January 2013

Dear Villager

 Welcome to TuksVillage - a very special and unique residence of the University of Pretoria!

It is very important that you are well informed about the nature of this residence before you arrive, because it differs from all the other residences and won’t suit everyone. Therefore, this letter is not just to inform you but also to allow you to prepare for your stay in TuksVillage.

 If you, after reading through all the information, feel this residence is not for you and you want to take part in competitive student activities, please inform us at tuksvillage@up.ac.za so you could apply for another residence.

All enquiries about residence placement, costs involved and applications must be directed to csc@up.ac.za

 MANAGEMENT OF TUKSVILLAGE

Residence Management Committee (RMC)

TuksVillage does not have a house committee like other residences. Instead, we have a Management Committee consisting of the Heads of Residence, Building supervisor and student management committee members. Each block has two management committee members (RMC members), who take responsibility for the discipline, mentoring, academic atmosphere, facilities, security and wellbeing of students in that block.

 Meetings

To ensure the smooth running of the residence and to address any issues in the residence, it is expected of students to attend   Village meetings. This usually happens twice a semester. Regular block and unit meetings will also take place throughout the year.

 UP policies and Code of Conduct

•          The basic point of departure is that all the rules and regulations for University residences (in TuksRes Guide) are applicable.

•          However, given the unique features of this residence, some rules might have been adapted, while others might not be applicable and some might need to be developed.

 Heads of Residence

Given the size of the residence the University has appointed Dr Johan Hendrikz and his wife, Karin Hendrikz, as joint Heads of the Residence. It is their responsibility, in co-operation with the other members of the Residence Management Committee, to:

·         manage the residence in line with the relevant policies for University residences and those rules/policies specifically customised to suit the uniqueness of the residence;

·         develop the character of the residence in line with the vision that the University has for the residence; and

·         to continuously develop TuksVillage as a – strictly – academically orientated residence.

Recycling 

It is expected from students to separate their waste in their units into glass, tin, paper and plastics. From there, cleaners take it to the waste holding area from where Remade collects it.

Apart from our daily recycling, students also embark on various recycling projects during the year.

 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TUKSVILLAGE

What sort of a residence is TuksVillage?

•          for students who would like to live in a residence type environment that allows for greater independence and strict academic focus.

•          a mixed (ladies and men) residence and accommodates students from first year up to postgraduate level, but no married students.

•          has student activities but not formalised as in the case of the traditional residences and will not officially take part in organised cultural and sport activities except in cases where students initiate such participation themselves. We do not as a residence take part in rag, ienkmelodienk, serrie, other cultural competitions and sport. Students may join any other residence/day house/student organisation to take part in competitive sport and culture activities

•          First year students must attend our compulsory welcoming programme and therefore have no time to participate/attend or join any other residence or day house (Vividus) activities during welcoming week. First years of TuksVillage do not participate in ienkmelodienk!

•          is managed by two Heads of Residence and a Residence Management Committee.

 Accommodation

* 10 separate blocks of 4 floors each.

* Every floor has 2 units. Each unit accommodates 8 students with their own living and kitchen area.

* Ladies and men are accommodated in different units.

* The living/kitchen area has a communal refrigerator, stove and microwave, scullery and kitchen cupboards for self-catering. This area furthermore consists of a breakfast counter with chairs and leads out to a balcony with a sliding door.

* Students also share a communal bathroom with 2 toilets, a shower and a bath with three washbasins.

 Cleaning

* The University’s cleaning staff cleans the communal areas such as the kitchen/living area and bathroom.

* It is expected of the 8 students sharing a unit to wash their own dishes and keep their rooms clean and tidy.

 Rooms

·         Please remember it is a very large residence with more than 600 students living in 10 separate blocks. It is very important to inform your loved ones about your block, unit and room number once you have moved in.

·         The room has fixed furniture:

o    Bed

o    Two study type work areas with a chair and bookshelves

o    Three large wardrobes

o    Blinds

You have a secure lock on your door and one of the wardrobes can be locked with a padlock. If you want to lock the other two wardrobes you need to use a chain lock.

Each room has internet access (LAN port) as well as limited access to University network system. Students can also make use of the private WIFI provider.

Students can also apply for a laptop size safe (similar to hotel room safe) for R25 per month.

 What do you bring?

·         Bedding

·         Broom and dustbin

·         Chain lock to lock your wardrobe

·         Padlock for the wardrobe (medium size)

·         A padlock for the kitchen cupboard

·         Cooking utensils – remember we are self catering

·         If you would like to become part of our TuksVillage community project, we ask that you would please bring along a small box of crayons. These will be donated to a nursery school in our community.

Note: NO open bar heaters are allowed!

You can also bring the following

·         Computer and printer (although we have a IT Lab with 30 computers at the residence)

·         Cable to lock your desktop computer or laptop

·         Extension cord and multiplug / double adaptor

·         Mini-refrigerator for your room (not higher than 83 cm)

·         Iron and ironing board

 
Other facilities at TuksVillage

A village centre with the following facilities:

* IT lab

* Recreation hall and braai deck

* Lounge

* VillageFresh – our in house mini-market

* Laundry - washing machines and dryers for you to do your own laundry

 Meals/food at TuksVillage

TuksVillage is a self catering residence, we have no dining hall.

