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Recent developments in the higher education sector in South Africa is to a large extent pressurizing student counselling
services to re-think the way in which they provide much needed support for students.
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In the past there was opportunity for student counselling services to orientate first years to the psychosocial demands of
higher education and where they could find support if and when needed.
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Ongoing student protests have however had a major impact on academic calendars and the normal functioning of
universities have been disrupted.
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Not only do these protests increase the uncertainty and anxiety that first year students normally experience, but it also
limits the time that counselling services have during first year orientation programs.
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Furthermore, when campuses are locked down, students have difficulty accessing student counselling services.
Introduction