Semester 1 Group Sessions 2026

Whether you’re facing academic pressures, personal challenges, or want to learn more about self-care, our programs provide a safe space to connect, share, and grow.  Take a step towards prioritising your mental health-your well-being matters.

Check the schedule below for upcoming group sessions and reach out to the CLMS Student Support Services if you need confidential support or guidance.  We are here to help you thrive.  See our links and contact details below.  The schedule will be updated with new group sessions.  Look out for the Career Development sessions that will follow after March 2026. 

Top Tips for Time Management

Do you feel constantly behind, even when you’re busy all day?
Do you start the semester motivated, but lose momentum halfway through?
Are deadlines stressing you out?
Do you wish you had time for studying and your personal life?

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Join this practical workshop to learn:

  • Simple strategies to stay organised and focused
    • How to prioritise without feeling overwhelmed
    • Tools to avoid procrastination
    • Ways to stay consistent throughout the semester
    • How to create balance between academics and life

Walk away with realistic, easy-to-use techniques that will help you feel more in control of your time and your success.

For more information, please contact Dr Margot Sennett Freedman at Sennett@ukzn.ac.za

This workshop runs online for an hour at different times, on other days to accommodate various lecture time tables
DateTimeSession Link
Wednesday, 4 March 10h00Click here - Meeting ID: 375 709 005 029 29; Passcode: VA939SQ9
Thursday, 19 March11h00Click here - Meeting ID: 356 309 196 242 19; Passcode: jW2Yk9Rr
Friday, 3 April09h30Click here - Meeting ID: 351 298 148 125 79; Passcode: YE9xo2qP
Thursday, 16 April 09h30Click here - Meeting ID: 366 071 114 608 65; Passcode: wM2vN6As
CLMS PhD Psychosocial Support Group

A fortnightly, hour-long psychosocial support group which is a safe, inclusive space for registered CLMS PhD students to connect, share challenges, celebrate wins, and navigate the ups and downs of academic life.

Whether you're grappling with writer's block, impostor syndrome, supervisor stress, or need a reminder that you're not alone, this group offers community, encouragement, and practical tools for wellbeing.

Come as you are—because no one should have to do a PhD alone.

For more information, please contact Dr Margot Sennett Freedman at Sennett@ukzn.ac.za

Every Second Tuesday at 10h00 – 11h00
DateTimeSession Link
Tuesday, 17 March 10h00 - 11h00Click here - Meeting ID: 361 257 443 786 27; Passcode: Ez6jL9bk
Tuesday, 31 March10h00 - 11h00Click here - Meeting ID: 361 257 443 786 27; Passcode: Ez6jL9bk
Tuesday, 14 April10h00 - 11h00Click here - Meeting ID: 361 257 443 786 27; Passcode: Ez6jL9bk
Tuesday, 26 May10h00 - 11h00Click here - Meeting ID: 361 257 443 786 27; Passcode: Ez6jL9bk
Masters Support Groups

Join the CLMS Masters Support Group, where we offer psycho-social support to all those on their journey towards completing their Masters Degree.  The group aims to provide a safe space where students can connect, share experiences, and navigate the challenges of postgraduate life together and to empower your academic journey by offering opportunities for camaraderie, growth and success.  We endeavour to support you with effective coping strategies and a sense of community.  Together, we can conquer challenges and celebrate achievements.  Let’s thrive, not just survive!

Benefits of joining this group

  1. Networking Opportunities
  2. Peer Support
  3. Personal Growth

For more information on the CLMS Masters support group, please contact Miss Nonhlonipho Biyela at biyelaN@ukzn.ac.za

Meetings: Master' students. Every Second Friday 14h00 – 15h00
DateTimeSession Link
Friday, 13 March 14h00 – 15h00Click here
Friday, 27 March14h00 – 15h00Click here
Friday, 17 April14h00 – 15h00Click here
Friday, 24 April14h00 – 15h00Click here
Friday, 15 May14h00 – 15h00Click here
Friday, 29 May14h00 – 15h00Click here
The Sister’s Corner

The Sisters' Corner is a platform created by SSS for female students to have real, honest conversations about issues that affect women today.  This is an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded people, to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or first-hand information about the topic being discussed in a safe and professional environment.  Join us as we provide bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) sessions covering timely and emerging issues impacting women (female students). 

Who is the session aimed at?  All female students who want to engage in conversations about women's matters.

For further information contact Miss Nonhlonipho Biyela BiyelaN@ukzn.ac.za ; Miss Andile Moyo MoyoA@ukzn.ac.za; Miss Sthembile Mabaso MabasoS2@ukzn.ac.za

Every second Friday at 12:00 – 13:00
The Success Mindset Series: Reflect, reset & refocus

As you step into your first semester, take a moment to pause, reflect on your journey so far, and refocus on what lies ahead.  This student-centred workshop is designed to help you process your experiences from the previous academic year, reset your mindset, and build a personalised plan to tackle new challenges with clarity and confidence.  Through guided reflection and practical strategies, you will leave feeling motivated, grounded, and ready to make the most of the semester ahead.

For more information, please contact Miss Nonhlonipho Biyela at BiyelaN@ukzn.ac.za

The Success Mindset Series: Resilience

The journey to earning your degree is not easy.  It is filled with different challenges along the way.  Some of these challenges even seem to dim your hopes of getting a degree.  They can cause significant frustration and feelings of helplessness.  Join us for an empowering session designed to help you build resilience and excel in your university journey.  We will provide you with practical strategies to manage stress, stay organised and maintain a positive mindset.  You will learn how to navigate through these different challenges.  With the right strategy and mindset, you will not only survive but thrive in university!

