Road show success for College of Health Sciences Professional Services

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The management team for Professional Services in the College of Health Sciences (CHS) continues to uphold its mandate of client-orientation to UKZN stakeholders in the area.

This was demonstrated at a recent road show at all three health sciences campuses where academic and professional services staff were informed about the combination of services each portfolio contributes towards realising the vision and mission of the College and the University.

Professional services portfolios comprise Academic Services, Finance, Human Resources, Public Relations, and Student Support Services.

This year, participants were also addressed by CHS Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Sabiha Essack, and CHS Dean of Research, Professor Moses Chimbari.

‘The road shows are an effort to promote and make known the functions of different professional services portfolios existing in the College,’ said Professional Services Director, Professor Fanie Botha, who emphasised the importance of improving efficiency in the College by highlighting the various services offered.

Essack said quality assurance was an important part of teaching and learning and this made her passionate about her job. ‘The College of Health Sciences is committed to offering quality undergraduate and postgraduate education, training and research that is community-based across the continuum from primary and community health care to tertiary and specialised services by PhD-credentialed, research-active and prolific academics.’

Chimbari said the College Research Office was mandated to provide academic leadership, co-ordinate research and postgraduate training, formalise across schools collaboration, develop research policy and ensure consistent implementation of centrally agreed decisions on research and postgraduate training.

Issues pertaining to admissions, registration, handbooks, rulebooks, student funding, examinations process and graduation are handled by the College Manager for Academic Services, Mrs Ranitha Ramdeyal, while the College Finance Office is managed by Mrs Farhana Moodley.

College Manager for Student Support Services, Dr Saloschini Pillay, said her portfolio involved three essential roles - supporting and enhancing wellness, holistic growth and development of the student; preventing drop-out and failure; and providing guidance, counselling and therapy to students in the College.

‘We, the staff of HR, pledge to passionately live the UKZN values at individual, team and organisational levels by creating an outstanding experience through our courteous interaction with our clients and colleagues and to deliver high quality professional service,’ said Human Resources Manager, Mrs Nadia Lasich.

The Manager for College Public Relations, Ms MaryAnn Francis, said in order for the College to function optimally every staff member needed to start viewing themselves as brand ambassadors.

Francis said effective communication was one of the performance areas of any successful institution, and a brand ambassador was someone who embodied the brand he or she was endorsing. ‘They provide credible, trustworthy promotion and visibility to a brand.’

Lunga Memela