DHET UDCP Collab

Introduction

The University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) is the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET / the Department) implementation programme that is focused on advancing the transformation agenda in university education in three critical areas: student development/success, staff development and programme/curriculum development. The UCDP draws on multiple resources to enable its implementation.

The UCDP focus areas are addressed via three sub-programmes and multiple sub-projects which are undertaken in each of the sub-programmes and implemented at institutional or national level:

• Institutional Grant Sub-Programme;
• University-led Collaborative Projects Sub-Programme and
• Nationally-led Sub-Programme.

The UCDP is meant to be transformative and views transformation as being both about addressing the clear inequalities that persist in our higher education system and about building quality in order to enhance access and success. These are non-competing imperatives that we must work on together. It also enables a collaborative approach to capacity development, enabling universities to work together to address common needs.

University-led Collaborative Projects Sub-Programme

The University-led Collaborative Projects Sub-Programme is a system-wide intervention that relies on the contribution of multiple role-players at all levels of the higher education system to support its effective implementation. A collaboration fund has been provided at national level and the Department strategically directs the fund to enable the implementation of University-led Collaborative Projects that will build the capacity of the university system in the national focus areas. Where applicable, appropriate and desirable, individual universities should build participation in relevant university initiatives, into their University-led Collaborative Project proposals. These projects must be led by one of the 26 public universities and implemented in partnership with other universities and social partners.

The Department has approved the University of Limpopo (UL) as the implementing partner for the University-led Collaborative Projects Sub-Programme. The role of the implementing partner acts as the fund-holder and coordinator on behalf of the Department.