Goal No 1: Redynamise Pure & Applied Research and Development

Rationale:

Research and consultancy output has to be enhanced to meet the challenges of becoming a world-class International University with strong collaborative links with industry. As research provides an education that is informed by leading-edge concepts, the University envisages bringing a paradigm shift towards fostering a positive research climate on the campus by restructuring its research policy, framework and infrastructure.

Strategies

· Encourage team research and multidisciplinary collaboration.

· Create an Excellence Park englobing multidisciplinary research theme

· Streamline the operations of the regulatory and administrative procedures that govern and support the UoM research enterprise

· Invest in collaborative research projects with industry to ensure relevance to local challenges and to develop intellectual advances and resources

· Provide incentives for engaging in research

- Reduce teaching and administrative load to active researchers
- Increase and diversify budget and improve research infrastructure
- Introduce research induction programmes and mentoring schemes
- Better recognition for publications in reputable leading journals
- Sustain funding for research demonstrable outputs
- Recognising and rewarding outstanding research performance

· Encourage patenting for breakthrough research output

· Create and maintain an e-database of research output and promote dissemination

· Encourage staff to seek diverse funding to support their research activities

· Increase MPhil/PhD student enrolment and output.

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Goal No 2: Act as Thinktank on National Issues

Rationale:

As a leading institution of the country having a high pool of intellectual resources and talents, the University will serve as a platform to raise public awareness and promote discussion of social, economic and political issues, and public policies. The University thinktank will draw on staff from specific disciplines to produce innovative ideas and discussions on current and future issues of national interest.

Strategies

· Update competence map to identify area(s) of expertise of staff and alumni

· Encourage initiatives for brainstorming on current and future national issues

· Ensure timely tackling and expedient dissemination of university’s critical reflections

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[Strategic Direction 2: Knowledge Diffusion]

Goal No 1: Increase Student Access

Rationale:

Mauritius has a low tertiary enrolment rate compared to developed countries and developing countries in the South-East Asia and to be able to compete in this modern globalised world where great emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills, more opportunities must be provided to students who wish to benefit from tertiary education. The UoM will thus endeavour to explore various avenues to increase student access and provide quality education to benefit the largest number of students possible including underserved and lifelong learners while maintaining affordability.

Strategies

· Encourage adults to embark on part-time evening courses.

· Promote and provide innovative and multiple modes of delivery

· Develop new Programmes of Studies

· Improve physical infrastructure

· Extend Programmes of Studies beyond normal working hours

· Provide access to underserved students

· Decentralise the University in strategic geographical locations (antenne universitaire)

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Goal No 2: Promote Emerging Sectors including Science & Technology

Rationale:

In order for the University to play a key role in the development of Mauritius towards a knowledge hub, the University will focus on science and technology and other key sectors and create synergies to promote the development of well-defined educational supports to contribute to the sustainable development of the national economy. The UoM aspires to provide assistance to sectors to increase their productivity and competitiveness; encourage and provide new expertise to accelerate the country’s participation in emerging regional and global opportunities.

Strategies

· Encourage diaspora to collaborate in UOM R&D

· Develop timely Programmes of Studies which are in consonance with the market demand

· Strengthen links with local and foreign institutions to be continuously updated on job market needs

· Promote active involvement of stakeholders from emerging sectors in UoM Advisory Committees

· Encourage UoM’s active participation in forums at other institutional and national levels

· Identify training needs in emerging sectors and provide appropriate academic staff development

· Promote excellence in learning and research in computing and medical and paramedical studies by setting up a School of Computing & a School of Medicine

· Promote foreign languages (Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, German)

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Goal No 3: Inculcate Entrepreneurial Flair

Rationale:

In today’s global competitive environment, Mauritius is facing more and more difficulty in attracting foreign investors in some sectors of its economy, causing an adverse effect on its level of employment, which invariably affects its socio-economic conditions. Consequently, there is a need to better prepare our nationals for launching small and medium enterprises to contribute to national economic development. In this line, UoM intends to inculcate in its staff and students the spirit of entrepreneurship, and equip them with the appropriate managerial skills to unleash the entrepreneurial potential in each individual on campus.

Strategies

· Set up Research Trust and Private companies

· Set up incubation cells within the Excellence Park

· Develop Programmes of Studies and additional modules on entrepreneurship and small business management

· Enhance links with industry, the business sector and relevant institutions (business mentors)

· Start the University of Mauritius International Business School (UMIBS)

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Goal No 4: Promote Lifelong Learning and Continuous Professional Development

Rationale:

Information and Knowledge, the competitive tools of the century, are growing at an exponential rate. All emerging countries face the growing need to upgrade, and re-equip their human capital, as the “shelf life” of acquired knowledge decreases. Provision of opportunities to the workforce to return periodically to education to acquire, learn to use, and re-learn the knowledge and skills needed throughout their professional and personal lives becomes a strategic necessity.

