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17 August 2022 | Story Edzani Nephalela and Coreen Steenkamp | Photo Francois van Vuuren
Academic Leadership Programme
The new cohort of the Academic Leadership Programme.

Educational leaders serve a significant administrative, management, and leadership function in higher education. A departmental chair’s role differs fundamentally from other leadership contexts, based on the momentous transition from being an academic by profession to providing leadership at departmental level.
The Academic Leadership Programme (APL) was launched by the University of the Free State (UFS) Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) to equip academics for various managerial positions. Faculty deans propose candidates for this programme; the second cohort has been chosen as the first is nearing completion. 
The first workshop commenced with an engagement with the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Francis Petersen, and the Vice-Rector: Academic, Dr Engela van Staden, who both shared strategic academic leadership perspectives during the orientation and welcoming of the APL. 
Such reflections highlighted the expectations of being an educator, the complexity, and the critical role of departmental chairs within higher education institutions. Academic leaders are thus expected to establish firm leadership within their departments, facilitate intellectual development, manage administrative duties, and strive toward resilient learning and teaching environments. 
“The position of departmental chairs remains critical for any higher education institution, as they provide leadership in advancing the discipline, teaching students, producing quality graduates, and serving the professional community,” said Prof Francois Strydom, Senior Director: Centre for Teaching and Learning.
Research confirms that most academics succeed in these roles without formal leadership training, yet the expectation of developing or having certain leadership qualities or management competencies must fulfil the various functions of such a position. 


News Archive

Wellness programme on the Main Campus
2006-05-16

The Wellness Committee at the University of the Free State (UFS) presents a wellness programme on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein today and tomorrow.  The theme is "Go for gold" and the topics to be discussed include how to make stress work for you, the importance of exercising and the importance of a healthy diet.  Later this week staff will take part in a fun walk and volley ball competition.

As part of the programme staff are given the opportunity to get  among others, their blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure tested.  Seated from the left are Ms Lorraine Meintjies (nurse from  Discovery), Prof Niel Viljoen (Chief Director:  Operations at the UFS).  Standing from the left are Dr Louis Holtzhausen (Director:  UFS Sport and Exercise Science Medicine Clinic) and Dr Tiesie de Coning (motivational speaker).
Photo: Lacea Loader

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