WSU SUCCESSFULLY HOSTS INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH (IR) FOUNDATION AND INSTITUTE WORKSHOP

Walter Sisulu University (WSU), in collaboration with the Southern African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR) and the Committee on Data of the International Science Council (CODATA), recently hosted a three-day Institutional Research (IR) Foundation and Institute workshop in East London.

The workshop, themed “From Insight to Action: Multi-Inter-Transdisciplinary Strategies in Institutional Decision-Making,” drew a distinguished group of stakeholders and featured insightful presentations from leading institutions, including prominent higher education establishments.

The focus was on how higher education institutions can leverage insights from various academic disciplines to inform strategic decision-making and policy development.

The event included a range of discussions and presentations that covered important themes such as collaborative problem-solving, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and how Multi-, Inter-, and Transdisciplinary Institutional Research can strengthen strategic initiatives.

WSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rushiella Songca, opened the workshop by reflecting on the evolution of knowledge systems from linear models to more complex and interconnected frameworks.

She highlighted that addressing intricate societal challenges, such as child sexual abuse or water management, requires collaboration across multiple disciplines like law, sociology, economics, and politics.

“There is a distinction between knowing and understanding. While knowing refers to acquiring facts, understanding requires deeper reflection and the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world situations,” Songca said, stressing that higher education must move beyond imparting information to fostering understanding and application.

She also clarified the difference between complicated and complex problems, explaining that complex issues require ongoing engagement across various disciplines due to their constantly evolving nature.

WSU Institutional Research and Planning Director, Ntsundeni Louis Mapatagane,

highlighted that the workshop’s theme directly addressed critical issues facing higher education today, such as declining funding, low throughput rates, digital transformation, and graduate unemployment.

He emphasized the importance of these discussions in shaping the future of higher education, particularly in responding to societal needs.

“The gathering of professionals to discuss innovative solutions and share best practices as a community of practice was a significant milestone for WSU. Hosting this exchange of ideas highlights our commitment to our mission: responding to societal needs ethically, sustainably, and entrepreneurially while producing future-ready graduates and pursuing excellence,” said Mapatagane.

He added that WSU was confident that participants would return to their respective institutions inspired and ready to implement the valuable insights gained from the event.

Ashton Maherry from Saide and SAAIR Exco echoed these sentiments, noting that SAAIR’s goal was to bring together peers to exchange knowledge, research, and skills related to institutional planning in academic settings.

He remarked that the 2024 IR Institute was not only the first in-person event of its kind since the COVID-19 pandemic but also one of the most well-attended, with over 60 delegates from across the South African higher education landscape.

“This highlights the need for practitioners in Institutional Research to come together, share best practices, and network with their peers to address the current and future challenges facing higher education. SAAIR is extremely grateful to Walter Sisulu University for hosting and actively supporting the successful 2024 SAAIR IR Institute,” Maherry added.

By Yolanda Palezweni