In ensuring seamless services and share best practices across the Student Affairs sector, the Dean of Students at The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Dean of students, Dr Clement Moreku organised a two-day Staff Empowerment Workshop from 20 to 21 May 2021.

Co-facilitated by Professor Cicil Bodibe and Mr Tebogo Mothibinyane from WAMCILT, the workshop was aimed at creating a platform for the staff to reflect on their practices, identify what works and what does not, in the ever-changing student support and development sector.

Opening the workshop, Dr Moreku alluded: “This workshop sets the scene for student development and support and then continues with a systematic exposition of factors that have direct relevance and impact on the future of student development and support. In doing so, it is paramount to relook at our own practices and impact therein. ENVISION2030 explicitly provides direction of what should be an end goal of each and every DUT graduate.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Registrar, Dr Nkonoane in his message of support.

“The deep impact of changing curricula, revised funding mechanisms and student needs, has made it imperative for student affairs practitioners, and higher education practitioners and strategists to critically assess academic activity within higher education.”

In attendance, was also Dr Mzwandile Khumalo: Coordinator Student Support and Development unit of the Centre for excellence in learning and teaching. The Dean of students added that the invitation of the academic support unit was more prudent in breaking down the silos and ensuring a common understanding and intentional working relationship towards  ‘holistic student support’.

“This would ensure synergised impact on the psycho-social and academic support and development of student,”

The workshop focused on the theories and frameworks that underpins the student affairs best practices, reflections and redesign of student affairs in line with ENVISION2030, strengthening collaborations for synergised impact and monitoring and evaluation tools for effectivity and impact.

Pictured: Attendees at the two-day Staff Empowerment workshop.

Mzwandile Khumalo