So do not miss this opportunity to enhance your resilience and make the most of your university experience.

For more information, please contact Miss Nonhlonipho Biyela at BiyelaN@ukzn.ac.za

The Success Mindset Series: Acing your exams

The Success Mindset Series: Acing Your Exams is an interactive psychoeducational workshop designed to help students approach exams with confidence, focus, and effective strategies.  The session equips students with practical skills to manage exam anxiety, improve study habits and enhance concentration.  This workshop aims to support students in optimising performance while maintaining their mental well-being during the exam period.

For more information, please contact Miss Nonhlonipho Biyela at BiyelaN@ukzn.ac.za

Stress Management and Anxiety Support Group

University life can feel overwhelming deadlines, exams, social pressures, and uncertainty about the future.  This online support group provides a safe, confidential space for students to explore stress and anxiety, with guidance from our student counsellors/psychologists.  In this one-hour bi-weekly session, you’ll learn practical coping strategies, evidence-based stress management tools, and techniques to build resilience while connecting with other students who understand what you’re going through.

You don’t have to navigate it alone.

For more information, please contact Miss Andile Moyo and Miss Sthembile Mabaso at Andile Moyo MoyoA@ukzn.ac.za  and Sthembile Mabaso MabasoS2@ukzn.ac.za

Meeting ID: 375 344 311 150 05 Passcode: 2dZ7H6qo
Building Healthy Relationships seminars

“Uthando Olunempilo, Impilo Enokuthula.”Building Healthy Relationships
(Healthy love, peaceful living.)This psychoeducational talk on Building Healthy Relationships explores what truly makes relationships safe, supportive, and sustainable.  Students will learn how to set clear boundaries, communicate with confidence, recognise red flags, and strengthen emotional intelligence.  The session blends practical tools with real-life examples, helping participants understand attachment styles, conflict resolution, and self-worth in relationships.

It’s not just about dating, it’s about building connections rooted in respect, trust, and mutual growth.  Because healthy relationships don’t happen by accident, they’re built with awareness and intention.

For more information, please contact Miss Sthembile Mabaso at MabasoS2@ukzn.ac.za

Meeting ID: 369 263 473 353 24 Passcode: EV6fD9AP
Sexual harassment and Issues of consent seminar

“Umzimba Wami, Ilungelo Lami.”  Sexual harassment and issues of consent
(My body, my right.)
These sessions will unpack sexual harassment and consent in a clear, empowering way.  It explores what real consent looks like, freely given, informed, and reversible and challenges harmful myths that blur boundaries.  Students will gain practical tools to assert their rights, respect others’ boundaries, and recognise coercion or pressure.

Because understanding consent isn’t just about avoiding harm, it’s about building a campus culture rooted in dignity, safety, and mutual respect.

For more information, please contact Miss Sthembile Mabaso at MabasoS2@ukzn.ac.za

Meeting ID: 347 965 058 260 73 Passcode: hk76Fr6M
Self-care and burnout Prevention talk-Woza !sikhulume

“Ukuphumula akusibuthakathaka.  Zithande! Uzinakekele! Self-care and Burnout Prevention
(Rest is not weakness.)
This health and wellness session reframes self-care as a form of strength.  Students will explore the signs of burnout, learn how to protect their mental and physical energy, and develop realistic routines that support focus, resilience, and balance.  Through practical tools and reflection, participants will discover how setting boundaries, prioritising rest, and managing stress can prevent exhaustion before it takes over.

Because thriving at university starts with taking care of the person doing the work, which is YOU!

For more information, please contact Miss Sthembile Mabaso at MabasoS2@ukzn.ac.za

Meeting ID: 354 179 025 183 62 Passcode: zs2nn2Cr
Cover letter/CV writing

The session aims to help you compile a good Cover letter and a CV that is attractive to your prospective employer.

Who is the session aimed at:  All students looking for future employment!

For more information, please contact Ms Yanga Lufundo at Lufundoy@ukzn.ac.za or DungeS@ukzn.ac.za

Meeting ID: 365 507 221 217 53 Passcode: fR7Ny39K
Interview Preparation

The session aims to help students to performance during the interviews.

Who is the session aimed at:   All students looking for Jobs

For more information, please contact Ms Yanga Lufundo at Lufundoy@ukzn.ac.za or DungeS@ukzn.ac.za

Meeting ID: 318 743 120 185 97 Passcode: DS2B8XB9
LinkedIn Profile Development

To empower students with the confidence and practical skills to create and enhance a professional LinkedIn profile that effectively showcases their academic achievements, skills, and career aspirations, improving their visibility and access to opportunities.

For more information, please contact Ms Yanga Lufundo at Lufundoy@ukzn.ac.za or DungeS@ukzn.ac.za

Meeting ID: 375 648 171 350 76 Passcode: tQ7CV2o4
CLMS STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES (SSS) -INFORMATION AND LINKS TO THE SERVICE

THE CLMS SSS SHAREPOINT:
The CLMS SSS SharePoint links you to SSS. You will receive updates on all the SSS services and notices, including job/internship adverts, workshops, etc. and have access to the online resources.
CLMS SSS link: https://stuukznac.sharepoint.com/sites/clmsstudentsupport

WHERE TO FIND US