​​The parking area behind Wilgenhof, between the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden and the University Museum, will be closed to staff and students who park there daily, due to the two graduation ceremonies for doctoral candidates in the Endler Hall of the Konservatorium (conservatoire of music) on 24 April. 

Staff and students are requested to please park at the DF Malan Memorial Centre and use the Matie bus to commute to/from the core campus. The bus will be traveling between the DF Malan Centre and the bus stop at the conservatoire for the entire day. 

Due to the April graduation programme not falling in a university vacation period, there is no other parking available in the vicinity of the conservatoire for the doctoral candidates and their guests. 

SCIENCE VOICES 2014 – MASTER'S AND DOCTORAL CANDIDATES

Passionate about your science and want to tell the world all about it? Interested in learning how to write about your research for a popular audience and getting published in the Mail & Guardian?

Call to entry

We are looking for master's and doctoral candidates at South African universities who want to work with the M&G's science editor, Sarah Wild, to have their writing published in a collection of South Africa's best postgraduate science writing.

From quantum biology to cosmology, we will help you to tell the country about your research.

Need some help getting started? The M&G will be running a series of vodcasts with Sarah Wild, to tell you what we are looking for in submissions and how to write science for newspapers. They will be live by Friday 11 April 2014. You can enter here with your existing article of 800 to 1000 words.

Closing date

Submissions close on Sunday 1 June 2014 at midnight. Successful applicants will be informed via email by the end of June.

If you have any queries, contact us at sciencevoices@mg.co.za

Sarah Wild

Science Editor

Mail and Guardian

sarahw@mg.co.za

+27 84 821 4108

@sarahemilywild

​Diarise these dates! 7th annual conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), 28 & 29 October 2014 @ Protea Hotel Technopark. More information will follow later.

​

​The following participants are needed for research within the Department of Psychiatry.

• Healthy controls
• Research participants with Hair-pulling disorder
• Research participants with Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Research participants with social anxiety

Contact Prof Christine Lochner by cl2@sun.ac.za Tel: 21 938 9179 OF Me Elsie Breet by elsie@sun.ac.za Tel: +27 21 938 9654.

Human Resources is running a programme for  all SU Staff  – "Performance Management" – on 9 May 2014 and several spaces are still available.

For more information on this programme as well as how to enrol, please see attached document.

Closing date for entries is 2 May 2014.

Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and the management of Stellenbosch University wish all Christian students, staff and friends a blessed and spiritually fulfilling Easter.

They also wish Jewish students, staff and friends a happy and kosher Pesach.

The reception desk for Admin B and Admin C moved back to Admin B's foyer this week since the entrance to Admin C has now been closed due to construction work.​

All staff members working in Admin B and C are requested to use the main entrance at Admin B. The rectorate can still be reached via the lift at Admin C.

Since the ramp at Admin C cannot be used at the moment, staff members who are expecting guests in wheelchairs are requested to contact Megan Ceylon on 021 808 4977 to make alternative arrangements.

The aim on the construction work is to improve security measures with regards to access to the building and the estimated time of completion is middle May.

Effective correspondence (including e-mail) does not only reflect positively on yourself, but also creates a professional image of the company you represent. Ineffective correspondence, on the other hand, influences productivity in the working environment, and can also portray a negative image of your company to clients. If you are involved in the production and distribution of your company's correspondence, you are probably aware of the implications of this aspect of business communication.

The Stellenbosch University Language Centre will be presenting a workshop on 28 May 2014 during which we will introduce strategies that ensure high-quality correspondence documents. The following topics will be discussed, among others:

• Correspondence as an integral part of effective business communication
• Effective writing strategies for correspondence
• The differences between correspondence via paper and e-mail
• The influence of e-mail on the working environment
• The influence of correspondence on business relations
   
  The workshop is aimed at employees in the public and private sector that have to correspond in their official capacity. 
  
  The closing date for entries is 21 May 2014. Although the workshop will be presented in English, the Language Centre follows a language-friendly approach and participants are welcome to communicate in Afrikaans.
  
   
  
  Only 20 people can be accommodated in this workshop. Visit our web site (www.sun.ac.za/taalsentrum/EVD) for complete details, or contact Audrey Poole as soon as possible at 021 808 2167 or taalsentrum@sun.ac.za.
  
   
  
  Please take note: The short courses of the Language Centre are accredited by Stellenbosch University through mechanisms for quality control approved by the HEQC, and comply with SAQA legislation and requirements.

​​Creating evocative learning environments in which students are able to engage with academic subject matter on emotional and practical levels is fundamental to developing clear and courageous leadership for sustainability.

