GROUP 1 26 March 2009

UNISA in the Higher Education Environment Dikeledi Mahlo Mtholeni Ngcobo Tintswalo Tivana Charnelle van der Bijl

Introduction “Towards the African (mega) University in the Service of Humanity”  ‘towards’: developmental journey: dynamism, a clarity of purpose, a sense of adventure and boldness!  being a part of Africa: SA = 100% African  ‘the’ – excellence to strive for  ‘service of humanity’ to promote universality and the development of the African continent

UNISA is a multifaceted Mega-university that promotes African thought, philosophy, interests and epistemology through: 1.Inquiry 2.Scholarship 3.Partnerships A dedicated comprehensive ODL distance education institution with international reach UNISA is truly a national university

Defined by its general academic and vocationally-orientated programmes Transformation A new way of thinking Leading role in increasing access to higher education for marginalised communities

CORE FUNCTIONS 1.Deliver quality undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications 2. Strive to conduct and maintain high quality research and teaching 3. Enhance community engagement

CORE VALUES AND PRINCIPLES VALUES: Social justice and fairness Integrity Excellence PRINCIPLES: Student centredness Collegiality Sound educational principles and practices Service to humanity

Institutional challenges Transformation Funding Loss of best talent

“UNISA TOMORROW” STRATEGIC PLAN Leading provider of world class higher education through open and distance education learning 2. Business model and tuition model must be adapted to meet changing needs and competition 3. Needs greater flexibility for students but also adequate formative assessment is needed 4. Must also be sensitive to prevailing practices at other mega universities

UNISA is a service orientated culture which looks at:  Learner support methodologies  Processes and facilities  Quality staff and tutors  Help staff through in staff training  To provide greater flexibility to students  Enhance learner support methodology and processes  To co-operate with other institutions eg African Union and Association of African Universities  Leading edge information and communication technology architecture is needed

What is our institution type? UNISA is defined by: “its articulation between generally academic and vocationally-orientated programmes in giving effect to its core functions of teaching, research and community engagement” An academic product range across fields of study Niche based programmes that are formal and non- formal Multiple modes of delivery and learner centredness Work and industry integrated learning

Key performance areas  UNISA has committed to improve the standard of education in SA through outreach programmes For example: ABSA and TOYOTA Foundations.  Giving back or serving the community For example: the Legal Aid Clinic

Research and knowledge production - Available training funds have been made available for UNISA employees to attend workshops, seminars and etc, to keep abreast of their (employees) field of specialisation or interests. Tuition – UNISA is very particular and conscience about teaching providing relevant material to its students and to regularly improve on the methods of providing such material. Academic citizenship – employees are encouraged to be a member of a professional body For example: The Law Society

Greater vision/ projects UNISA has a greater vision entailing the engaging in a number of super projects e.g. Sunny town, Irene conference centre, projects going on in Florida and the new Face of UNISA (building down TVW) These are projects aimed at developing the facilities that will promote higher students success rate, encourage greater scholarly collaboration and enable UNISA to meet the demand for credible, affordable, accessible tertiary education in Africa.

UNISA is also partnering towards the interests of advancing the development of HE on the continent (hence “The African University in service of humanity” see the collaboration between UNISA, DFA and Sudan government (CARS project) There is also collaboration with other institutions e.g. – University of Agostinho Neto in Angola for post-graduate students.

Thank you!