Each unit has a communal refrigerator, stove, microwave and a cupboard for each student to store groceries in. (remember small padlock to lock your cupboard).

TuksVillage has a VillageFresh, this is a mini-market - similar to the shop at the garage - that is open from 07:00 to 21:00. Here, you can buy various food items with your student card (no cash) - frozen meals, fresh fruit, vegetables, salads, milk and bread, heat and eat meals, and other food items to prepare your own meals in your unit. Limited toiletries are also available. (Remember to bring utensils, cutlery and crockery).

One take away cooked meal will be available on a daily basis at the res together with limited fast food items like chips, hamburgers and sandwiches.

Villagers can also eat cooked meals at Kloostersaal on campus. This is very convenient for students during the day because they can then have a well balance meal for lunch on campus.

 Holidays

Please take note that the University rents out residences during most holidays. Students must in such instances vacate their rooms during these holidays. The University or the residence does not provide any storage facilities to any student. Students must either take all their belongings home or arrange for storage themselves.  

The University make one male and one female residence (host residences) available during holidays for residence students that need to stay for academic purposes.

 Transport to the main campus

A free bus shuttle service to the main campus in Hatfield is available. However, many students from all residences on the grounds walk to campus or make use of a bicycle (which could be encouraged as a form of exercise and staying green).

 Security

Crime is endemic in South Africa and unfortunately no university can escape this reality.

The University is however very safety conscious and have mechanisms in place to as far as possible ensure the safety of students and their belongings. We have access control to all residences and security guards on patrol. Students must lock their unit and room doors at all times. Your student card gives you entry to your block and the Village Hall. Students are also expected to be safety conscious at all times.

 Shops in the area

A shopping centre – Hillcrest Boulevard – is very close to TuksVillage. It has a Pick ‘n Pay, Woolworths Food, Dischem Pharmacy, Ackermans Clothing, miscellaneous items store and coffee shops.

 Postal service

 A Postnet in Lynnwood Road renders a postal/fax/internet service. Their telephone number is (012) 362 2500 and the fax number is (012) 362 2501.

Post can be sent to the residence - the address is:

TuksVillage, Name, Block and room no, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002

 Medical services in the area

Within walking distance from the residence is a Discem Pharmacy. Also within walking distance is the Hatmed Medical Centre. The number of the Hatmed Medical Centre is: 012 362 7180

 Status of first year students and senior students

There is no distinction in status between first-year and senior students in TuksVillage. However, the University acknowledges that in most cases, it is initially difficult for first-year students to adapt to university life and therefore special arrangements have been made to support first-year students in TuksVillage.

The following arrangements are in place:

·         First-years will be accommodated in three of the eight units of each block.

·         Block managers have a specific responsibility to care for the well being of first years in their blocks.

·         It is expected of first-year students to attend first-year meetings as and when arranged by the Residence Management Committee.

 Mentorship programme

·         TuksVillage has a dedicated mentorship programme in place for first years. This programme runs for the first semester.

·         First years are allocated during the Welcoming week to a specific RMC member, or willing senior Villager, studying in the same Faculty. First years will meet on a weekly basis with their respective mentor.

·         Each mentor will be responsible for approximately 10 first years.

 WELCOMING DAY – 26 JANUARY 2013

Students from church camps and students with extraordinary circumstances may move in on the Friday 25 January from 12:00 to 17:00. However, this is not advisable because the official welcoming programme takes place on the Saturday.

·         First-year students move in from 08:00 till 13:00 on Saturday, 26 January 2013

·         Please report to the Village Hall of TuksVillage, where you will receive your key and be taken to your room.

·         First-year students and their parents are invited to a Welcoming and Information session by the Heads of Residence at 13:30 in the Village hall.

·         The Principal delivers her welcoming speech to first-year students and their parents on the main campus at several set times during the course of the morning. We urge you to attend one of these sessions. Please consult the official Welcoming Day programme that the University will send you.

 Money related issues:

·         Students are requested to pay R150 (R50.00 + R100.00) when you register at the residence.

o    R50.00 per year for our Village fund. This money is used for several student related expenditures that specifically benefit the Villagers.

o    A residence T-Shirt for R100.00. This shirt must be worn that evening at the University’s Official welcoming to residence first years  

Other TuksVillage clothing will be on display when you register. Other items are:  jacket/ Hoodie (R210), Drawstring bags (R30) – all branded in our TuksVillage style.

These items are optional but we suggest that you consider also ordering and paying for these items on your arrival.

Welcoming and information - WiWeek

·         TuksVillage has a COMPULSORY welcoming programme for ALL first year students from 26 January – 3 February 2013.

·         First years are not allowed to leave the Residence in the evenings during this week except when specifically arranged with their Block Managers.

·         No first year may join any other Residence or day house (Vividus) for any activity during Welcoming Week.

·         If you have a problem attending the Welcoming Week, please contact us on tuksvillage@up.ac.za or send an sms to 082 441 8581 with your name and student number and date of arrival.

 We are looking forward to meeting you.

With kind regards

 Residence Management Team

 You are welcome to contact the Heads of Residence via email at:

tuksvillage@up.ac.za