Download the Annual report 2011 - Unisa

UNISA ANNUAL REPORT 2011
REPORT OF THE
INSTITUTIONAL FORUM
The Institutional Forum (IF) established in terms of the Higher
Education Act, 1997 is representative of the various institutional
constituencies, namely Council, Management, academic staff (i.e. a
Senate representative as well as an academic member of staff not sitting
in the Senate), administrative staff, students, and organised labour
(both unions have one seat each). The Unisa Institutional Forum experienced
problems not dissimilar to those experienced across the sector particularly
with regard to the scheduling of meetings and meeting attendance.
The problem was aggravated by the number of vacancies on the Forum (including that of Chairperson)
due to the end of tenure of members. A new Chairperson was appointed in May 2011
and the vacant positions were slowly filled over the passage of the year. The IF also acknowledged
that it would be bolstered by the introduction of two external community members (as proposed
by Management); it also supported the Management view that there was no reason for four student
representatives on the forum and the proposed number submitted to Council should be two
student members. The rationale for the revision is to ensure that all constituencies are equally
represented – the IF does not deal only with student matters. These amendments will be
addressed when the Institutional Statute is amended.
During the year, the IF advised the Council with regard to the filling of four senior Management
positions namely the Vice-Principal: Institutional Development, Vice-Principal: Research and
Innovation, Registrar, and Assistant Principal. The IF was represented on the relevant selection
committee and submitted an independent advisory report to Council on its recommendations.
The IF’s advice to Council was in support of the recommendations from the selection committee.
The IF has specifically engaged on the need to improve its contribution to the University; whilst
not overlapping with and usurping the function of other forums.
Professor RMH Moeketsi
Chairperson: Institutional Forum
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