The Directorate of Institutional Research and Planning (IRP) Quality Assurance Unit recently hosted a successful workshop, supported by the University Capacity Development Grant funding (UCDP) for the year 2025. This workshop took place at Xilumane Hotel in Giyani with an objective of enhancing institutional effectiveness through quality assurance practices.
Workshop attendees
The primary objective of the workshop was to equip UNIVEN Staff members with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement effective quality assurance strategies within the University of Venda. This aligns with the IRP’s commitment to promote excellence and continuous improvement in Higher Education. Key themes included:
- Quality Assurance in Higher Education and its implications to UNIVEN: The past, the present, and the future. Participants explored various national quality assurance frameworks and their relevance to the University of Venda’s practices.
- Curriculum Alignment in Higher Education, Programme Development / Review processes at UNIVEN: Key considerations. Awareness was raised among participants about the processes to follow when developing or reviewing programmes.
The workshop featured a lineup of staff members from the Quality Assurance Unit and the Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning (CHETL), including the Director of the IRP, Dr Ma-tivandlela, who shared their insights on quality assurance trends and challenges at UNIVEN. Inter-active sessions allowed participants to engage actively, promoting a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. Participants discussed the evolving landscape of higher education and the role of quality assurance in fostering institutional resilience. These UNIVEN staff members were afforded an opportunity to connect with each other, facilitating collaboration beyond the workshop.
Feedback from participants indicated a high level of satisfaction with the workshop’s content and delivery. Many expressed appreciations for the approach and the wealth of knowledge shared and indicated that such workshops should be frequently organised.
The impact of the workshop extends beyond immediate learning outcomes; it contributes to the broader goal of improving institutional quality and accountability. By fostering a culture of qual-ity assurance, UNIVEN can enhance its educational offerings, ultimately benefiting students and stakeholders.
The successful workshop conducted by the IRP Quality Assurance Unit highlights the importance of ongoing professional development in higher education. As institutions strive to meet the challeng-es of a rapidly changing educational landscape, initiatives like this are crucial for fostering a culture of excellence. The support from the University Capacity Development Grant continues to play a vital role in empowering institutions to achieve their goals.
As the Institutional Research and Planning (IRP) looks ahead, it remains committed to facilitating such impactful workshops, ensuring that quality assurance remains at the forefront of institutional development.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
