Helping you to gain the edge in your

academic game

Let us switch to learning mode…

 Having trouble with your assignments?

You are not alone!

Why are assignments important?

Assignments help your lecturers to see whether you understand the module, help you to learn course
content and prepare for your exams. Assignments also contribute to your final mark, so it is vital that you
complete them according to the specified guidelines. Watch the ‘all you need to know about assignments’
video. In addition, check out this presentation to help you prepare for assignment submission.

Types of assignments

At Unisa, your assignments can fall under 3 categories:

1. Compulsory: This is the most critical assignment for any module. You will automatically fail the
module if you do not submit assignments. So make sure you ALWAYS submit these assignments
no matter what!
2. Mandatory: These refer to assignments that contribute to your final mark. If you do not submit
these assignments, you will put yourself in danger for your final module mark because you will need
to work harder in your other assignments and examination to make up for the lost marks. However,
you will not automatically fail the module if these assignments are not submitted.
3. Elective: If your assignment is categorised as an elective, it means that you have a choice if you
want to do the assignment or not. Usually there are a choice of a few assignments and the best
mark amongst these assignments are chosen. It is always encouraged to complete these elective
assignments to give yourself a fair academic chance.

We have compiled a list of issues from students in the past

Like you, these Unisa students also had some questions on assignment submission.

Join us to see how we assisted them in overcoming these issues and help them submit their assignments
with ease!
 Let us have a look at some solutions to issues that you may be facing:

For every problem, there is a solution…

Problem Solution

Technological and Digital Issues

“I did not receive my network Make sure your details are correct.
data”
• To check or update your details, login to myUnisa, click on
myAdmin/Student Admin/Biographical details/Update contact details.
• Sometimes there are network delays and announcements will be
posted, so please keep an eye for that and please be patient.
• You may also email [email protected] or call 0800 00 1870
(option 4) for other issues

“I do not have a laptop/computer. • As a student at an OdeL institution like Unisa, it is important that you
How do I carry out my academic have a computer/laptop that you can access (be it at an internet café,
duties?” your local library or even saving up for your own)
• You may visit your regional centre to make use of the free computer
labs.

It is important to note that FREE WIFI is available at ALL Unisa campuses!

• One of the most important things that a student needs is a
“I need more information on
laptop/computer!
technology and technical • Watch this video on Technical Technology and me to gain a better sense
requirements that I need at Unisa” of the other technical requirements.
 MyUnisa and MyModule Support
Follow the link below to claim your login.
“I do not know how to claim
myUnisa”
Call 0800 00 1870 or 012 429 3111 (Option 2) or send an email to:
“I am struggling with the myUnisa
and myLife accounts” [email protected]
[email protected]

• Please keep this resource close to you, as it contains important “how

“I do not know how to use this
to…” videos prepared for new students, on how to navigate myModules
MyModule thing!” on myUnisa.
• You may also visit this short guide to assist you with logging in

• Remember to sign in using your myUnisa details.

“I am still struggling to log onto
• If you encounter difficulties logging onto myModules, we suggest
myModules” clearing your cache
• During busy assignment periods, there may be maintenance and down
time. However, if you are still experiencing issues, please reset your
myUnisa password by clicking ‘forgot password’ and try again.

• Your Tutorial Letter 101 and your module site are two important areas to
“I don’t know where to find my
look at when trying to locate assignment information.
assignments” • While you are on the module site, keep an eye out for announcements
your lecturers may post!

You may also find this link on locating assignments useful!

Please contact the respective module coordinators and lecturers for all your
assignment related queries

This link may be useful to assist with the uploading of assignments

“Struggling with uploading my
assignments”
 Assignment Details

“Where do I find my assignment • The first step is to refer to your Tutorial Letter 101.
due dates and details?” • Thereafter, visit the respective myModules site for further information.

Please contact the respective module coordinators and lecturers for all your
assignment related queries

Remember to keep an eye on lecture announcements on the respective module

site as well!

“Where can I find my lecturers • Refer to your Tutorial Letter 101.

details?” • Visit the respective myModule site should need be.

• It is essential that you submit an assignment in time to meet the

“The assignment due date has
deadline (submission / closing) date. If you fail to do this, the assignment
passed. Can I still submit my will not be marked, and you will therefore receive no admission credits
for the assignment.
assignment?”
• No assignments handed in after the closing date will be marked unless
special permission has been obtained in advance from the head of the
relevant academic department.

• Please contact your lecturer for the respective module directly to discuss
this matter.

Study and Learning Material

“What textbooks and learning Refer to your Tutorial Letter 101 as well as your respective module site on
material do I require?” myModules for any updated announcements and communication from your
lecturer!

