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Integrated Operational Plan and Goals
New students arrive for a whole new world of opportunities at the University of the Western Cape during Orientation Week.
SETTING GOALS ENSURES WE SHINE
University graduates need to be competitive and relevant in a global context, given the demands of the changing higher education landscape and the 21st Century workplace. To this end, a holistic student experience is at the heart of what Student Development and Support (SDS) offers.
SDS STAFF BELIEVES in the transforming and empowering value of education and the integral and inherent experiences of each student are recognised.
SDS proposes a student-centred, strengths-based approach that optimises engaged student learning, success and wellbeing through a diversity of pathways in the co-curricular space. We provide professional, research-based development and support services and co-curricular programmes, with inclusivity and eff ective student engagement.
SDS Strategic Priorities
Our strategic priorities are aligned to five of the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Institutional Operating Plan (IOP) goals.
These are the student experience; learning and teaching; people framework; enhancing UWC’s standing and profi le, and leadership, management and governance; and informed by the Well-being Indicator Tool for Youth. The outcome of an integrated planning and implementation process was the fi ve strategic priorities, each with identifi ed key projects driven collectively or individually by SDS departments. Furthermore, these projects are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 and expected to be the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
The top four goals of the SDGs to address the global challenges are to reduce inequalities (#10), poverty (#1), gender inequality (#5), and promote peace, justice and strong institutions (#16). The 17 Goals are interconnected and the plan is to achieve them all by 2030.
SDS defi nes new paradigms
SDS staff strives to harness respect for individuality, culture, identity and their needs; get the job done; activate
student potential by promoting their agency. As SDS, we strive to engage all students and staff as responsible and worthy. We are co-creators of the success of our students, campus, environment and our sustainability.
Through building relationships, we enrich each other’s values, and thus support the potential for academic success. Steady progress has been made in achieving our vision and strategic priorities through an optimal structure, relevant policies, efficient systems and intentional programmes.
SDS values
People centredness
Student success is central to our mission. Staff wellness and resilience are paramount in partnering and supporting the mission.
Integrity
We model the highest level of ethical standards and best practices to attain exceptional quality in our work. Integrity is exhibited when our actions are in alignment with the values of morality, honesty, mutual responsibility, accountability and professionalism.
Agency
We value students’ agency in becoming socially and environmentally responsible members of the campus and engaged citizens of the global community.
Respect
We treat each individual and our environment with high regard, appreciation and courtesy.
Inclusivity
We embrace, support, celebrate and we are strengthened by diverse perspectives, abilities and identities.
Caring
We provide a welcoming, safe and conducive environment that allows students to develop and achieve their life’s goals and learning.
SDS Strategic Priorities
Each SDS department plan informs the SDS Strategic Plan. Following a comprehensive review, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor-SDS presented the SDS Strategic Plan to the University Council. It is outlined below.
1. Holistic student experience and co-curricular opportunities
Selected key projects: n Experiential Learning n Nutrition and Wellness Project n Co-curricular Transcript n Radio Project n Incubator Leadership Development
Programme n Career Xplora Portal n Disability Focus and Inclusive
Programme n Policy Review n High Performance Sport n Oppidan Students Forum n UCDP/HDI Grants
2. Academic Excellence Support
Selected key projects: n Ikamva Lethu Fund n Faculty Forums n Making Your Mark – 2nd year students focused predictive analytics programme n South African Survey of Student
Engagement (SASSE)
3. Student Governance and Leadership
Selected key projects: n Functioning and Alignment of
Governance Structures n Incubator Leadership Development
Programme n Student Engagement Sessions and
Leadership Conversations n Debates n Elections
4. Human Resources and Transformation imperatives
Selected key projects: n Student and Staff Wellness n Student Ambassadors n Staff Development
5. Stakeholder networks and public engagement
Selected key projects: n Fundraising n Tiger Brands Partnership n Rape Crisis and Genderworks n AKESO and SADAG n Universal Design Africa
Institutional Operating Plan Goals
Core Goal Areas
The Student Experience:
Stimulating university experience through student enrolment management and co-curricular opportunities.
Learning and Teaching:
Excellent learning and teaching experience.
Research and Innovation:
Excellent research and innovation.
Enabling Goal Areas
People Framework: Higher education employer of choice. Financial Viability: Strengthen and diversify UWC’s fi nancial base.
Enhancing UWC’s Standing and
Profi le: Shape the internal and external standing and profi le of UWC.
Development of the Campus and Surrounding Areas Leadership, Management and
Governance: Provide eff ective leadership and strong governance and management practices.
