DATE: OCTOBER - 2019 VOLUME: 5 ISSUE: 10 NEWSUniversity hosted Golden Key International Honour...

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VOLUME: 5DATE: OCTOBER - 2019 ISSUE: 10

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KNOWLEDGE EMPOWERS PROGRESS

EDITORIAL TEAMEditorial: Marketing & CommunicationsGraphic Design: Tshephang Ntema

On the 29th August, Student Welfare and Support Division (SWSSD) held a Recruitment Expo for BA ISAGO University students in collaboration with IBRANCH (recruiting agency under Botswana Innovation Hub). The University President Prof Hay-Swemmer, when delivering the welcome address, stated that the expo is very important for the University students as they get prepared for life after graduation. Prof Hay- Swemmer

also mentioned that research was conducted which shows that about 60% of the University graduates are absorbed by both the government and the private sector which is not only because of the quality of the education they get but also because of the platforms that they are exposed to such as this one. Mr Leinane from IBRANCH gave the expo overview and stated that the main objective of the expo is to network with different

organization and establish what it is expected of them during the hiring process. BA ISAGO Vice President, Dr Tadu, gave a closing remark and mentioned that the University does a needs-assessment before developing a programme which is why there is a good employability rate. Dr Tadu also urged students to take advantage of the many different organisations and interact with as many as possible.

STUDENT WELFARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION HOSTS A RECRUITMENT EXPO

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On the 12th September, BA ISAGO University hosted Golden Key International Honour Society to give our students insight on what the society does and how students can benefit from the movement. Ms Makgonatsotlhe, Acting Dean Student Welfare and Support Services, when welcoming guests asked students to note as much as possible from the presentations for their benefit. Prof Hay-Swemmer, the University President in her welcome remarks, implored students to be smart during their tertiary lives not only to get their degrees but to also create opportunities and experience that will last forever. Prof Hay-Swemmer also advised students to live a life with meaning which will bring a difference and help them reach their potential.

Dr Castleman, Director at Golden Key took students through a presentation to give the society’s mandate and how students can benefit from the society. Dr Castleman explained that the students should be grateful and embrace the opportunity because their society does not target any

tertiary institution but only those that are fully accredited and offer quality programmes that can contribute to the growth of the economy. The Director went on to highlight that their aim is to have students be recognized not only regionally but globally as well. She further advised students to take advantage of the platform to plan for their destination. Dr Castleman mentioned that the society helps one to facilitate their journey by developing better soft skills leading to academic excellence. When taking the students through the joining criteria Dr Castleman stated that only top 15% of every faculty can join and this will allow them opportunities such as working for globally recognized organizations like Debswana which only seek Golden Key members when recruiting. Mr Ngakantsi,the University Acting SRC President gave a closing remark appreciating the Student Welfare and Support Services Division and the Prof Hay-Swemmer’s office for launching such an initiative and pleaded with the students to take advantage of the platform.

Dithejwane CJSS, in Molepole celebrated 30th anniversary and their outstanding achievements in the 2018 Junior Certificate Examinations on Friday 20th September. The school is a beneficiary of BA ISAGO University’s CSR programme, as a school we adopted to support and sponsor in their pursuit of excellence.

The celebrations included prize-giving for best performing students and teachers. Present at the celebrations, among the dignitaries, were our own BA ISAGO team comprising our Managing Director, Mr Gabasiane, IT Manager, Mr Raisi, Marketing & Communications Manager Ms Dibe, as well as Marketing Officer Ms Gaolape.

Dithejwane CJSS’ outstanding achievements over the past four years were acknowledged by various speakers, who also congratulated the school in its example of leadership to other schools. It was highlighted by various stakeholders that the excellent results was a result of collaboration between all stakeholders including senior community leadership, parent teacher association, school leadership and the students’ willingness to adhere to discipline.

BA ISAGO donated three laptops and P2000 cash for the best performing teachers! In his remarks, Mr Gabasiane shared that BA ISAGO’s commitment and wish to do more for the school. In her response, the Principal, Mrs Gloria Gaetsewe, profusely thanked BA ISAGO for the continued support, adding that the laptops would be a great boost to their great need for resources. She also shared that the gesture was preceded was an earier donation of computers in the past.

GOLDEN KEY INTERNATIONAL HONOURS SOCIETY ON CAMPUS!

DITHEJWANE CJSS CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY!

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In an endeavor to raise awareness on management of Quality at BA ISAGO University and Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) standards and guidelines for quality assurance purposes, the Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance Division held a workshop on the 27th September 2019 themed “Approaches to quality assurance in a dynamic environment of higher education towards an effective higher education quality assurance system” Amongst the attendees were BA ISAGO University management, staff, faculty, and students, as well as stakeholders from BQA, and other tertiary institutions including BIUST, Botho University and Realic Business School, who all participated in the interactive sessions and presentations.

