Focus Area 1 Working Group

The UKZN Steering Group is responsible for appointing a working group to develop the section of the SER and PoE that covers Focus Area 1. The purpose of the Focus Area 1 Working Group is to provide reflexive narrative on the role that governance, strategic planning, management and leadership play in supporting the core academic functions of teaching and learning, research and community engagement. The information provided will be part of the PoE. The Focus Area 1 Working Group will respond to Standards 1- 4 which sets the scene and forms the baseline for the entire IA. The SER and PoE prepared by this working group will be provided to the Colleges, Schools and Professional Services who will prepare the sections of the SER and PoE for Focus Areas 2, 3 and 4. The core Focus Area 1 Working Group shall have the authority to co-opt specific expertise as required. Table 3 shows the composition of the Focus Area 1 Working Group.

COMPOSITION OF THE FOCUS AREA 1 WORKING GROUP

Table 3: Composition of the Focus Area 1 Working Group

Composition	Member	Contact details
1.Student Services (Chair)	Prof F Mazibuko	MazibukoN3@ukzn.ac.za
2.Academic staff member	Prof Thokozani Nzimakwe	Nzimakweth@ukzn.ac.za
3.Academic staff member	Prof S Singh	Mabandlam@ukzn.ac.za
4.Academic staff member	Prof R Slotow	Slotow@ukzn.ac.za
5.Academic staff member	Dr D Manicom	Manicom@ukzn.ac.za
6. Registrar’s Office	Dr K Cleland	Cleland@ukzn.ac.za
7. Corporate Relations	Dr N Zondo	Zondon1@ukzn.ac.za
8. Report Writer	Prof D McCracken	Mccrackend@ukzn.ac.za

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE FOCUS AREA 1 WORKING GROUP

The Terms of Reference for the Focus Area 1 Working Group regarding contributions to the institutional SER and POE are as follows:

Provide reflexive narrative on the role that governance, strategic planning, management and leadership play in supporting the core academic functions of teaching and learning, research and community engagement, with documentary evidence cross-referenced to the POE.
Evaluate whether the institution has a clearly stated vision and mission, and strategic goals which have been approved by appropriate governance structures, subject to comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Provide documentary evidence cross-referenced to the POE and in relation to the guidelines and critical reflective questions for Standard 1.
Determine whether, and if so how the stated vision, mission and strategic goals align with national priorities and context (e.g. transformation, creating a skilled labour force, developing scarce skills areas and a critical citizenry, and contributing to the fulfilment of national goals as informed by the NDP and related national planning). Provide documentary evidence cross-referenced to the POE and in relation to the guidelines and critical reflective questions for Standard 2.

Elaborate, in a reflexive praxis mode, on whether there is demonstrable strategic alignment between the institution’s quality management system for core academic activities across all sites and modes of provision and its vision, mission and strategic goals, as well as its governance and management processes. Provide documentary evidence cross-referenced to the POE and in relation to the guidelines and critical reflective questions for Standard 3.

Drawing upon reflexive praxis deliberations, determine and explain whether there is a clear understanding of and demonstrable adherence to the different roles and responsibilities of the governance structures, management and academic leadership. Provide documentary evidence cross-referenced to the POE and in relation to the guidelines and critical reflexive questions for Standard 4.

Welcome to the Institutional Audit
as Reflexive Praxis