The Centre for Teaching, Learning and Programme Development (CTLPD) at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) has introduced an enhanced academic induction programme for newly appointed academics, moving from a short workshop to a structured five-month period of orientation and professional development, offered twice a year. The first intake, held on 16 and 17 July 2026, drew 34 newly appointed academics from all four faculties.
Welcoming participants, the Director of the CTLPD, Dr Severino Machingambi, described the programme as a structured and supportive process designed to help new academics adapt effectively to their roles as university teachers. He noted that contemporary university teaching carries multiple responsibilities, including teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, community engagement and administration, which calls for a robust induction. The programme, he said, forms part of an ongoing professional development initiative aligned with the SPU Strategic Plan 2025 to 2029 and the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Plan.
The programme was officially opened by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Paul Green, under whose portfolio the CTLPD falls. Prof Green underscored the induction as a means of ensuring that new academics understand the academic ethos of SPU, and pointed to the role of academics as critical enablers of the University’s goal of developing academically proficient, socially conscious and technologically empowered graduates.
Over the two days, participants engaged with the CTLPD’s E-Learning and Curriculum Design, Student Academic Support and University Capacity Development Grant units, along with the Research Division, Quality Assurance and Library Services. On the second day, Prof Anthony Mpisi of the Faculty of Education led a session on articulating one’s teaching philosophy.
Over the five months that follow, participants attend three further two-day workshops focused on facilitating learning, assessment and moderation, teaching with technology, and postgraduate supervision. Throughout, they compile teaching portfolios that document their reflection and growth as educators. These portfolios support their practice at SPU and can later be used when applying for promotion or entering internal and national teaching excellence awards.
The induction marks the beginning of a sustained partnership between the University’s new academics and the CTLPD, and reflects SPU’s ongoing investment in the quality of teaching and learning.