Giving her welcome remarks, BA ISAGO University President, Professor Hay-Swemmer, said that top university are measured by their academic reputation and employability of their graduates. She further stated that students need to be trained not only for the local market but for world –class international markets. Dr. Modiega, Director of Quality Assurance at BIUST, who is also the Chairperson of the Botswana Quality Assurance Forum, in her presentation on contemporary trends in Quality Assurance, shared that quality education liberates the intellect making it

possible for each one to contribute positively to society. She emphasized the need for harmonized internal and external quality assurance systems, towards the goal of global competitiveness, all for the good of the learner. Mr Thothe, Director of Quality Assurance at BQA, echoed the same sentiments and applauded the University on such an initiative as it shows their commitment to accountability and continuous improvement, prescribed by

Quality Assurance, in order to offer quality education to their students. He said that management needs to be committed to quality, for every individual to see themselves as a member of community of quality. He added that BQA should be seen as partner to quality, not the police.

He shared his expert knowledge on the local, regional and global Quality Assurance frameworks, and their implications. Following his presentation, Director of Curriculum Development & Quality Assurance Division at BA ISAGO University, Mrs

Tlamelo Kelebeile gave an overview of the Division, highlighting its strategic objectives as well as its understanding of the fitness for purpose, for the initiatives the Division is embarking on, as the key driver of Quality Assurance at BA ISAGO University. In line with giving university perspective, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Botho University, Dr. Ivy Mathew, followed with her presentation on Botho University’s experience on implementing the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. She pointed out standardization as a quality determining factor of competitiveness, with emphasis on set deliverables and requirements that an institution must adhere to consistently.

A student’s perspective on quality was given by Student Representative Council member, Thabo Mosia whose view on quality education entails three key pillars, namely quality lecturers, quality learning tools and a supportive learning environment. He decried shortage of some IT resources and up-to-date learning tools and made a plea for the university to incorporate extra-curricular activities and soft skills into the student experience, to graduate all-rounded students. Supporting Mosia was Professor Adedoyin’s research paper presented by Dr Mphathiwa, which also identified similar factors as effective for quality learning. The session was wrapped up by BA ISAGO Vice President Tadu and BA ISAGO Dean Faculty of Commerce Mr Chiwira, who brought the session to a close.

APPROACHES TO QUALITY ASSURANCE IN A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT OF HIGHER

EDUCATION TOWARDS AN EFFECTIVE HIGHER EDUCATION QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM


On Thursday the 15th August RIMIAS hosted, not one but two CEOs, not only in one building but under one roof. Dr Nyakudya, Head of Department, RIMIAS welcomed the CEOs and noted that they are champions in their respective fields and the University is lucky to have them visit given their busy schedules. Professor Mosha, Dean of Built Environment, Arts and Science, speaking on behalf of the University President Prof Hay-Swemmer, mentioned that the University is thrilled that the Department came up with an initiative like this which will help in building the University’s visibility. Mr Samuels, CEO of Botswana Life and Mr Ramasedi, CEO of Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) shared the podium as they took turns to dispel the myths about risk and insurance. Mr Ramasedi, after taking the attendants through their mandate and different approaches NBFIRA uses, stated that he believes that partnership with the industry is important in the current economy. Mr Ramasedi also assured students that there were still risks to be managed out there and pleaded with the students to bring their innovative ideas after graduation to the market. Mr Samuels commended the University for the talk and stated that it prepares students with what to expect after graduation. Mr Samuels also encouraged students to stay “hungry, eager and open to learning” and that they can be whatever they want regardless of their backgrounds. Ms Wame, a Risk Management & Insurance fourth year student, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the students. Ms Wame mentioned that as the University’s slogan says ‘Knowledge Empowers Progress’ they look forward to forward to more visits and insightful talks like these.

THE DEPARTMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT, INSURANCE AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCE (RIMIAS) BRINGS TWO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS UNDER ONE ROOF

On the 4th September, BA ISAGO University, through the office of the president, hosted a Public lecture, which attracted lecturers and students from different tertiary institutions. Prof Mosha, Dean Faculty of the Built Environment Arts & Science when giving welcome remarks, mentioned that the main objective of the lecture was to share experience and learn how to produce quality work, reduce dropout rates and duration of study on post graduate studies. Prof Mosha also went on to highlight that the University is a force to reckon with when it comes to academic excellence. The presenter Prof Hay-Swemmer, who is also the University President, is a renowned researcher and academic, who has published more than 100 articles and successfully supervised more than 22 students, as introduced by Dr Tadu, University Vice President. Prof Hay-Swemmer shared her excitement about the post graduate programmes that the University is currently developing and her general vision of building a post-doctoral research culture in Botswana, that will facilitate access to our local great scholars.

Her presentation touched on the knowledge based economy and the fact that scholars should strive to be owners of new knowledge and create an environment that nurtures research. She implored students to align their research topics with what is currently happening in the world to contribute to bettering it. She went on to emphasize insights on doctorateness as it relates to

depth and breadth on the subject, intellectual independence and doctoral scholarly voice. According to Prof Hay-Swemmer, a good PhD thesis must make a contribution, should be original and be publishable. Her presentation also gave insights on best practice for the supervisor and supervisees, supervisory models and ideal profiles of both the supervisor and supervisee.

