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About

The Centre for Higher Education Professional Development (CHEPD) was launched in 2023, under the directorship of Prof Emmanuel Mgqwashu, as a response to national policies urging higher education institutions to enhance the quality of university teaching, particularly the 2018 National Framework for Enhancing Academics as University Teachers. 

As a Centre at the North-West University, we are dedicated to enhancing teaching, scholarship, and professional practice in tertiary education. Our post-graduate program offerings respond to the realities of contemporary higher education, building the capacity of tertiary education teachers to be responsive to and navigate the complexities of a transforming higher education context through advanced postgraduate studies, short learning programmes, and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Our research lands itself at the intersections of professional development and higher education transformation, in its various forms, contributing to ongoing scholarly debates in the field of higher education studies.

 

Vision

To be a leading centre for higher education professional development capacitating tertiary education teachers, advancing research, scholarship and collaborative partnership in a transforming higher education context.

 

Mission

To enhance tertiary education teachers in a transforming higher education context through quality postgraduate qualifications and short learning programmes for the professional development of tertiary education teachers.

To establish collaborative partnerships at faculty, institutional, national, and international levels.

To conduct cutting edge higher education research that can drive the evolution of tertiary education teaching in a transforming higher education context.

To support the development of the future generation of higher education scholars in South Africa, Africa and beyond.

 

Our Focus Areas

  • Programme Offerings: Specialised Short Learning Programmes, M.Ed. Higher Education Studies, PhD Higher Education Studies

  • Research: Professional development of tertiary education teachers within transforming higher education contexts

  • Critical Conversations: Seminars, Webinars, Lectures, Colloquia, Panel Discussions etc.

  • Collaborations: strategic partnerships, institutionally, nationally and internationally.

 

Timeline

Vertical Timeline
 
2023
CHEPD Launched
The Centre for Higher Education Professional Development (CHEPD) is launched with Prof Emmanuel Mgqwashu as director.
 
2024
UCDG Project
A UCDG project titled “Strengthening the Centre for Higher Education Professional Development (CHEPD)” commenced. The period of the project is 2024-2026.
 
2024
First Short Learning Programmes Offered
The centre launches its first short learning programme, advancing professional development in higher education.
 
2025
First MEd Cohort Enrolled
A major academic milestone marked by the enrolment of the first Master of Education in Higher Education Studies cohort. Prof Emmanuel Ngqwashu leaves North-West University and Prof Shan Simmonds is appointed as acting director. 
 
First collaborative national multi-institution research project. The project is titled “Effects of generative artificial Intelligence information platforms on teacher education: Promoting socially responsive curricula in times of change”.
 
2026
New Leadership: Prof Shan Simmonds
Prof Shan Simmonds officially appointed as director (2026-2031)