With this in mind, Stellenbosch University's School of Public Leadership in partnership with the Sustainability Institute and the Myclimate foundation in Switzerland have developed a series of highly immersive "summer school" short course offerings. Their vision is to take Stellenbosch University's academic experience in sustainability transitions out of the classroom and into deeply experiential learning environments in other emerging economies.

The 2014 options now open to application are:

• Comparative Studies in Regenerative Food Systems: India, 18 August to 1 September
• Comparative Studies in Sustainable Living: Nepal, 9 to 28 September
• Economics of Sustainability Transitions: Nepal, 9 to 28 September

These summer schools now offer an adventure-based extension of the Sustainability Institute's popular post-grad programme in Sustainable Development.

"Aside from the high level of immersion into parts of the world that very few outsiders ever get to see, these modules also offer a real opportunity to post-graduate students to combine learning with travel, as the modules can be counted as 15 credits towards certain degree programmes," says programme coordinator Luke Metelerkamp.

However, as Luke points out, the idea is not just to have SU students on board. "Last year the food systems module in India had students aged 23-55 from 5 different countries and a wide range of disciplines. This diversity was really the icing on the cake for many students."

When asked about the programme highlights a 2013 alumni had the following to say:

"The 20 day journey through the rarely seen valleys and villages of Western Nepal was a dream come true. This region of the Himalayas is only accessible by foot and provides a fleeting glimpse into ancient ways of being that have much to teach us."

Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a first-come basis.

For more information contact Luke on Luke@sustainabilityinstitute.net or download the course prospectus here. 

​​​​Staff members are invited to apply for the PAFROID African Scholarships for Student and Staff Exchange. Deadline is 30 April.

PAFROID (Inter-university partnership for development between Africa and the Indian Ocean) is a consortium of universities from 9 different countries of the Indian Ocean region and Africa. Eleven African universities are members of the partnership, with support from a technical partner and associate partner. The universities involved are experienced on both academic level and international trade, and will be in partnership alongside younger developing universities. 

The project is funded with support from the European Commission Intra-ACP academic mobility programs and aims to develop partnerships of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Indian Ocean region, with HEIs in continental Africa. It is coordinated by the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar, and the University of Reunion is the technical partner. 

The academic mobility concerned is at masters and doctorate level for students and also available for academic and administrative staff. The selected candidates will be granted a monthly living allowance, cost of one flight ticket and a valid travel, illness and accident insurance during the period of mobility.

The sholarship covers:

MONTHLY ALLOWANCE TO STAY

TRAVEL AND VISA FEES

Ticket to / residence visa and supported by the project.

HEALTH INSURANCE ACCIDENT AND TRAVEL

Supported by the project

INFORMATION ON TYPES OF MOBILITY 
There are two target groups: target 1 and target 2.

Information on the types of individual mobility of staff

The organisation of the mobility of students, academic and administrative staff will be in two cohorts according to the following schedule: 
Mobility-first cohort: Between September 2014 and December 2015 
Mobility-second cohort: Between September 2015 and December 2016 The distribution of mobilities planned will be as follows:

Visit the PAFROID website here for more information. Contact Christopher Muller at the PGIO (Postgraduate & International Office) for more information: christopherm@sun.ac.za.

​​Prof Mohammad Karaan, Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences will serve as acting Vice-rector: Community Interaction and Personnel from 1 May 2014.

Prof Julian Smith, current Vice-rector: Community Interaction and Personnel is on sabbatical.

US Tender Auction
Tender:  US TV 1/2014

Stellenbosch University will submit a variety of redundant furniture and equipment to Tender Auction.

Interested parties can view all items for sale at the Purchases & Supply Services Store in Hammandshand Road, Stellenbosch, as from Monday, 12 May 2014 until Friday,
23 May 2014 during the hours 09:00 – 15:00.

The following must appear on the sealed tender envelopes:

• Name of tenderer
• Tender number (US TV 1/2014)
• Closing date of tender (15:00 Friday, 23 May 2014)

 
Tenderers must clearly specify whether they tender for a single item, a range of items or a lot.  Bids for a range of items or a lot will have preference.

Submission of Tender US TV 1/2014 closes at 15:00 on Friday, 23 May 2014.

Successful tenderers will be notified by no later than Wednesday, 28 May 2014 with regard to items successfully tendered for, as well as the amount payable.  Successful tenderers must settle the identified amount with the Stellenbosch University Cashier by no later than Friday, 30 May 2014.  Items will only be available for removal on submission of an official Stellenbosch University receipt.  All items purchased must be removed by 15:00 on Friday, 30 May 2014.

Direct any further enquiries regarding the tender auction to Mrs L Cilliers on 021 808 4506.​

​You still have the opportunity to enrol for the “Positive Leadership, Positive Change: Building leadership skills with regards to Transformation, Gender, Disability and HIV in Higher education” workshop.

