From October 21 to 24, 2024, representatives from the University of Venda (UNIVEN) participated in strategic discussions with counterparts from the University Colleges Leuven-Limburg (UCLL) in Belgium and The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) in the Netherlands. This initiative showcased the transformative potential of international partnerships in higher education, aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. These efforts reflect UNIVEN’s steadfast commitment to achieving comprehensive internationalisation.
UNIVEN Delegation at the University Colleges Leuven-Limburg (UCLL), Belgium
The UNIVEN delegation included Mr Azwidowi Mukheli, Director of Student Affairs; Adv Eric Nemukula, Director of Legal Services; Mr Thanyani Mphephu, Head of Legal Services; Ms Sephiwe Lubisi, Head of Legal Services; Mr Mfaniseni Mnguni, Chief Clerk Hostel Warden; and Mr Thabo Dikgale, Partnership Officer for International Relations and Partnerships. Together, they brought diverse perspectives essential for addressing institutional objectives and developing mutual growth strategies. The sessions underscored UNIVEN’s dedication to broadening its ac-ademic and cultural horizons, aligning with its vision to enhance educational quality and global competitiveness.
Key Goals of the Strategic Sessions included: Exploring Partnership Models: Participants evaluated various partnership models in academic exchange, research collaboration, and dual-degree pro-grammes. Enhancing Student and Staff Mobility: The discussions aimed to identify pathways for student exchanges, internship opportunities, and short-term staff visits. Developing Legal Frame-works for Collaboration: The focus was on establishing clear agreements to safeguard institutional rights, promote mutual benefit, and ensure legal compliance in collaborative projects. Advancing Student Affairs: The teams shared practices and strategies to improve student life, wellness, and academic success.
Throughout the four-day session, discussions encompassed a wide range of topics designed to support sustainable and long-term partnerships.
Focus Areas of the Collaboration were on the following: International Relations and Partnership Development: Representatives explored innovative approaches to building global partnerships. UNIVEN shared its internationalisation strategies, while UCLL and THUAS offered insights from their extensive networks. Topics included co-hosting conferences, collaborative research projects, and curriculum development aimed at enhancing global competencies. A notable outcome was an invitation for UNIVEN to join global scientific networks represented by THUAS.
Student Affairs and Well-being: Sessions on student affairs highlighted the importance of well-be-ing and support services. The teams discussed strategies to improve access to mental health re-sources, promote inclusivity, and create enriching co-curricular programmes. UNIVEN aimed to adopt best practices observed at UCLL and THUAS, including student-led community initiatives supported by Student Affairs.
Legal Agreements and Compliance: The legal teams collaborated to develop templates for partner-ship agreements, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and research contracts. With increasing regulatory demands in higher education, they emphasised risk management, intellectual property rights, and ethical considerations in research, laying a solid legal foundation for future collabo-rations. Additionally, UNIVEN was granted permission to explore an in-house digital solution for managing contracts.
UNIVEN delegation at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS), Netherlands
The strategic sessions between UNIVEN, UCLL, and THUAS highlighted the transformative poten-tial of international partnerships in higher education. By pooling expertise and resources, these in-stitutions are well-positioned to drive impactful collaborations. For UNIVEN, this marks a significant milestone in its internationalisation journey, aligning with its mission to deliver world-class educa-tion and opportunities for its community. As these institutions move toward implementation, the collaboration promises to enrich students’ educational experiences, expand research horizons, and create a robust, legally sound framework for global academic engagement.
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
Date: 28 October 2024.