Strategies

· Strengthen the CPDL

· Identify and assess lifelong learning needs

· Design and Offer high quality occupational and professional development programmes

· Develop an Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL) tool

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Goal No 5: Foster Innovative e-Learning Systems

Rationale:

Universities all over the world are under pressure to integrate technologies in their teaching and learning, in response to the urgent need to reduce delivery costs, increase access, improve the quality of learning materials and ensure relevance to meet the requirements of the new breed of learners of the 21st century in terms of independence, autonomy, flexibility and development of critical and reflective thinking. The learners are not only different; they have to learn in new and different ways to secure and maintain their employability.

Finding innovative ways of delivering becomes a competitive necessity. E-learning as a novel approach assumes a pre-eminent position in any technological/computer mediated human interaction. It empowers the learners to manage their own learning and also provides an interactive experience that makes learning more exciting and appealing. UoM will have to further invest in e-learning to make tertiary education more flexible and accessible to the community.

Strategies

· Develop more e-programmes

· Enhance IT support & infrastructure

- Provide e-learning tools to staff
- Provide internet connection in lecture rooms
- Provide laptops, PDAs to staff
- Develop training programmes for both staff and student to enhance their e-skills
- Equip the university with modern mechanisms for communication: wireless communication (Wi-Fi), computer networks, multimedia, content portals, search engines, electronic libraries, etc.

· Incorporate e-learning technology (web-enhanced, blended learning approaches) in Programmes of Studies to enhance student experience

· Provide a wider spectrum of options from asynchronous to synchronous learning

· Provide incentives for staff to develop and use innovative e-learning systems

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[Strategic Direction 3: Investing in Resources]

Goal No 1: Recruit, Retain and Reward Quality People

Rationale:

The University of Mauritius recognises the value of its people and aspires to become an employer of choice. Presently, UoM faces a significant constraint in attracting and retaining highly qualified people. To ensure effective, sustainable and results-oriented development of the University and to achieve highest standards of academic excellence, UoM is committed to invest in and recognise competent and motivated staff.

Strategies

· Develop other avenues for incomes besides PRB.

· Set up new National UOM Award schemes: Gold medals, research grants, Best teacher recognition…

· Rationalise the Human Resources functions at the University

· Carry out an assessment of the utilisation of Human Resources at UoM

· Improve recruitment and retention strategies

· Encourage staff by providing performance related incentives/rewards scheme

· Create different paths for promotion

· Conduct induction training and mentoring for all new staff

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Goal No 2: Ensure Sustainable Staff Professional Development

Rationale:

The main asset of the University of Mauritius is its human capital and competence, both academic and non-academic. The University should respond effectively to changing education and training needs, adapt to a rapidly shifting tertiary education landscape and adopt more flexible modes of organisation and operation. The UoM should hence provide adequate resources and environment to sustain professional staff development.

Strategies

· Enable interaction with foreign peers

· Allocate budget for professional development and in-house training

· Identify training needs of staff and initiate a proper staff development programme

· Set up systems for obtaining feedback on effectiveness of the training programmes

· Encourage multiskilling / multitasking

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Goal No 3: Enrich Campus life experience

Rationale:

A vibrant and collegial atmosphere prevailing in a University campus contributes positively to the overall development of both students and staff. Therefore, to energize the University community, there is a need to provide a safe and inviting learning environment that encourages students to participate actively in both curricular and extracurricular activities that will better prepare them to face life challenges.

Strategies

· Arrange for the provision of transport facilities after working hours

· Construct Halls of residence for students and staff

· Introduce more extracurricular activities

· Reward student participation in extracurricular and recreational activities

· Set up a student counselling and students affairs office

· Enhance staff welfare

· Enhance provision of transferable skills on campus

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Goal No 4: Increase Provision for State-of-the-Art Technologies

Rationale:

An integrated technology network is essential for an institution to fulfill the needs and expectations of its stakeholders in a productive manner. When used effectively, state-of-the-art technologies can promote research, collaborative learning, development of critical thinking, and assist in problem solving. It can also help learners explore the world beyond classroom and the university campus, by providing access to vast resources and information. In order to be more effective and efficient, UoM needs to invest in technology infrastructure that will allow all activities on campus to operate as a fully coordinated and integrated system.

Strategies

· Promote e-conferencing with foreign partners

· Develop a department-wise facilities and equipment master plan based on a needs assessment

- Explore the benefits of introducing the biometrics system

· Optimise resource utilisation through sharing of equipment and through internal and external partnerships

· Support the Excellence Park in its research enterprise

· Provide reliable access to information and network services on and off campus

· Enhance IT infrastructure to promote efficiency and productivity

- Database Management System for administrative processes

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Goal No 5: Develop and Optimise Infrastructure

Rationale:

To ensure academic excellence and flourishment of learning and creative expression, a safe, healthy, supportive and stimulating environment and infrastructure, with good library, research and ICT facilities coupled with social and recreational activities, are needed. The UoM emphasises on efficient space and equipment utilisation and judicious acquisition that supports the University’s mission and enhance its quality of learning and educational outcomes.