The Council of Stellenbosch University (SU) dealt with the following matters at its scheduled meeting on 5 May 2014:

1.    Annual Report 2013 approved

Council approved the Annual Report 2013 and the consolidated financial statements as on 31 December 2013 as recommended by its Audit and Risk Committee.

​2.    Change in the retirement age 

Council approved that the current retirement age of 60 years as prescribed in the Retirement Policy, be replaced with 'retirement no later than in December of the year in which the staff member turns 65'. The Rector may also appoint staff members with outstanding competencies and who deliver outputs for a further maximum of five years after the age of 65, either without benefits or by changing the individual's retirement age to 70 years (maximum). This decision is to be implemented immediately. 

3.    Investment by Council 

Council approved Management's request for an investment in the following selected strategic initiatives:

• Information and Communication Technologies to extend the reach and variety of the academic offering: R218.1 million.
  
• Acquiring the majority share in the USB-ED, inter alia with a view to the learn and earn market: R8.8 million.
  
• Recruitment bursary programme: R102.3 million.
  

Council has taken note of the decision by the Executive Committee of Council to allocate R10 million to the Sport Strategy and Plan to be developed by the new Chief Director: Sport on condition that all expenditure should be approved by the Rector's Management Team. 

4.    Election of new Council members 

The Statute of SU determines that Council should appoint three Council members to add essential skills and capabilities that may be lacking. The Nomination Committee nominated six candidates, from which Council elected three members. The names of the new Council members will be announced once the elected members have accepted their appointment.   

5.    Career promotion of women  

Council approved the request by its Human Resources Committee that a task team be appointed to investigate matters related to the career promotion of women at the University. On completion of the investigation a recommendation will be submitted to Council. 

 6.    Ombudsman 

Council was informed that Prof Julian Sonn has been appointed as the new Ombudsman after the retirement of Prof Bernard Lategan.  

7.    Next Council meeting

The next scheduled Council meeting will be held on 23 June 2014.  

The Stellenbosch University Choir conducted by André van der Merwe presents a series of concerts in May.

The 2014 repertoire includes music which the choir will present at the World Choir Games in Riga in July this year. Various musical styles, including African music and new compositions will be presented.

The World Choir Games is hosted by Interkultur and is the biggest competition for choirs in the world – more than 500 choirs from all over the world have entered for this competition in Riga. South Africa will be represented by 18 choirs. Currently the Stellenbosch University is ranked number one on the Interkultur list for the top 1000 international choirs.

​Performances dates:

Two Lunch Hour concerts will be performed in the Endler Hall, Victoria Street, Stellenbosh on Thursday 8 May and Thursday 15 May at 13:10-14:00. Entrance free.

On Sunday 11 May at 16:30 the US Choir presents their Sing Riga! Concert in the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium, Picton Road, Parow. Tickets are available at the doors as well as at Webtickets: www. webtickets.co.za

Sunday18 May at 16:30 the US Choir will perform in the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch as part of the Concert Series of the Department of Music. Tickets are available at Computicket and at the doors before the concert.

More information: 

Website: http://www0.sun.ac.za/koor/
Facebook: /StellenboschUniversityChoir

Please contact Wilmie Kritzinger for any additional information. 021 8082381. 
wilmie@sun.ac.za
 

​​Department of Purchasing (Including the stores) and Vehicle Fleet will be closed on 9 May between 13:00 and 16:30 and 15 May between 08:00 and 14:00. 

All requisitions must be submitted on time, before 12:00 on 9 May.​

​Permanent non-academic staff members are invited again to nominate candidates for the election of a Council Member. In the recent election Ms Lazelle Bonthuys received the majority of votes, but decided not to accept her appointment. At its meeting on 5 May 2014 Council decided that a potential conflict of rolls could arise between Ms Bonthuys' position as Deputy Registrar: Institutional Secretariat and the oversight role of a Council member. Council also requested a new election process.

Members of the Electoral College are invited to submit nominations for candidates before 12:00 on 21 May 2014. Click here for detailed information. Find the nomination form here.

​Mr Johann Aspeling, Registrar of SU, advises staff members who at times or regularly act in a supporting role at Council meetings, but would like to make themselves available for election, should consult with Prof Tobie de Coning, Chief Director: Strategic Initiatives and Human Resources, to determine whether there could be a possible conflict of rolls. A conflict of rolls could arise if the responsibilities and tasks of a SU staff member clashes or could potentially clash with the oversight role and responsibilities of a Council member.    

