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 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
