Vice-Chancellor bolsters culture of academic excellence

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, with his Executive Management recently held an exclusive strategic engagement session to discuss key issues that affect postgraduate students (master’s and PhD), researchers, and postdoctoral fellows.

The session was aimed at bolstering a culture of academic excellence, producing highly renowned graduates who excel in their fields of study. In his welcome address, Dr David Phaho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation, and Partnerships, said these stakeholder engagements are of critical importance to “us as an engaged institution”. “Our acclaimed Strategy, V2030 puts a particular emphasis on engagement, focusing on amongst others, Smart student engagement and learning experiences.

Phaho added that Focus Area 3 of the strategy clearly articulates “our strategic intent for Smart Research Technology Innovation and Partnerships Agenda that is relevant and excellent in its knowledge production”. “Without an enabling environment for postgraduate students to succeed and strive, this and other elements of the Strategy will not be achieved.”

He said they have indicated to all the stakeholders to double the number of postgraduate students at Master’s and Doctoral levels by 2030 from “our 2022 baseline”. “Unfortunately, if you look at our current postgraduate enrolment, we are currently not on track to achieve that without specific interventions. Rather than admiring the problem, The Centre for Postgraduate Studies under the leadership of Prof [Izak] Van Zyl and the Research Development Directorate under Prof Dina Burger have set in motion initiatives to address this burning platform,” Phaho remarked.

In his keynote address, Nhlapo said: “Postgraduate students I salute you all on this auspicious occasion of the annual Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate Engagement. What a special community you are. You’re special in the sense that you are a community that you wanted to build as Dr Phaho said we are struggling to ramp up the numbers, so you are special.”

He said it was important for the office of the Vice-Chancellor to make an open opportunity to engage about the future of the Institution and the future of the postgraduate education at CPUT. “I must also say that postgraduate engagement can positively impact the students learning communities. It can promote a sense of belonging and it can also increase positive peer communities.” Nhlapo also shared significant insights into current challenges and available support for postgraduate education, as well as highlighting the Institution’s commitment to research excellence.

Nhlapo also availed himself for the engagement session with postgraduate students which involved comments, questions and answers that were facilitated by Prof Izak van Zyl.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

Email: boyceap@cput.ac.za