The problem with most commissioned studies is that they are generally anchored on research protocols, guidelines and theoretical underpinnings imposed by research grant makers or the external Principal Investigator's (PI) own research design preferences. Furthermore, the problem is that researchers who are recruited during various phases of…

The front pages of the nation's newspapers and nightly television news segments continue to share stories about United States Black colleges and universities that struggle to survive or have been forced to close, despite their remarkable legacy. With a downward spiral-taking place for several of these institutions, there is inarguably a need for a…

Academics are viewed as one of the agents through whom the university classroom can be reinvented. With recent changes in higher education policies, the concept of the university classroom is undergoing change. This article explores the various aspects that make up the university classroom: the physical space, the resources available, the use of…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to focus on how two rural-based universities in South Africa can contribute towards sustainable development especially in their immediate rural communities. It addresses the following questions what conditions or policy frameworks exist that can engender a sustainable development trajectory? How can…

This article is based on an exploratory case study of an institution that is currently undergoing merger under the directive of the Minister of Education in South Africa. The findings reported here illuminate perspectives of senior administrators at Settlers University, an historically White university (or historically advantaged university),…

Quality assurance is an important subject in modern universities. After discussing several theoretical aspects of quality and quality assurance, the authors conclude that the care taken by heads of academic departments or directors of academic schools in the process of quality assurance may be regarded as one of the key elements of ensuring good…

Examines equity relative to South Africa's historically black universities in changing global and local circumstances. Innovations made in community-oriented teaching, research, and outreach provide the basis for conceptualizing an alternative to the market university model. Comparisons with U.S. universities are made. Contains 29 references. (MMU)

Issues facing historically disadvantaged universities in South Africa are examined, focusing on their impact on the cognitive development of students. It is concluded that students' cognitive development is a strategic matter, requiring the coherent effort of a whole institution rather than being the exclusive province of any specialized units.…