The recent visit by a delegation from Indiana State University (ISU), which included lecturers and students, served as an introduction and knowledge exchange between Indiana State University and CPUT.
Dingaan Booi, the International Relations Officer for the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate, highlighted the emphasis on various areas, especially in educational leadership and student development. This includes exploring partnerships among faculty and institutions, while also striving to strengthen international collaboration and mutual understanding.
“The main objectives were to highlight CPUT’s academic and student development frameworks, create a platform for Indiana State University to present its institution and goals, discuss mutual interests in education, student affairs, and leadership, and explore potential opportunities for future collaboration, joint research, or academic visits.”
The well-balanced meeting fostered a profound understanding of each other's institutional structures and strategic priorities, illuminating the synergy between CPUT’s Faculty of Education and Student Affairs Division, and ISU’s Department of Educational Leadership. Through open discussions, both parties explored shared challenges and unveiled promising opportunities in higher education.
“The presence of a diverse delegation from ISU—spanning academic staff and students—underscored their commitment to building meaningful, long-term relationships,” Booi noted.
The strong institutional introductions through presentations by CPUT and ISU opened opportunities for discussion between the two counterparts on:
- Educational leadership development
- Student counselling and support services
- Opportunities for collaborative teaching, learning, and community engagement
Booi stated that the ISU’s objectives for the visit likely included exposure to leadership, engagement with global cultures, and collaboration in academia. The involvement of CPUT’s Student Affairs and Faculty of Education indicates a comprehensive and people-centred approach.
“I found the engagement both enriching and affirming. The delegation was enthusiastic, open to collaboration, and genuinely interested in understanding CPUT's unique context. It reinforced the value of our internationalisation efforts, particularly through people-to-people academic diplomacy.”
He added that the SIP directorate felt that the visit opened a door for future academic exchanges, particularly in Education and Leadership Development, and validated SIP strategic approach of targeted and thematic international engagements. Booi noted that the meeting also highlighted the importance of involving Student Affairs Division and academic leadership in global partnerships.
