCD administers the Survey of Study Habits and Attitudes (SSHA) test to all first-entering students during the 1st quarter of the academic year. The SSHA is a psychological test that measures the study methods, time management, student’s study habits, attitude and motivation towards academic activities. The SSHA is administered for the purposes of identifying effective and less effective study methods of first entering students so that there could be prevention and early intervention for those who might be classified as “at risk” students. Psychometric assessments are also administered to individuals who require career guidance, personal development and for diagnostic purposes.

Bookings/Appointments/Walk-ins

The Centre for Student Counselling and Development invites students to book appointments.

Walk-in appointments: D Block at the University of Limpopo

For appointments Contacts: Toll-free: 0800127565

Landline: 015 268-2437

After hours: 015 268 6123

Values, Ethics & Confidentiality

VALUES

We shall:

  • Strive for excellence in all our endeavours
  • Be sensitive to the needs of our clients as well as respect cultural diversity
  • Honour the ethics of our profession
  • Empower communities through outreach programmes
  • Promote the development of the Centre and the entire University
  • Be accountable to ourselves and the entire University community
  • Maintain the spirit of collaboration and unity within and outside the university
  • Work as a team
  • Support, respect and care for one another
  • Promote personal and professional growth

ETHICS AND CONFIDENTIALITY

We work within the ethical framework as laid down by the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Under normal circumstances, nothing will be revealed to anyone outside the service without the client’s informed consent.

Peer Counsellors

Peer Counsellors are selected from senior students who apply for the position on an annual basis. Students that meet the requirements and are subsequently appointed as Peer Counsellors undergo a training programme to equip them with the skills, they will need to fulfil their duties at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD). Peer Counsellors assist the CSCD in the various programmes at the CSCD, e.g. orientation of first-entering students, referral of students to psychologists at the CSCD, outreach programme, awareness campaigns, residence counselling, etc. Peer Counsellors fulfil their duties at the CSCD voluntarily, during which they gain valuable skills for self-development.  

Internship/Practicum-Registered Counsellors

The CCSD has an internship programme for registered counsellors. Students who have enrolled for a BPsyc degree apply for the 6 months internship programme. Presently a maximum of 10 students can be accommodated. During the 6 months internship programme interns are exposed to the applicable theoretical and practical skills they need to complete to enable them to sit for the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) board exam. On meeting the relevant requirements as required by the HPCSA an intern can apply to become a Registered Counsellor with the HPCSA.

Counselling/Psychotherapy

Individual Counselling

Counselling involves a student engaging with a counsellor/psychologist in a brief and focused way in order to allow a student to make more sense of their experience(s), conceptualise problems in different ways and find alternatives to move forward. Some problems might be more complex and long-standing and require further sessions. The Counsellor/Psychologist can also assist the client in identifying workshops, group counselling and relevant self-help resources. 

Group Counselling

Certain challenges are better managed in a group setting, where an individual can find support from peers who are experiencing similar problems or challenges.

Online Counselling

Online counselling can also be offered to registered students who are not in a position to access the service at the CSCD for face-to-face counselling.

Psychometric Assessment

Psychometric assessments are tests that are used to objectively measure an individual’s personality traits, potential, intelligence, abilities, behavioural style and aptitude. Psychometric assessments are used in for example career guidance and to assist in therapeutic intervention with a client.

The CSCD administers the Survey of Study Habits and Attitudes (SSHA) test to all first-entering students during the 1st quarter of the academic year. The SSHA is a psychological test that measures the study methods, time management, student’s study habits, attitude and motivation towards academic activities. The SSHA is administered for the purposes of identifying effective and less effective study methods of first entering students so that there could be prevention and early intervention for those who might be classified as “at risk” students. Psychometric assessments are also administered to individuals who require career guidance, personal development and for diagnostic purposes.

Workshops

The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) offers workshops to students that are interested and encounter academic problems. The workshops are tailored to enhance students study skills, career development, life skills and provide counselling and psychotherapy.

Study Skills

Career Development

Life Skills

Counselling & Psychotherapy

  • time management
  • study skills
  • reading techniques
  • memory techniques
  • tests & examinations, etc.
  • course selection
  • career choice
  • graduate placement
  • experiential training
  • vacation jobs
  • world of work, etc.
  • communication skills
  • assertiveness training
  • conflict & stress management
  • interpersonal relations, etc.
  • educational problems
  • personal problems
  • financial problems
  • assessment, etc.
Community Engagement – Outreach Programme

The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) is involved in an outreach programme to schools in the rural areas of Limpopo. The main aim of the outreach programme is to provide basic career guidance and subject choice guidance to grade 9 learners. Motivational talks are also offered to grade 11 and 12 learners. Peer Counsellors assist the CSCD in this programme. The Peer Counsellors also impart their valuable knowledge to learners by sharing their experience and knowledge of the university and adjustment to tertiary studies.

Career Resource Unit

The Career Resource Unit at the CSCD focuses on:

  • Acquiring updated and current career-related information, economic and job market information, scholarships and bursary information. Relevant information is shared with students on relevant social media and other platforms.
  • Presenting the work readiness programme that includes work readiness workshops, to assist students to prepare adequately for the world of work.
  • Presenting workshops on topics like e.g. CV writing, etc.
  •  

Graduate Placement Programme

The aim of the Graduate Placement Programme is the following:

  • Establish and strengthen links between the CSCD and prospective employers.
  • Invite prospective employers to recruit students.
  • Arrange and inform students about Career Fairs.
  • To assist students in sourcing employment opportunities.
  • To assist students in venturing into entrepreneurship.
  • To assist students in obtaining learnership and internship opportunities.
CSCD Clientele

The main focus is on students who are registered with the University of Limpopo. Students obtain access to the services at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development through the following options:

  • Self-referral.
  • Referral via friends or fellow students on campus.
  • Referral via Peer Counsellor(s).
  • Staff members from departments, units and divisions on campus.
    Staff Members Contacts

    Dr Makololo Mogane

    Director

    Email: makololo.mogane@ul.ac.za

    Tel: (015) 268 2552/2437

     

    Vincent Cloete

    Deputy Director

    Email: vincent.cloete@ul.ac.za

    Tel: (015) 268 2555/2437

     

    Millicent Letsoalo

    Senior Secretary

    Email: ramaabele.letsoalo@ul.ac.za

    Tel: (015) 268 2437 or toll-free 0800127565

     

    Julia Hlahla

    Student Counsellor/Psychologist

    Email: julia.hlahla@ul.ac.za

    Tel: (015) 268 3215/2437

    Matimba Chauke

    Registered Counsellor-Career Resource Centre

    Email: matimba.chauke@ul.ac.za

    Tel: (015) 268 3184

     

    Nhlori Ngobeni

    Student Counsellor/Psychologist

    Email: nhlori.ngobeni@ul.ac.za

    Tel: (015) 268 2554

     

    Dorothy Malemela

    Student Counsellor/Psychologist

    Email: raesetsa.malemela@ul.ac.za

    Tel: (015) 268 2553

     

    Anna Mabina

    Student Counsellor/Psychologist

    Email: anna.mabina@ul.ac.za

    Tel: (015) 268 3216