IN CONVERSATION WITH LUCY CARLSON (APPLICATION SUPPORT) & GUGU MIYA (CYBER AND INFORMATION AND SECURITY OFFICER)

For virtually every aspect of university life — from academic registration to online classes,
email communication, learning platforms, and research — students at the University of the
Witwatersrand rely on the Wits ICT (Information and Communications Technology)
division. 

Wits ICT manages essential digital services, including student email addresses, campus Wi-Fi
connectivity, password management, printing services and the Student Self-Service Portal,
where students can easily access timetables, fee statements, exam results, registration
information and more. 

Every student automatically gets a student email address (e.g.,
studentnumber@students.wits.ac.za) which is the official communication channel between
the university and the student. ICT also helps students reset passwords, register devices to the
campus network and log support requests through the Wits ICT Service Desk. 

In addition, Wits ICT supports online academic systems such as CLE/Sakai and Canvas (the
LMS platform), which students use to access lecture materials, submit assignments, and
participate in online learning. 

Wits ICT also enables data access solutions for students studying remotely, including VPN
setup for accessing university resources and zero-rated data bundles on approved learning
sites. 

With Orientation Week underway and many new students still connecting to campus systems
for the first time, understanding how to use Wits ICT services effectively is crucial for
academic success, communication and participation in online learning.

Today we speak with a Wits ICT representative to break down the services, common issues
students face, and tips for smooth digital campus life.