Transformation DropBox
The following DropBox comments and documents have been received so far:
- Received on 14/10/2008 at 10:13:01 in "Communication"
Curriculum issue
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Is it wise, in the wake of the American financial crisis and its far extending ripples, for Commerce students to be taught and encouraged to embrace American and European commercial curriculums (curriculi) with the belief that they can better address African contexts?
The global financial crisis affects everyone - including those in Africa. So, understanding the way things worked (and did not work) in the financial systems of the advanced capitalist economies is important for our students. The key thing, of course, is to be honest and clear about what did NOT work. We also need to be more focussed on what to do to protect African countries from contagion and from making similar mistakes. Therefore the curriculum probably needs to be expanded beyond (but not replace fully) the conventional curriculums...
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Anonymous
- Received on 13/10/2008 at 21:13:56 in "Other"
Economic stupidity
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... you really think that Ujamaa was/is a better option? How about mad Bob's land redistribution strategy in Zimbabwe? Anyone? Anyone? No one is talking about the developed world facing 231 000 000 000 (that's 231 BILLION - the official estimate for July 2008) percent inflation per annum as a consequence of *this* financial crisis... And if you want to talk about destruction of wealth, that is *far* more efficient than anything the capitalist market could or couldn't do. A mere 40% fall in asset values does not bear comparison with Zimbabwe.
Give me a first world economic meltdown anytime. And let's teach our students that there is no such thing as a free lunch, but really, other than South Africa over the last decade (thanks, Trevor!) I cannot think of a hope-inspiring African development trajectory anywhere else on the continent. And perhaps this is why so many other Africans want to come here (despite the appalling xenophobia), rather than stay in their own countries....
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Anonymous
- Received on 13/10/2008 at 18:50:10 in "Other"
Transformation Drop Box Quandary
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The question posed is naive, and underpinned by ideological assumptions that would need examination. For example, what you and I mean by "reductionist thinking" are almost certainly very different things, and part of the problem with pedagogy and governance at UCT is too little reductionist thinking, rather than too much. You can't create a fantasy world, by force of will, whereby "African" concerns - whatever you take that to mean - dictate market conditions. It remains imperative for us to understand and study, and teach, the market we operate in, which is the global one.\
Let's transform ourselves out of knee-jerk, reactionary thinking before taking on more complex tasks, perhaps?
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Anonymous
- Received on 10/10/2008 at 10:05:45 in "Request"
Transformation - New Staff
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I would suggest that new staff are given the opportunity to go to the Khuluma workshop. I must admit that I was not aware of what the transformation office was doing in my induction. More awareness, a presentation on the work, introducing the officers to new staff etc would be beneficial.
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Anonymous
- Received on 08/10/2008 at 11:37:34 in "Compliments"
PASS Staff Function
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Please let it continue, it is the one time we are recognised for our hard work and efforts in the faculty. If this function does not happen, nothing will happen for PASS staff and how do we consider transformation when support staff are not appreciated and recognised.
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Anonymous
- Received on 17/09/2008 at 09:34:11 in "Complaints"
Re: Overly politicised climate, lack of openness, collegial back-stabbing, lack of recogntion for good work
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The issues mentioned in the climate survey are still very much alive and in dire need of attention. E.g., workload distribution in some departments is a purely political game. It plays out like this:
- Those with power (typically older, White, male) more often than not get what they want. They ensure this by "throwing their toys out the cot" if they don't get their way.
- The "nice guys" and "black guys" are forced to play musical chairs, being moved from pillar to post, dependent on who is able to "throw his toys out of the cot" the most animatedly. Or, dependent on what deals are made behind closed doors (or closed emails)... in secret hushed tones.
- So, the old strategy of "divide and conquer" is dusted up and used again. "Turn them (the blacks') against each other, and let them fight it out, they snigger... and we, unfortunately, duly oblige them. This is the curse of Africa. Mugabe is right!!!!
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Anonymous
- Received on 28/08/2008 at 13:49:19 in "Procedural Issues"
Process re Sabbatical
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Hi, I beleive the process re sabbatical is that an academic may not resign or leave UCT during sabbatical, they should work at the University for at least a similar period after returning from sabbatical. In the case of Prof. Cheryl de la Rey was this waived, and if so why?
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Anonymous
- Received on 28/08/2008 at 13:46:50 in "Structural Issues"
Process of appointing academic staff
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What exactly is the process for appointing academic staff? Do posts have to be adverstised, does there have to be a selection committee etc, or can senior academics simply be appointed? I am referring to the appointment of Prof. Martin Hall at the GSB.
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Anonymous
- Received on 27/08/2008 at 10:58:52 in "Other"
Range of Issues for Transformation
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I worry that the notion of 'transformation' is increasingly seen in very narrow terms. Most people in Commerce, I think, understand that race is an issue (particularly with regard to addressing past disadvantage and improving sensitivity) but I suspect that for many, their concept of transformation ends there. For me, the key issue (of which race is but one dimension) is ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and respected and that everyone feels comfortable participating in the life of the university. In this regard, I would like to see more discussion about how democratic practices in the day to day management of the university can be strengthened. I think we need more open and frank evaluations of the governance structures in departments and at the faculty level.
