Alumni
Convocation ensures your voice is heard
Amid the numerous challenges facing the higher education sector, such as #FeesMustFall and transformation, the role of the Unisa Convocation is vital in ensuring that the voices of staff and alumni are heard by the university’s Council.
The Convocation is responsible for raising matters of concern about the development of the university and is also expected to contribute to the institution’s coffers. It is represented by two members who serve on the Council, thereby contributing to the strategic direction of Unisa and other initiatives affecting the development of the institution.
According to Mhlungu, the Convocation represents graduates and academics in addressing the challenges they face at this time. “There are a number of issues and challenges currently stalking the education sector such as the #FeesMustFall campaign, quality of education, transformation of the higher education sector, throughput rates, access and success, curricula changes, a new generation of academics, marginalisation of languages and graduate employability; all of these are gradually becoming issues of contention.
“Bringing those issues home is what Convocation is about. The biggest issue currently is student funding which has through the years become constrained from all corners. It is a barrier to entry into education for most students. As a result, students have visibly coordinated a vigorous fees reduction campaign which will change the education landscape forever.”
Mhlungu says this area has the ability to impact negatively on other aspects of our education system. “We are now faced with the ‘new student’ who is looking to derive different things from the education sector. They are looking for high-quality programmes and qualifications to adequately skill them for the world of work and the changing economy.”
From his perspective, the central question is: “How do we ensure that convocants assist the university and are also involved in the life of the university? We need to create sustainable platforms and mechanisms within which they can engage on the developments of the university.”
The Convocation leadership is currently involved in finding synergies within other university structures, he says. “We are looking at other avenues in order to be visible and relevant to current issues. We are currently represented only on the Unisa Council and we also work closely with the Unisa Alumni Relations Office to serve the interests of alumni.”
Beyond the university, the Convocation has established relations with other convocation bodies from other universities in the country. “We are hoping to establish a national body to bring all convocations under one umbrella to address common interests.”
Unisa convocants are able to raise matters with the Convocation by sending written submissions to the secretary or president two weeks before the date of the annual convocation meeting.
Submissions can be addressed to:
Prof M Temane
Acting Registrar
E-mail: registrar@unisa.ac.za
Publish date: 2017-03-08 00:00:00.0
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