The attendants, who comprised scholars, lecturers and students from various tertiary institutions, were given an opportunity to engage with questions, comments and observations, with the presenter on various aspects of research, including challenges faced by supervisors and supervisees, lack of collaborations and funding, and shortage of experienced supervisors, which made for a fruitful further engagement with Prof Hay Swemmer, who responded with suggestions, interventions and expert advice on how best to address them Prof Hay Swemmer concluded by challenging the supervisors to constantly promote their students and supervisees by developing and mentoring them during their supervision, to even be beter thatn them because their students’ success is their legacy! Dr Nyakudya, Acting Dean School of Graduate Studies & Research expressed gratitude for the insightful presentation and pleaded with the supervisors to use the information they gathered to produce quality work and contribute to the economy, in his closing remarks.

“THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION PRACTICES IN BUILDING BOTSWANA’S

KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY”.

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The Youth Alive Foundation was founded by one of BA ISAGO University’s Alumni, Mr Joba with a mission to develop successful and relevant entrepreneurship programs that educate and inform the youth to realize their full potential. The Convo Lounge program is one of the programs that the foundation has initiated. At its launch on 20th September, Mr Keitumetse, Y outh Alive Foundation Programs Director, stated that the aim of the program is to create a platform for students and industry to discuss what to expect in the corporate world and how to adapt. Adding to that Ms Nuku, Youth Alive Foundation Research & Data Analyst, mentioned that the program will also give the students an opportunity to understand where and how one can apply their degree.

Mr Davidson, a representative of the United States Embassy, who funded the Convo Lounge Program, shared that they decided to fund this program because this is such an innovative program to help the youth and it will provide students with adequate skill which will make them marketable in the industry. One of the students, SRC member, Mr. Thabo Kgwathe explained that the program is a good initiative and suggested that they also include those that are not in tertiary institutions because they also have ideas which could contribute to the economy as well. When speaking on behalf of the University, Acting Dean of Student Welfare and Support Division, Ms Makgonatsotlhe, proudly conveyed pride and gratitude to the BA ISAGO University Alumni, for a program that will be so beneficial to other students.

YOUTH ALIVE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES CONVO LOUNGE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

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As Botswana is shifting from the mineral based economy to a knowledge based economy, creative industries are more vital as they promote competitiveness and innovation.

On the 12th of September 2019, the youth talk up television show in collaboration with Maru television was hosting their television program in BA ISAGO University under the theme, creative economy, a contingency plan to unemployment. The show was hosted by Witness Ditshweu who is a fourth year student in BA ISAGO University doing Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and invited as the

guests KHOISAN who are now in the creative industries to give a full overview of the creative industries to the audience and what they benefit from their creativity.

The show is designed so to inform, motivate, entertain and empower the youth to elucidate youth problem and to promote the adaptation of the 4th industrial revolution by our country, through this engagements, the show will lead to a more knowledgeable youth as it also aims to inform, entertain and empower young people to focus on growing their capabilities from the academic life to their God given talents.

As the hardest hit by unemployment in the country, young people are in great need of empowerment and motivation for entrepreneurship. The BA ISAGO University-Wadhwani partnership aims to impart entrepreneurship skills onto students, to empower them to innovate ways to be employers, rather than employees, upon graduation. Following the launch of the partnership, Start-Up Club was officially launched on the 5th of September. Start-Up Club is a student network group, fully run and led by students in the entrepreneurship programme.

In his opening remarks, Dean for Faculty of Commerce, Oscar Chiwira said that initiatives like the Startup Club were meant to close the gap between theoretical and practical concepts and also to motivate students to be entrepreneurs. Maatla Tinah, e-Leader of the Start-Up Club, highlighted some of the

benefits of joining the club are to be able to interact with other entrepreneurs and participate in programme like Investor Hunt, where students pitch their business ideas to potential investors. This will also give them an opportunity to watch videos and interviews of other entrepreneurs around the world and be connected to an entrepreneurial eco-system like LEA and CEDA.

Giving his keynote address, Managing Director, of Innolead Consulting, Michael Oabona Kgengwenyane, said that the role of entrepreneurs in society is to solve societal problems. He encouraged students to get involved in different activities to test their talents and said that the key ingredient for being a good entrepreneur is to always do excelling work, even if you don’t like it; your future has to be bigger than your past. He continued to say that learning has to be bigger than experience and that

one should associate with friends who read and to spend less time on cellphones as it can waste their time. He said that contributions have to outweigh the rewards, and that purpose has to be bigger than money; once you start money will follow after. He encouraged entrepreneurship to have energy and enthusiasm when pitching an idea to potential investors.

He further encouraged the youth to use opportunities available to them like crowd funding as government has given them the initial foundation of education. In his closing remarks, the event coordinator, Mr Dube shared that the club will be used as a stepping stone for BA ISAGO University students to do great things in entrepreneurship!

WADHWANI START-UP CLUB LAUNCH

THE YOUTH TALK UP SHOW SESSION REVIEW

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DATE: OCTOBER - 2019 VOLUME: 5 ISSUE: 10 NEWSUniversity hosted Golden Key International Honour...

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