Construction of university to start
The deputy vice-chancellor for planning and quality assurance, Prof Rachmond Howard also announced that the university would furthermore spend R24,1 million on ICT as part of integrated learning.
MBOMBELA – The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) recently introduced the first phase of its multiphase and multibillion infrastructure investments at the lower campus in order to accommodate more students in future.
“There is currently enormous pressure to build as we are hoping to admit more that 700 new students by 2016,” said the acting vice-chancellor and principal, Prof JP Shongwe. According to him, this campus will house various units, including three 56-seater lecture laboratories, a computer laboratory for communication and technology, a science block, library and research activities, residences and the office block for the executive and staff.
Aiming to complete construction by the end of 2015 to accommodate not only more students, but also implement various new programmes, Prof Ric Bernard, deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs said there was a lot of work ahead.
According to Bernard, the university intends to introduce new programmes in information, communication and technology (ICT), wildlife and nature conservation, BSc general, BSc in agriculture, law, business and humanities which will come in certificate, higher and certificate, national, and advanced diplomas and degrees up to PhD.
The deputy vice-chancellor for planning and quality assurance, Prof Rachmond Howard also announced that the university would furthermore spend R24,1 million on ICT as part of integrated learning.
“We are investing in ICT as it is no longer just a working tool for administrative purposes today, but part of teaching and learning with technology,” he said.
Howard stated that he believed that the existence of state-of-the art ICT facilities would facilitate teaching and learning.
He said it would allow the university to link experts anywhere in the world and deliver lectures through what is referred to as mass online open courses.