We are pleased to let you know that Stellenbosch University Library and Informatio Service is currently participating in a special Premium programme allowing you to upgrade to Mendeley Premium features with no additional cost. Mendeley is a free reference management tool and is also designed to be an academic networking tool. It is tightly integrated with Elsevier databases Scopus and Science Direct.

The additional features of Mendeley Premium include:

• Additional individual storage space (from 2GB to 5GB)
• Additional group storage space ( from 100MB to 20GB)
• Ability to create unlimited private groups
• Membership for private groups increased to 25
• Additional features such as 'Mendeley Suggest'

We know many of you already use Mendeley and believe the site-wide deployment would further allow you to collaborate with your fellow researchers.  Therefore:

• If you already have a Mendeley account with an institutional e-mail address (e.g. student@sun.ac.za) then you don't need to do anything else – you will receive a notification by e-mail on how to upgrade to the Premium version in due course.
• If you have a Mendeley account with a private e-mail address (e.g. gmail, yahoo, hotmail) you will be able to claim your free upgrade at the link to upgrade on the Mendeley guide compiled by the Library. Please use your institutional e-mail address.

• For those of you who do not use Mendeley yet, you are welcome to sign up to Mendeley and download Mendeley desktop. Please use your institutional e-mail address when signing up (e.g. student@sun.ac.za), otherwise you will not be able to make use of the free premium features.

The Library will present several workshops to help demonstrate how you can best use Mendeley, the first of which will take place on Thursday 15 May, 14:00-15:30. Please register here if you wish to attend. You are welcome to use the online guide for Mendeley, where you will find instructions on how to install and set up your Mendeley account; how to add documents and citations to Mendeley; how to create in-text references and bibliographies; how to create your online profile and collaborate in groups.

Enquiries:  Marié Roux, tel.: 021-8082623

​The Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development (www.sun.ac.za/fvzs) offers exciting short courses which equip students outside their degree programme with leadership skills.

The courses, with their theoretical as well as practical components, aid students of Stellenbosch University to graduate with more skills and knowledge than those gained during their degree programmes.

Students are empowered to take up leadership roles not only on campus but also in their chosen fields once they graduate.

 The following courses will be offered in the second semester:

The Facilitative Leadership course is presented over nine sessions and is aimed at students as well as staff members who want to better understand concepts around multicultural education and grasp facilitation skills to present workshops covered by this course.

The course (R500) is presented over nine sessions and the deadline for application is 16 May. The sign-up form is at www.sun.ac.za/fvzs/facilitative-leadership. Fees can be deducted from student and staff accounts.

Contact Wayde Groep (waydegroep@sun.ac.za) for more information.

The Women in Leadership course introduces female participants with leadership principles and equips them with leadership skills that can be applied in current and future endeavours.

The course starts on 29 July and runs for nine sessions.  The deadline for application is 31 May and the sign-up form is at sun.ac.za/fvzs/women-in-leadership.

Contact Tosca Ferndale (tosca@sun.ac.za) or Jethro Georgiades (Jethro@sun.ac.za) for more information.

The Leadership beyond Borders course starts on 22 July and runs for seven sessions. It is aimed at students who are interested in issues around multiculturalism and leadership globally.

Issues around gender, spirituality and feminism as well as active citizenship are explored.

Sign-up forms are available at sun.ac.za/fvzs/leadership-beyond-borders. The deadline for application is 30 May. For information contact Lana Davids (Lanad@sun.ac.za).

The Democracy and Citizenship course offers a critical look at democracy, citizenship and accountability. Although the focus is mainly on South Africa, Africa and Southern Africa is also explored.

The following themes are covered:  an introduction to political philosophy; South African public policy – Where are we going? and; democracy, citizenship and social media.

Applications close on 22 May. For information send an e-mail to faith@sun.ac.za. Sign-up forms are available at sun.ac.za/fvzs/democracy-and-citizenship.

​Clinical Guidelines are important in healthcare. Guidelines aim to facilitate standardised patient management, cost-effectiveness and auditing of practice patterns and resource usage.

Course participants will gain an understanding of guideline development, contextualization and implementation. Taught by national and international experts in the field, the course includes both theoretical components and learning of practical skills. Practical skills include guideline appraisal using the AGREE II tool, and formulating clinical recommendations based on evidence.

This course embraces a holistic approach to clinical guidelines related issues which are relevant to national and international contexts. Clinicians, researchers and health care policy makers will benefit from this course.

Read more...

Closing date of applications: 13 June 2014

The course is accredited for 30 CPD points in level 1

For details on how to apply send an email to mclinepi@sun.ac.za or phone 021 938 9157.
Please contact Prof Taryn Young (tyoung@sun.ac.za) if you have any enquiries.