Welcome note by the Executive Director

Dr Muntuwenkosi Chili

Teaching and learning are the core functions of any university and Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is not an exception as it is constantly trying to improve the experience of teaching and learning for academic staff and students alike.

VUT aims to produce graduates in the 21^st century that not only embody the desirable attributes of critical thinking, technical, literary and entrepreneurial competence, but also are committed to life-long learning and global citizenship with a social consciousness.

In order to achieve these goals, the teaching and learning environment must stimulate both students and staff to be full participants in learning. It also requires ongoing attention to the structure and content of the curriculum, and to the ways that scholarship and research impact on this curriculum.

As one of the university structures, Centre for Academic Development (CAD) is a value-driven, technology-infused division conducting programmes and offering services that are responsive to the learning and teaching needs of VUT students and staff.

The CAD is mandated to deliver structured professional learning that results in changes to teacher knowledge and practices, and improvements in student learning outcomes through Academic Staff Professional Development; Digital Hub for Teaching and Learning (E-Learning); Student Development and Support and Work Integrated Learning; and through E-Skills and Short Learning Programmes.

CAD strive to provide quality education through capacity building of academics in technology infused learning and teaching methodologies that are student-centered and enable epistemological access through technology infused and data-informed educational support leading to student success.

For student support initiatives, we know that peer support contributes hugely to student success. The Centre offer an abundance of support services to students, i.e.; First Year Experience Programme; Senior Student Experience, Math’s Science and Engineering Programme; Writing Lab; Student Academic Advising; Learning Communities (Mentorship programme); Tutorials; Digital Skills training and African Languages Development, amongst other services.

Things can only get better as we collectively and collaboratively work hard to position VUT as a credible player in the higher education sector.