“VUT hosted an inspiring Academic Advising Motivational Seminar titled “Unlock Your Potential: Thriving Under Pressure,” uniting multiple faculties and support services to equip students with study strategies, mental resilience techniques, and leadership insights for academic success.”
28 October 2025 | Story: Tayron Mhlongo | Photo: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
On 23 October 2025, the Student Academic Advising Unit at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted a powerful Academic Advising Motivational Seminar, drawing a diverse audience of students eager to prepare for their final examinations. Themed “Unlock Your Potential: Thriving Under Pressure,” the event aimed to inspire students to excel academically while providing practical strategies to cope with academic challenges and personal pressures.
The seminar was a collaborative initiative involving various faculties and support departments, including the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences (FACS), Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), Faculty of Human Sciences (FHS), and Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS). Representatives from the Registrar’s Office and Student Counselling and Support (SCS) also participated, offering a holistic view of the University’s academic and wellness support ecosystem. The session reinforced VUT’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, resilient graduates ready to thrive under any circumstance.
Speakers encouraged students to embrace tailored study approaches, creating personal timetables, managing workloads effectively, and maintaining a healthy balance between academic effort and rest. The core message resonated clearly: success stems not from relentless hard work alone, but from disciplined, intentional, and reflective learning. Confidence, perseverance, and resilience were highlighted as essential tools for navigating the pressures of academia.
Delivering the keynote address, Ms Seapehi Dumasi, author and entrepreneur, shared her journey of leadership and personal development. She drew a compelling link between entrepreneurship and academic success, urging students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset in their studies. “Think innovatively, manage your time with precision, and treat every challenge as an opportunity to lead and learn,” she advised. Her words inspired students to take ownership of their academic paths and to lead themselves with purpose and courage.
Complementing this message, Mr Rakhomo Mokhoke, Administrative Assistant: Learning Communities, Centre for Academic Development, delivered an insightful talk on mental resilience, a cornerstone of examination readiness. He offered practical techniques for managing stress, sustaining concentration, and maintaining emotional balance during high-pressure periods. He also encouraged students to make use of the University’s mental health services and peer-support structures to strengthen their wellbeing throughout the exam season.
Reflecting on the event, Ms Christian Mukwevho, a Civil Engineering student and first-year mentor, said: “Attending the exam readiness seminar was an invaluable experience that reignited my motivation and focus for the upcoming exams. It emphasised the importance of staying disciplined, managing time effectively, and maintaining confidence in pursuit of academic excellence.”
Interactive discussions throughout the seminar allowed students to engage directly with faculty and support staff, sharing their concerns and gaining tailored advice. These exchanges reflected VUT’s culture of care, inclusivity, and collaboration, values that continue to define the University’s student success framework.
As the seminar concluded, students left inspired, equipped, and ready to face their examinations with renewed determination. The event reaffirmed VUT’s enduring mission: to empower every student to unlock their potential, thrive under pressure, and excel beyond the classroom.