Support for the HoD

For the new HoD

The HoD's term of office usually runs from July to June for three years.

New HoDs, particularly academics serving for the first time, are encouraged to consider the following support:

1. Meet with relevant staff in the HR Division to take the new Head through staffing issues and considerations;
2. Consider relevant management or leadership training and development. HESA has in the past run programmes in the HE sector. The HR Division will be aware of any opportunities in this regards;
3. The HoD Guide which provides guidance on the role of  the Head of Department

The HoD Guide provides guidance on the role of the Head of Department. The HR Division is currently in the process of converting to a web-based resource. If you would like a copy of the old Guide, please contact the HR Director's office at d.els@ru.ac.za .

Research Support for current and new HoDs

Recognising that the managerial and administrative responsibilities associated with being a Head of Department are significant and that for some Heads of Departments, this may negatively impact the research output of that an individual, Rhodes does provide financial support to facilitate the HoD to employ someone to assist with research, teaching or even some administrative duties.

Maintaining a research profile is clearly of benefit to the individual. Equally important is maintaining the research output at institutional level as this is vital to the reputation of the University, the attraction of post-graduate students as well as the financial sustainability of the institution.

A call is made once a year for applications from HoDs who are seeking such support. The protocol below governs this process.

Protocol to govern the allocation of research support