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Anonymous
- Received on 26/08/2008 at 17:28:15 in "Compliments"
Excellent initiative and thoughts for today...
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This is an excellent initiative, which must be applauded
My thoughts today concern general student assessments of staff teaching. It is very difficult in the South African environment to establish the true motives for accusations of incompetence levelled at academic staff, especially black staff. What lies behind such accusations? Deep-seated racism? A belief that "White is right"? That Whiteness is a guaranteed stamp of competence? There is evidence that white male staff receive much more respect and acceptance than black staff amongst students, both postgrad and undergrad. Sadly, even amongst black students there is a belief that "White is right", and an expectation to be taught by "White" staff at UCT.
The net effect is on average, poorer teaching evaluations for black staff, less tolerance for "mistakes", and aggressive and vitrioloc attacks on black staff for perceived incompetence.
To the untrained, these accusations are taken at face value, and soon even supposed peers are looking astance at perceived incompetent black colleagues, and whispering in corridors about this supposed "incompetence". It becomes extremely difficult to unpack fact from fiction, given these real and evident biases. It plays out daily in our newspapers and blogs (e.g., Peter De Villiers and the Boks).
We need leaders and managers with insight and foresight, who are sensitive to these nuances before all black staff are lynched, tarred and feathered. And yes, black-on-black lynching is a very real and sad reality in Africa, borne out most likely by a deep-seated self-hatred and sense of inferiority.
I suppose then it is our lot as black people to always have to perform twice as better as our White peers in order to "prove" our competence, and "earn" the respect and credibility, which is automatically assigned to "whiteness".
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Anonymous
- Received on 21/08/2008 at 16:15:50 in "Governance"
UCT Mistakes for which students pay
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A student was allowed to register for M.Sc & PGDip at begining of 2008, paid for both. In late June his M supervisor said, sorry cant be registered for two degrees concurrently - but can appeal. To date few want to listen to his story or take it up, most simply want him to deregister from one and continue with other. If UCT makes such a mistake (accepts registrations & money) should student suffer, what is more he is busy with group work so if he stops a course now it will affect his team members. I have attached some email correspondence below.
Hi K, this issue is even more complicated than we thought. As I indicated to you yesterday, we must be certain of our claims. The medical students' issue is still a mystery! Yes, the guys graduated but no one is willing to explain the circumstances! If people do not want to get involved anymore, I have no right to force them to do so.
Secondly, I believe that Mokhesi, the complainant, having been at UCT for sometime, done hons, done work for CS, etc., is fully aware of the student rules and regulations. The Science Faculty Masters & Phd students handbook clearly makes reference to the rules in question (you can find this in section 1, page 1). Mokhesi's claim of having registered PGDip unknowingly, and as an additional course does not hold much weight.
Our archives show that Mokhesi might have applied for PGDip before MSc. If this is correct, then I cannot see any wrong doing on part of IS. He should be left to sort his problems out.
Yesterday I talked to him, mentioned some of the complexities surrounding his case. Given a choice, he indicated that he would rather de-register from PGDip. My understanding is that he wants to have both degrees - this in my opinion may be ambitious.
I suggested to him that we can explore ways of assisting him complete his PGDip at a later stage. I however emphasized that this cannot only be within the prescribed regulations.
Hope this will put this matter to rest
regards
M
>>> K 2008/08/21 08:32 AM >>>
I think you should at least take it to Dean and see if he is prepared to take it up with Dean of Science.
K
>>> M 2008/08/20 01:48 PM >>>
Hi, M can not provided any information about the two Medicine students as we had anticipated. I have just talked to him and he is also sees much sense in Mokhesi de-registering from the MSc course. J indicates that Mokhesi might have been advised about the concurrent registration. He will forward his email to Mokhesi.
I know UCT is to blame, but this issue is now in its fourth week and in my view we will be fighting against so many odds. Mokhesi's report shows that (i) the rule was violated (ii) another student in a similar situation was de-registered and (iii) the deputy dean - science advised him to de-register from MSc to complete our PGdip first. I think we should go with this.
regards
M
>>> K 2008/08/20 12:15 PM >>>
HI, I say take it to the Dean.
K
>>> M 2008/08/20 10:32 AM >>>
Hi, we need to agree on the action take regarding Mokhesi's issues this week.
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Anonymous
- Received on 21/08/2008 at 15:31:42 in "Other"
No Subject
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I am very open to transformation but being white and quite young I sometimes feel that I might "not be getting it" i.e. what is offensive, what would help, what stigmas or stereotypes am I, perhas inadvertently, reinforcing?
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Anonymous
Currently the number of uploaded items stands at 14
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