The majority of UKZN students come from Quintile 1–3 schools and bring with them unique teaching and learning needs that may impact their academic performance and timely completion of their degrees. Continuous Academic Monitoring and Support (AMS) throughout their student journey is essential to enhance their academic performance and support successful programme completion within the minimum prescribed time.

An institution-wide, structured, student-centred programme that incorporates academic advising and support, along with career and personal counselling, is necessary to assist students in achieving academic success. The programme integrates various activities, such as academic and psychosocial support, peer mentorship, and extracurricular engagement, into a coherent and holistic learning experience.

For these reasons, we aim to enhance existing academic support services by implementing a structured and systematic support programme for undergraduate students.

This project aligns with the UKZN Strategic Plan (2023–2032), specifically Goal 1: Excellent Teaching and Learning, which aims to attract high-potential students and support them in reaching their full potential as globally aware professionals, leaders, and citizens. It also supports Goal 2: Excellent Student Experience, which focuses on producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to build meaningful and adaptable careers over their lifetimes. Furthermore, the project is grounded in the UKZN Academic Monitoring and Support (AMS) Policy, which seeks to monitor academic provision and performance to ensure optimal student outcomes. The policy promotes the use of data analytics to rigorously examine the relationship between academic support and student performance, thereby informing more effective and responsive academic interventions.