Learning Development (LD) is one of the five clusters of Nelson Mandela University’s Learning and Teaching Collaborative for Success (LT Collab), which falls under the University’s Learning and Teaching portfolio. The Learning and Teaching portfolio is led by Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Dr Muki Moeng, with the LT Collab overseen by Dean Dr Phumeza Kota-Nyati, and the LD cluster is directed by Dr Lekwa Mokwana.
Amongst Mandela University’s strategic objectives, one is to offer extended access to higher education for diverse student groups, with the core purpose of being in service of society. To ensure that this access translates into meaningful success, the vision of the LD Cluster is to empower students holistically along their learning pathways to enhance their academic success. The mission is to provide a diverse range of nurturing, targeted, and collaborative learning support programs and initiatives that help students succeed.
LD aligns with South Africa's National Development Plan 2030, which calls on universities to offer extra support to help students cope with the academic and social demands of higher education. By 2030, the goal is to achieve a student throughput rate exceeding 75%. To contribute to this goal, LD provides comprehensive student learning support through the following sub-clusters:
First-Year Success (FYS)
This programme focuses on onboarding and integrating first-time entering students into the academic and social culture of the university, helping them make a smooth transition.
Academic Literacies Writing (ALW)
The ALW programme facilitates the learning and teaching of academic writing, ensuring students understand and uphold academic integrity.
Student Success Coaching (SSC)
SSC offers personalised one-on-one and group coaching to empower students to navigate both academic and social challenges.
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
SI provides peer-led, module-specific learning sessions aimed at supporting students in high-risk courses, addressing discipline and content specific academic needs.
Student Academic Development (SAD)
SAD equips students, tutors, and mentors with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective peer facilitation. It also equips them with effective academic development strategies.
Academic and Life Management (ALM)
ALM supports students in extended programmes, helping them take charge of their academic journey through credit-bearing modules focused on making higher education more manageable.
Research Student Success
This sub-cluster conducts research and data analytics to inform evidence-based decision-making in the LD cluster. It tracks research trends in student success to drive continuous improvement of LD programmes and services.
By working collaboratively and focusing on holistic support, LD is dedicated to helping students achieve academic success and thrive throughout their university journey.