13 February 2006

PSANA EXCO Meeting
13 February 2006
FABI Square Auditorium

Disclaimer: Please note: the matters discussed herein are the personal views and opinions of the members present at the meeting. They are therefore not the views or policies of PSANA or the University of Pretoria and PSANA and the University of Pretoria therefore do not accept liability for any damages or implications arising from the correctness of the facts stated in these minutes, unless specifically stated.

Present:

• James Mehl
• Werner Barnard
• Bonita Dryden-Schofield
• Inger Plaskitt
• Liesl Els
• David Kock
• Nadia Vasileva (Nathouse representative)
• Marissa Saunders (Nathouse Chairperson)
• Ronald Heath – previous Vice-president of PSANA (in place for Marelize van Wyk – previous President of PSANA)

1) It was decide photographs would be taken at the end.

2) Approval of Previous Minutes

Follow up on the thesis issue: The candidate’s boss phoned the supervisor but things are still moving slowly. Candidates don’t wish to raise issues because it may affect their results. We will wait to hear what happens. If needs be, this will be taken up with the supervisor concerned and the Head of Department. It is unacceptable that students have to wait so long to obtain their marks.

3) Funding Problems

NRF has not allocated some of their money to researchers and students under the researcher do not have money for their project. Why are we not getting money? Also the money is received only in April/May which is far too late. Can we address this? Reapplications for prestigious and scarce skills bursaries are only processed in January but candidates apply much earlier in the previous year. Perhaps monthly payments to students are an option or to give the varsity the money to distribute earlier. However, as noted, it seems that the money seems to be retained by some of UP’s loopholes. This problem of funding is widespread throughout the Faculty and it is something we MUST tackle. PSANA will approach the new head of the CSC and sort it out.

4) Nathouse Issues

Nathouse did not participate in RAG as there was not enough funding and hands to help. In any case they would like to focus on other areas. This will involve collaborating with the subhouses (House Geology, ChemTuks, House Actua, etc.) thereby making communication to the students more effective and easier. Also a helpdesk has been set up that is manned 1 – 2 hours a day.

A meeting for PSANA and Nathouse will be set up by Mrs Susan Loubser with the Dean to discuss our aims for this year and how we plan to carry them out.

We need to organize a list of class representatives for our reference as well as organize new department representatives. It is likely that this will be available via the marketing representatives of the departments. A list of marketing representatives should be available fro Marié Venter.

5) Input from Postgraduates on Appointments

Werner suggests students have input on appointments and promotions of staff members. This will prove difficult due to confidentiality. It is suggested that continuous annual evaluation by all Hons, Msc, Phd students on personnel in a department is done. The data will then be put on file. This will help when the personnel member is appointed to a more senior post or when they are promoted. Assessment will then be done not only on their ability to perform research but also on the basis of their attitude to people in general. Criticism will also help improve the personnel member’s attitude with regards to working with people. Werner will approach the Dean in this regard.

6) Marketing

Faculty Newsletter: This will be reintroduced under the supervision of Marié Venter. Awards, bursaries, etc. will be published, probably on a monthly basis. All information should be sent to her. She will coordinate.

Open Days: The expo last year was not very well marketed by the organisers. UP’s Open day is on 27 May and would like to market itself to students from other African Universities. The focus will probably be on the School of Agricultural & Food Sciences as they lack postgraduate students. There will postgraduate information available this year – aimed at 3rd years and prospective postgraduate students. We need to advertise (posters), they will not come unless they are aware of our plan. Perhaps a competition for a bursary at Open Day for 3 years of funding (Hons and MSc)?

Final Year Symposium: Some time before the end of the year, usually in August or September. Advertising will be done closer to the time. The talks by departments will be more general – not research based – i.e. what degrees they have to offer and what jobs a degree will allow a postgraduate to pursue. Maybe the slide show (from the expo) could be used at both the Final Year Symposium and at the UP Open Day. A booklet for the Faculty on information from all the departments is a good start. This information should be available from the marketing representatives of the departments. The Symposium will encourage interaction between the departments.

7) Student Survey

There are approximately 1 000 postgraduate students in the Faculty to survey. Responses can be given to each department. It will give us an idea of where PSANA can focus on helping the postgraduates. It will also help give feedback to the departments on any problems in general the students are experiencing. The Quality Assurance and Control people may be able to help us. A link on WebCT (using IT’s help) and hardcopies in the departments in boxes are planned. The survey is planned as an annual review of the students. Please let Werner know within the week of suggestions or comments to remove/add/add to questions.

8) Welcoming of Honours Students 22 – 24 Feb

Prof. Nico Labuschagne is in charge of the research methodology course presented. PSANA will be introduced as well. Perhaps we can get PPS to sponsor pizza. Bonita will organize this.

9) Faculty Bosberaad

James has to attend this. Please let him know if there is anything we would like him to bring up with regards to student issues.

10) General

Departmental Representatives: Some departments will not allow them to sit in on meetings. Postgraduates can speak from first-hand experience so there is no question that they should be allowed to sit on these meetings. Plus they will be able to relate feedback to the students better than the Head of the Department or the personnel. If there are hassles then please speak to the Dean, he supports it and will enforce it, if needs be.

Graduations: A suggestion for PSANA, in collaboration with the Alumni, to organize a dinner or meal for the postgraduates that are graduating. A finger lunch is probably the best idea. Also a speaker who has been there and done that. This will be investigated. There are two MAIN graduations – autumn and spring, but not all the Schools of the Faculty graduate on the same day.

PSANA and Nathouse: We must and will work together. PSANA will gladly help with any social events or problems/issues that arise if needed. Nathouse would like to incorporate the student survey as well – perhaps it can be done simultaneously to reduce time.

11) Photos Taken…