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
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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.
Brochures/Self-help
CSCD Brochure
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 |
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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