NWU Work Integrated and Service Learning Colloquium

Theme:

Innovation, Intrapreneurial and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Service Learning (SL)

Purpose:

The Work Integrated and Service Learning (WISL) Colloquium aims to provide a comprehensive platform for exploring the dynamic and innovative teaching and learning strategies encompassed within WIL and SL. This Colloquium seeks to engage academic staff, WISL administrators, and strategic stakeholders in a dialogue about these educational approaches' benefits, challenges, and future directions. 
 
By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, the Colloquium aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of WIL and SL programmes, thereby fostering work readiness and intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial orientation among students.

Outcomes:

• attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Work Integrated Learning and Service Learning as transformative educational strategies;
• attendees will have the opportunity to share and learn from best practices and case studies from various disciplines and institutions, promoting the adoption of effective WIL and SL methodologies;
• the Colloquium will provide a platform for networking and fostering collaborative relationships among NWU staff and peers from other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), enabling the exchange of ideas and resources;
• attendees will engage in discussions aimed at developing strategic initiatives to integrate WIL and SL into curricula, enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial skills of students;
• attendees will collaboratively identify and address common challenges faced in the implementation of WIL and SL, devising practical solutions and strategies for overcoming these obstacles and
• the Colloquium will facilitate a forward-looking dialogue on the future of WIL and SL, considering emerging trends and technologies that can further enhance these learning strategies.

By the end of the Colloquium, attendees will be equipped with new insights, strategies, and connections to effectively implement and advance WIL and SL initiatives within their respective institutions.

Hybrid Colloquium arrangements:

Face-to-Face Attendees:

1. Venue: The Colloquium will be held at the Potchefstroom campus, Conference room C1_135.

2. Seating Capacity: There are 70 available in-person attendance seats open to all interested NWU staff across all campuses; seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis upon registration.

3. Travel and Accommodation: Attendees are responsible for arranging their travel and accommodation; please ensure your travel plans allow you to arrive promptly for the start of the Colloquium.

4. Arrival and Registration: Attendees should arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the Colloquium to complete the registration process and secure their seats.

5. RSVP: The face-to-face attendance RSVP date is the 6th of September 2024.

Online Attendees:

1. Platform: The Colloquium will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams; registered participants will receive a link to join the session via email before the event.

2. Registration: NWU staff who cannot join in person and peers from other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) wishing to join us are welcome to register for online attendance; please ensure you register in advance to receive the necessary login details.

3. Technical Requirements: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, a computer or mobile device with a webcam and microphone, and have Microsoft Teams installed to join the Colloquium; It is recommended to test your setup before the event.

4. Joining Instructions: Log in to Microsoft Teams at least 15 minutes before the start of the Colloquium to ensure you are connected and to address any technical issues that may arise.

5. Interaction: Online attendees will have opportunities to participate in discussions and Q&A sessions through the platform's interactive features; please use the chat function to pose questions and engage with speakers and other participants.

Additional information:

Please see the programme attached to the event.

Hosted and Presented by:

• Prof. Willie Van Vollenhoven (NWU)
• Dr. Gerhard Du Plessis (NWU)
• Dr. Luyanda Marhaya (CHE, VUT)
• Dr. Adri Du Toit (NWU)
• Dr. Johann Landsberg (NWU)
• Ms Annelie Steenkamp (NWU)
• Prof. Janelize Morelli (NWU)

Organiser details:

Andisiwe Madavha | Senior Advisor WISL | NWU CTL - Centralised Teaching and Learning Functions.

Email: andisiwe.madavha@nwu.ac.za