News24 | Wits University, SRC agree to extend student registration deadline to Tuesday

Wits University students now have until Tuesday to register. (Alex Patrick/News24)

• Wits University students now have until Tuesday to register.
• The university and the SRC have agreed to extend the deadline.
• More than 97% of undergraduate students are registered so far. 

Wits University management and the Students' Representative Council (SRC) have agreed to extend the student registration deadline until Tuesday. 

In a statement issued on Friday evening, the university said they met with the SRC on Thursday, during which time an agreement was met and some conditions were heard.

The university's spokesperson, Shirona Patel, said that as far as resources allow and subject to approval by a joint task team set up by the parties, it was also agreed that the registration of "undergraduate academically deserving students" (with PCD and RET codes only), with an outstanding debt of less than R150 000, would be considered.

PCD and RET undergraduate students who have been approved for assistance by both the Wits Hardship Fund and the Wits SRC Legacy Fund would be considered, provided that they owe less than R150 000 after having received assistance from these funds.

"Qualifying students in these categories should check their student email accounts for more information from the Finance Division, and students can register thereafter at their respective faculty offices on Monday and Tuesday," said Patel. 

She stated that both parties agreed to seek assistance from private accommodation service providers to sponsor additional beds, to be allocated through the Hardship Accommodation process.

"The university will continue considering the placement of registered students in university residences where vacancies exist on a case-by-case basis through Campus Housing and Residence Life," Patel added.

Both parties also agreed to fundraise to enable the registration of postgraduate students.

WATCH | UCT students vow to continue academic boycott over lack of housing, fee blocks 

"Subject to the confirmation of additional funding (at least R2 million), applications to the Wits SRC Legacy Fund would be reopened for a limited period to postgraduate students (prioritising assistance to those admitted to honours programmes)," Patel said.  

According to the university, more than 97% of undergraduate students are registered, with postgraduate registration opportunities available at specific times throughout the year.