Centre for Academic Development

Centre for Academic Development 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.

Welcome note by the Executive Director

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 21st 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.

VISION

The CAD is a leading research-informed centre that promotes creative and innovative teaching and learning experiences by developing all students and staff to reach their optimum potential both locally and globally.

MISSION

We as the CAD will develop transformative, innovative curricula with stakeholders (academia, industry and professional bodies) utilizing and integrating appropriate traditional and digital technologies to enhance the teaching and learning experiences and practices.

As a leading centre we will creatively enhance academic development through learning, student, tutor, language, staff and cognitive brain development. Interventions will be implemented through proper research, peer, self-evaluations and assessment.

Furthermore, we will strive to develop academic leadership by providing training programmes that will optimize academic potential.

VALUES

We commit ourselves to:

  • Consistency through proper management and planning;
  • Perseverance: striving towards clear goals with self-confidence;
  • Serenity: a peaceful working environment with focus on professional conduct;
  • Harmonious: through considering the value of each member;
  • Respect through consideration, accepting and valuing human dignity;
  • Ubuntu: we are what we are because of others – no man is an island;
  • Creativity: thinking out of the box and being open-minded;
  • Passion: we believe in the success of CAD;
  • Integrity: always be exemplary in our daily repertoire;
  • Promoting ethical conduct
  • Collegiality

For more information click below:

Policy Development

The following policies have been approved by the Senate of the VUT, under the guidance of Dr Machika they are namely the Teaching and Learning, Tutor, Student and Module Evaluation and the revision of the Language Policy. Currently the CAD is awaiting to take ownership of a new building for African Language Development for VUT funded by the Dohet.

Contact details: paulinma@vut.ac.za Tel: 016 950 6760

For more information click the links below:

Teaching Module and Peer Evaluation Policy

VUT Teaching and Learning policy

VUT tutor Policy 2016 refined

VUT Language policy

Maphutsi Manoto

Maphutsi Manoto
Events Coordinator

Peggy Bojabotsehai
Administrator: SLP and Skills Development Provision (E-Skills)

Millicent Seripe

Millicent Seripe
Languages development administrator

Bongani Khoza

Bongani Khoza
VUTELA administrative assistant

VUT CAD brings

VUT students a CAD Pop-up info month together with VTCB(Vaal triangle computer and books), where we will be popping up around campus activating about CAD units. How they interact with students, where will they find CAD, which units are giving services to students. There are gifts and prizes to be won when you participate.

#KNOW WHO’S THERE FOR YOU

  • Maths centre, 
  • Writing lab, 
  • VUTELA
  • Learning communities(mentorship programme) 
  • African languages

CAD Conference and Rate Excellence awards

CAD Conference and Rate Excellence awards

E-Learning

The Blended learning unit strives to:

  • increase the adoption of E-Learning and contribute to the success and engagement of students.enhance the student experience, skills and satisfaction to increase retention and throughput.
  • enable greater access and flexibility in the delivery of quality teaching and learning in particular blended learning with a focus on professional development of lecturers
  • encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in learning and teaching and in particular blended learning.
  • establish an environment that will encourage uptake and embed E-Learning in core practice.
  • support the institution’s goal to deliver a “student-centred” learning experience through E-learning.
    VUTELA – a blackboard propriety based learning management system (LMS) which is externally hosted to ensure reliability, scalability and sustainability is the institution-wide LMS.

Staff Members & Contacts :

Tisetso Mohloai

Tisetso Mohloai
Acting Director: E-Learning

Bongani Khoza

Bongani Khoza
VUTELA administrative assistant

First Year Experience

Support for the FYE project to be visibly maintained at senior levels:

Enhancing responsibility at all Faculties and Departmental levels for improving the FYE, with emphasis on student- centred approaches to both teaching and administration;

Collaboration between academic and non-academic units to ensure an integrated approach to enhancing the student experience;

Enhanced collaboration between staff and students to address student needs; and

Sustained initiatives in continuous professional development of staff so that they develop skills of first year teachers and coordinators.

Staff Members & Contacts :

Dr Corneli van der Walt

Dr Corneli van der Walt
Manager: First year Experience

Student Mentorship Programme

Be Mentored. Be Inspired. Belong.

Are you a first-year student looking for guidance, support, and a sense of belonging on campus?

Our mentorship programme is designed to foster academic, personal, and professional growth. By pairing students with experienced mentors, we create supportive learning relationships that build confidence and success.

Join the Student Mentorship Programme! Our mentors are here to support you:

  • Navigate university life confidently
  •  Receive academic and personal support
  •  Build lasting connections
  •  Learn from experienced peers

🧑🏽‍🏫 Mentorship Programme Coordinator: Mr M Samosamo
📍 PS Building, 3rd Floor, Office 323
🕐 Hours: Mon–Fri, 07:30–16:30
📞 Office Number: 0169507734

“Great mentors plant seeds of confidence and curiosity.”

Your Partner in Academic Success

Your Partner in Academic Success

Welcome to Academic Advising!

We’re here to support your academic journey. Whether you’re exploring majors, planning your courses, or looking for support, we are here to help you thrive.

“Academic advising is a shared responsibility. Your success is our mission.”

What We Offer

Our Services Include:

  •  Course & module planning
  •  Goal Setting & Time Management
  • Study Skills (Exam/test) & Notes taking skills
  •  Institution & Academic Policies
  •  Exploring majors and career paths
  • Academic recovery & probation support
  •  First-Year Experience Advising (Transition to University)
  • Career Development Advising

🧑🏽‍🏫 Advising Coordinator: Mr M Samosamo
📍 PS Building, 3rd Floor, Office 323
🕐 Hours: Mon–Fri, 07:30–16:30
📞 Office Number: 0169507734

Meet Your Advising Team

Our team consists of qualified academic advisors dedicated to student success. We offer confidential, student-centered support grounded in empathy and Ubuntu.

Book your appointment or walk-in, Student Faculty Advisors are here to help!

Mr Kwanele Shoba

Applied and Computer Sciences

Ms Sanele Nxumalo

Engineering and Technology

Ms Lerato Motloung

Human Sciences

Mr Emmanual Mphelo

Management Sciences

“Advising is not about giving answers—it's about empowering students to find their path.”