Where Learners Lead or where Leaders Learn?
This time tomorrow, this time next year, this time in 2020
Yintoni eza kwenziwa?
Members of the University have indicated in various forums and in various ways that there is a need for spaces for conversations about the transformation of Rhodes University to be created. They have indicated that the conversations that have to be held in these spaces in 2015 have to be substantially different in purpose and outcomes from the transformation conversations that have been held in the past. They have indicated that conversations should be used as a basis for concrete change rather than be seen as an end in themselves. They have indicated that the time has come for the institution to move from creating spaces for the discussion of transformation issues to the creation of spaces where transformation strategies, with time frames, are presented for discussion.
Responding to this call, the Office of Equity and Institutional Culture will convene four open conversations[1] in which all members of the university are invited to participate to discuss how the institution will transform between now and next year and between now and 2020. It is envisaged that the foregrounding of time frames will not only focus the conversations on what needs to be done in order for irreversible change to be achieved in this period, but it will also highlight the need for increased transparency and accountability.[2] The conversations will be informed by the values enshrined in the South African Constitution. They will take place on the dates given in the programme below in the BLT lecture Theatre at the Education Faculty at 12:30-14:30.
|
Conversation topic |
Introductory think pieces |
Chairperson |
Welcome to attend to provide input |
Date |
|
The question of Leadership. Where learners lead or leaders learn? How can governance and management structures be better capacitated to increase the pace of transformation? |
|
SRC REP (TBC) |
The Registrar, Acting DVC Academic and Student Affairs, DVC Research, The Executive Director of Infrastructure and Operations, Deans, HoDs, NEHAWU, NTEU, the SRC 2015 and 2016 and the Directors. |
TBC |
|
How will the institution be made a home for all students? Curriculum, material culture, accommodation and beyond.
|
|
Dr Joy Owen, Deputy Dean Academic Humanities Faculty |
The Registrar, Deans, HoDs, DVC Research, the Director of Student Affairs, The Director of Human Resources, The Executive Director of Infrastructure and Operations, and the SRC 2015 and 2016 |
Date to be confirmed |
|
How will the university be made a University of the town in which it is?
|
|
Ms Ntuthu Faku (CCS Supervisor) |
The Registrar, Acting DVC Academic and Student Affairs, DVC Research, Deans, HoDs, Director of Student Affairs, Director of Community Engagement, Executive Director of Infrastructure and Operations, NEHAWU, NTEU and the SRC. |
Date to be confirmed |
|
How will levels of alienation experienced by categories of staff be reduced? Recruitment, retention, development and institutional culture matters. |
|
Ms Ujala Satgoor (Director Library Services) |
Deans, HoDs, the Acting DVC Academic and Student Affairs, DVC Research, Director: Human Resources, All Directors, NEHAWU, NTEU, Executive Director of Infrastructure and Operations, and the SRC. |
Date to be confirmed |
[1] These open conversations will be convened in addition to the transformation workshops that are best held at individual department level.
[2] Findings of the 2014 Institutional Culture survey indicate that the pace of transformation is seen as linked to a leadership that is largely experienced as un-transparent and unaccountable