It is all systems go for newly appointed academic staff at the North-West University (NWU). The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is readying a brand new induction programme on all three campuses of the NWU. Staff members in Potchefstroom started with the programme on 22 January 2018, those in Vanderbijlpark on 23 January, and staff members in Mahikeng kicked-off on 24 January 2018.

The programme follows after launching a successful pilot project in November 2017.

CTL, under the leadership of the director of the focus area Academic and Professional Development, Dr Esmarie Strydom, offers this programme to staff members who are new in the academic environment, but also to seasoned academics with experience in higher education. It aims to developing staff members’ teaching skills as part of their academic professional development. 

The NWU offers the induction programme to ensure high quality teaching and learning. The programme endeavours to help staff understand their roles and responsibilities within the teaching and learning environment, and assists in developing their capacity to design and sustain meaningful learning experiences for students.

Academic staff members begin their academic journey at the NWU by completing an online academic staff profile survey which will place them in a programme tailored for either the novice or the experienced academic.

The programme is a blended learning experience that entails online and contact sessions. For both the novice and the experienced academic staff member, the final requirement for completing the induction programme successfully is the presentation of a lesson for observation and the submission of a portfolio of evidence. These requirements are completed within the first three to six months of appointment.

Dr Esmarie Strydom addresses new academics.