CENTRE FOR EXTERNAL STUDIES (CES) - DISTANCE EDUCATION (UNAM)

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Centre for External Studies is aware of the difficult circumstances under which many of its students have to study. It therefore provides assistance and academic support to enable students to successfully complete their studies. In providing academic support, CES recruits competent tutors to provide tutorials and mark assignments. These tutors are assigned to a module to help the students with any problems they experience during their studies. Students are encouraged to consult tutors for any problems they have in a particular module.

To supplement the use of study materials by students, the Department of Student Support arranges contact sessions in the form of 1-2 week long and/or weekend tutorials at various centres from time to time.

On an annual basis, notices of all contact sessions for each study programme are provided to students through the Regional Administrative and Student Support Officers at University Centres across the country. Students are strongly advised and encouraged to find out the dates of such sessions and make every effort to attend all contact sessions arranged for their modules. Contact sessions are a valuable opportunity for students to talk to tutors and be assisted in their modules, as well as talk to other students doing similar modules and experiencing similar problems with the purpose of forming study groups in their area of residence and/or work. During these contact sessions special attention is given to discussing problems and providing information and academic assistance on how to tackle assignments, projects or practical activities and exercises, as well as on preparing for examinations.

In addition to all these pre-arranged contact sessions, students are encouraged to consult their tutors, staff in the Department Student Support, regional staff at the UNAM Centres, or the Administrative Co-ordinators regarding any problems they might have with their studies.