Contact the Library Services to arrange for a borrowed copy or an online version
“I do not have a textbook”
of the textbook if available.
 As we move towards being a fully online institution, we aim to place course
“I did not receive my study
material online under myUnisa
material?”
• In addition, visit the respective module site under myModules. Please
make use of your Tutorial Letters as well for further important
information and guidance.
• In the event that printed study material in certain cases and situations
were arranged, please contact Despatch on the following email:

Email: [email protected]

Or contact
Tel: 012 429 6942/6561/011 471 3688/2276/3712

Counselling, academic and personal development support

• Unisa has a specialised unit to assist you with all of these challenges.
“I am unsure how to select Please visit the Directorate for Counselling and Career Development
modules, group modules, how (DCCD)
many modules, how to develop
study skills, and balance my time
between studies and other
responsibilities” • You may also book an online consult with a friendly student counsellor:

Make an appointment

“How do I survive first year at • Your first year can be daunting and stressful! We have prepared some
Unisa?” valuable motivational broadcasts and tips to survive first year at Unisa.
We trust this will be useful.

“How do I balance my work, • Many of our students are working full time or trying to balance their life
study and social life?” and their studies.
• Balancing various life roles can be challenging, but it is not impossible.
Watch the video to help you attain this balance

“How do I bounce back after a • Sometimes life knock us down, but it is important that we bounce back
difficult test or life stress?” up.
• Visit this guide to help you to make a comeback after a tough setback

“How do I manage my time?” • Time management is a very important skill that every student should
have. We have 3 links to really help you with managing your time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc3z117a0wg

Watch a short video on time management

Time management and study planner document

 • Watch the video to assist you in Studying effectively
“How do I study effectively?” • You may also Make an appointment with a counsellor should you require
further assistance

Types of Assessments
“I did not know that there are different types of assessments. In what format will I be assessed?”
Essay Writing Essay writing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zZG4QisBt0&t=813s

Portfolio assessments:
Portfolio Assessments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPHpuL3ykC4&t=3s

Multiple Choice Questions Multiple choice questions:

(MCQ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2TGZPIMnIY&t=511s

Graded Discussions Graded discussions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-APtEcn30F4&t=26s
Essay Type Questions Essay questions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJQiqdCgU_M&t=20s
Continuous Assessment Continuous assessment :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYElGsn3mb8&t=21s
Case Study Based Assessments Case based assessments:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eps-1IZrWtk&t=38s

When will my assignment be Due to Unisa being the largest open university in Africa as well as housing
marked/graded? thousands of students, there is a 21-day policy upon which assignments will be
graded. Thereafter, you should receive your results.

Academic Literacies
“What are academic literacies? • Academic literacy refers to being proficient in reading and writing at an
How can I receive free reading academic institution.
and writing assistance?” • Unisa has an Academic Literacy programme that offer various study
skills including reading and writing skills
• Visit your Region for further assistance
• Email: [email protected]

“Can I use informal language at It is important that proper, formal and academic language be used in all activities
University level?” at the University. More information can be found under the Levels of language
video.
“I am struggling with • Referencing is an important part of your studies and ensures that you
referencing!” give credit to authors whose work you have used and avoid plagiarism.
• Visit the Academic Literacy Programme Series for Referencing to assist
you

“What type of a learner am I?” • As humans, we are unique and have different ways of learning and
understanding information.
• Click on this interesting link on Learning styles to help you understand
yourself a bit better

Digital Literacies
“How can I improve my • Microsoft skills are useful and very important to have!
Microsoft Office and basic digital • Visit the Academic Development Open Virtual Hub (ADOVH) website for
skills” free training resources!
• While you are on the site, be sure to enrol for the free Basic Skills for
Microsoft 365 Course

Where are the Unisa computer • Visit your regional centre to make use of the free computer labs and free
labs near me? WIFI services on all our campuses!

“I heard I can talk out loud and • This is a feature called ‘MS Word dictate and transcribe’. Remember,
my computer can type what I am this is just a cool tool and there may be errors, so be sure to double
talking…” check your document.
 Additional Resources
There are a few Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that you can enrol for,
“What Free learning courses are
free of charge, to learn different skills in your own time, and at your own pace –
available to me?” these are already available on www.mooc.unisa.ac.za

The FYE1500 is a little induction that is recommended to all first-time entering

FYE 1500 Course
students. Revisit the FYE1500 learning course to refresh your memory about
various important aspects that will aid your academic journey:

FYE1500-25-S1 – Click here

Regional Information
“Where is my nearest Unisa Find a Unisa regional centre near you: Regions
regional office?”

College Information
“I have some college related Find College related information here:
queries”
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Colleges
 We win as ONE!
Please note that UNISA will NOT charge a monetary fee for any
of the above support services. Our student support is
completely FREE of charge.

Be careful of WhatsApp or SMS messages from scammers!

We wish you everything of the best!

Kind Regards

The First-Year Experience Team

Student Retention Unit

‘Forging a culture of highly successful

students’

Department: Tuition Support and

Facilitation of Learning

Visit the FYE Website

E-mail: [email protected]