Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town (UCT) will host the 2024 Teaching and Learning Conference (TLC2024) from 20-21 November 2024. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. Teaching and Learning Conference 2024

The upcoming TLC2024 will take place on 20 and 21 November 2024 at the Neville Alexander Building on lower campus. The theme for this year, "All about Curriculum: New Visions and Future Directions", invites participants to engage in discussions and reimagine the core of educational practices.

The keynote address will be delivered by the Dean of Science, Professor Hussein Suleman. His presentation, Automation for Transformation in Learning Spaces, will delve into the potential of automation and technology to enhance learning equity and create more inclusive pathways for students from diverse backgrounds. Drawing from extensive research on innovative, low-resource teaching tools that address systemic challenges and improve student experiences, Professor Suleman's keynote promises to be a highlight of the conference.

TLC2024 presents an invaluable opportunity for attendees to connect with peers, share ideas and engage with fresh perspectives on the future of curricula at UCT.

• View the full programme and book of abstracts.

Registration has now closed, but live streaming will be available at limited venues. For further information on live streaming, please visit the conference page.

2. UCT's 2024/25 SRC constituted

The UCT Students' Representative Council (SRC) for the 2024/25 term has been contituted following elections held from 16 to 20 September. A total of 7 519 students participated in the elections, representing 28.78% of UCT's student population of 26 124 - surpassing the required 25% threshold for the SRC to be constituted.

The Economic Freedom Fighters Students' Command (EFFSC) secured 10 seats, while the South African Students Congress (SASCO) obtained five seats. The newly elected SRC officially took office on 1 November and will serve until 31 October 2025.

• Read the full campus announcement: UCT's 2024/25 SRC constituted.

3. Students cautioned against fraudulent funding offers

UCT has become aware of fraudulent posters distributed on campus by an external entity claiming to offer financial assistance to students. These posters are fake and were distributed without the university's authorisation.

Students are advised to exercise caution when responding to such advertisements and should keep the following in mind:

• funders would not request any cash payment for students to secure funding
• authorised posters circulated on campus would carry a university stamp
• funding opportunities would mainly be advertised on the UCT bursary noticeboard.

Students are encouraged to consult the Fees Office whenever they come across suspicious funding advertisements.

UCT has contacted the few students impacted by this scam to provide support. Any other affected students are encouraged to reach out to the Fees Office.

Assistance will be provided through relevant departments, including Campus Protection Services, the Fees Office, and the Student Wellness Service.

4. Call for papers for the Journal of International Students

The Centre for Educational Assessments reminds scholars, practitioners and researchers to submit original research articles, theoretical papers, case studies and reviews for the special issue of the Journal of International Students (JIS), titled Shaping the Future of African Higher Education in a Globalized World.

The JIS serves as an outstanding platform for researchers and scholars to share their insights on international student experiences, making significant contributions to this dynamic field of study.

The special issue aims to address a variety of contemporary topics, fostering diverse research contributions that can enhance global understanding of African higher education.

Important dates:

• deadline for submission of abstracts: 30 November 2024
• deadline for submission of full manuscript: 15 February 2025
• peer review notification: 15 April 2025
• publication date: 15 June 2025.

For inquiries about this edition, please contact Naziema Jappie.

• Read more about the call.
• Submit your abstract.

5. Call for projects: DHET capacity development programme

Staff members are reminded to apply for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) grant, aimed at promoting the transformation agenda within higher education.

The University-led Collaborative Projects Sub-Programme is a system-wide initiative that depends on contributions from stakeholders across all levels of the higher education sector to support its execution. The 2024/25 collaborative call will focus on:

• improving teaching, learning and research capability for students with disabilities in higher education and addressing inequalities
• instructional and curriculum design capacity development within the context of modern global pandemics and other teaching and learning disruptions
• commercialisation of research and other academic initiatives
• a colloquium on the collaborative projects funded from the UCDP, and
• psychosocial and wellness programme for students and/or staff.

Projects aimed at improving collaborations with other African universities will be prioritised.

To apply:

Please submit the completed application to Paula Harker by no later than 20 November 2024.

Note: The UCDP office will obtain the Vice-Chancellor's signature for all applications once these have been finalised and reviewed internally.

• Read more about the DHET collaborative call.
• Read the full campus announcement: Call for projects: DHET capacity development programme.

For any queries, please contact Lisa Cloete.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements

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