n an effort to enhance the quality assurance practices of universities, the Council on Higher Education (CHE) on Tuesday, 01 October 2024, organised a workshop focusing on preparing higher education institutions for a comprehensive Quality Assurance Framework (QAF). The workshop brought together the Executive Management and Senate of the University of Venda, laying the groundwork for effective quality assurance strategies and procedures. The workshop was preceded by a brief session at the Faculty of Health Sciences Boardroom where the CHE Chief Executive Officer, Dr Whitfield Green and Dr Britta Zawada, QAF Implementation Coordinator met with the University of Venda Executive Management highlighting the purpose of the workshop and update on the QAF preparation. The other aspect of the workshop was to develop closer relationship with the institutions of higher learning.
Dr Green clarified the roles played by CHE as an independent statutory body and the relationship the Council has with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as well as their mandate thereof.
On photo Front Row L-R: Prof Nosisi Feza, Dr Britta Zawada, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, Dr Whitfield Green and Prof Eucebious Lekalakala-Mokgele Back Row L-R: Dr Takalani Dzaga, Mr Botwe Kraziya, Dr Joel Baloyi, Dr Sannah Mativandlela and Dr Robert Martin
The workshop took place at the University Auditorium where CHE met with Senate, including the Executive management.
The QAF aims to enable the CHE and the higher education sector to execute their quality assur-ance responsibilities in a manner that is responsive to a rapidly evolving education and training context. The CHE has been preparing for its implementation, and it was formally launched on 19 September 2023.
The presentations made by CHE CEO Dr Whitfield Green and QAF Implementation Coordinator, Dr Britta Zawada, covered matters such as: The nature and purpose of the QAF, and the ways in which it represents a significant change to the roles of institutions, particularly Senates playing a significant role and contribution to the academic project, and the CHE in respect of promoting and assuring quality; An update on progress made to date with preparations for the implementation of the QAF from 2024; and Identifying the capacity development needs that need to be addressed as we move towards implementation of the QAF.
The event served as a crucial platform for university leaders to engage with the latest recommen-dations and guidelines related to quality assurance in higher education. As the landscape of edu-cation evolves, embracing quality assurance mechanisms ensures that institutions deliver on their core mission of providing high-quality education to students.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the purpose of QAF and its key concepts and best practices essential for implementing a robust quality assurance framework within the university setting. The QAF enforces continuous engagement between the CHE and the higher ed-ucation sector as mutual stakeholders with various responsibilities to bring positive change within the institution(s) through the transformation of the academic project, mainly as a driver of overall cultural change within the institution. Through interactive sessions and collaborative discussions, attendees delved into the intricacies of quality assurance standards, evaluation criteria, and per-formance metrics.
One of the focal points of the workshop was the importance of aligning the university’s strategic goals and objectives with the quality assurance framework. By establishing clear benchmarks and assessment criteria, institutions can better monitor and improve the quality of their academic pro-grammes, research initiatives, and administrative functions.
Another critical aspect emphasised during the workshop was the role of leadership in driving a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. University executives and Senate members were encouraged to champion quality assurance initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritises excellence and student success.
Moreover, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to conduct internal quality assurance, assessments, and evaluations effectively. By leveraging da-ta-driven insights and feedback mechanisms, universities can identify areas for enhancement and innovation, strengthening their overall quality assurance practices.
Looking ahead, the Council on Higher Education remains committed to supporting universities in their quality assurance endeavours, offering guidance, resources, and expertise to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education as part of External Quality Assurance (EQA). Through col-laborative efforts and a shared commitment to excellence, institutions can lay a foundation for sus-tainable growth and success in the realm of quality assurance. In conclusion, the workshop proved to be a pivotal step in preparing university Executive Management and Senate for the challenges and opportunities associated with Quality Assurance Frameworks. By fostering a culture of quality, transparency, and accountability, institutions can uphold their reputation for academic excellence and student-centred learning in the years to come.
On behalf of the University Executive Management and Senate, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni extend-ed heartfelt appreciation to the Council on Higher Education CEO and Dr Zawada for the insightful workshop on the Quality Assurance Framework. “Your invaluable guidance and expertise have greatly enriched our understanding and will undoubtedly strengthen our commitment to academ-ic excellence,” he said.
In addition, “’we are truly grateful for the collaborative spirit and dedication demonstrated by both the speakers and participants in fostering a culture of quality in higher education. This meaningful and constructive engagement will have a lasting impact on our university community”’.
In this context, the Senate plays a crucial role in driving the necessary changes to uphold these quality standards for the academic project. “We pride ourselves on being an open university, eager to learn and adapt. As we move forward, we recognise the value of proposing changes that align with the quality standards we aspire to meet.”
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication.
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