Strategies

· Acquire new land and construct new buildings (library/parking space/residential/lecture rooms/canteen/labs)

· Upgrade research and teaching facilities

- Subscribe to e-databases

- Create language labs

· Develop and Optimise infrastructure use

- Extension of lab hours

· Provide more diverse sports facilities

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Goal No 6: Explore sources of funding

Rationale:

In the light of ever-increasing financial constraints, the University has to explore, identify and evaluate new avenues for funding and to increase income generation from a variety of sources to provide support for its range of activities and innovative projects.

Strategies

· Enlist support of Alumni

· Set up Trusts and Foundations

· Generate revenue from the Excellence Park

· Generate more revenues from staff consultancy

· Seek support from potential benefactors

- Enlist private sector support (creation of private chairs)

· Increase enrolment of international students

· Provide more undergraduate/postgraduate fee-paying programmes of studies

· Encourage staff to seek research grants from external sources

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[Strategic Direction 4: Quality Culture and Good Governance]

Goal No 1: Differentiate through Quality

Rationale:

During recent years, quality in higher education has gained increasing importance since students prefer to join the best universities that can offer excellent learning experience. Various universities in our region are offering medium to high quality tertiary education. In addition, employers tend to recruit high calibre graduates from reputable universities to strengthen their human capital so as to maintain their competitive edge. Therefore, in order to compete internationally and to be regarded as a university of choice for both local and international students, employers and other stakeholders, UoM must strive for excellence and make quality an inherent part of its culture.

Strategies

· Enhance transparency by publishing procedures, rules and regulations, and related decisions through the Internet

· Seek accreditation for Programmes of Studies from reputable international and professional bodies

· Develop and maintain effective and efficient academic and administrative processes across the University.

- Rationalise the conduct of examination processes.
- Adopt best practices for the core processes of the University.
- Develop a structured approach to enhance the practice of quality.
- Develop a complaint handling and monitoring system.
- Provide continuous training for quality.
- Enhance and sustain the quality system.

· Generate, monitor and communicate performance indicators.

· Promote and foster a quality culture on campus.

- Promote effective leadership at all levels.
- Promote a customer focus approach.
- Foster team spirit and a structured approach in addressing and solving problems
- Communicate information and decisions in a prompt and timely manner
- Sustain quality awareness across the University.
- Recognise and reward quality achievement.
- Involve people in all quality initiatives.
- Encourage commitment towards continuous improvement.
- Encourage staff to adopt and live up to the core values

· Improve efficiencies to maximise value for money

- Optimise use of human, financial and material resources.
- Emphasise right first time.
- Review and enhance UoM’s finance and support services

· Enhance Public Relations and communication functions within and outside UoM

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Goal No 2: Practice Corporate Social Responsibility

Rationale:

The UoM recognises the benefits of adopting Corporate Social Responsibility policies and practices to enhance its corporate image and reputation in the eyes of stakeholders and the community at large, and to inculcate responsible behaviour in all our staff and students and meet social, environmental and ethical standards.

Strategies

· Give credit for projects involving community development

· Design and promote codes of conduct related to human and ethical values and environmental issues

· Promote a culture of good governance, transparency, strong accountability, and effective communication within the whole university

· Partner with community sector organisations to further socially desirable goals

· Provide opportunities to staff and students to develop social and citizenship values and practice

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[Strategic Direction 5: National, Regional and International Collaborations]

Goal No 1: Reinforce Networking Role

Rationale:

Networking is a vital mode of knowledge exchange: a powerful vehicle for productive engagement with the business community, and private and public sector organisations. A diverse range of approaches and structures will be required to build such connections. In this world of borderless education and changing educational environment, a variety of strategic partnerships should be developed for greater global involvement and visibility.

Strategies

· Strengthen existing partnerships at local, regional and international levels.

· Develop new strategic partnerships

· Exploit our assets, geographical, infrastructural and linguistic, to act as focal link between Africa and Asia

· Set up a ‘staff alumni’ and redynamise student alumni

- Database of UoM graduates on website

· Enhance student and staff exchange programmes

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[Strategic Direction 6: Community Outreach]

Goal No1: Help the Community to Develop, Monitor and Enhance its Vitality

Rationale:

The UoM, particularly in its role as a national university thrives on the commitment to enrich the lives and experiences of our community and seek to expand access, interaction and foster dialogue, mutual care and concern. Our institution and employees will strive to support the health, safety, and social needs of our society by applying our best resources to achieve these objectives in becoming responsible community stewards.

Strategies

· Promote greater participation of University Court in activities.

· Promote greater public awareness of current community problems and issues

· Extend the resources and expertise of the UoM to directly address the community

· Stimulate public involvement by increasing access of community stakeholders to conferences, open days, and seminars

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Goal No2: Promote Civic Engagement

Rationale:

There is an impending need to motivate our staff and students for active citizenship in our diverse multicultural society. The University of Mauritius will strive to promote intellectual and experiential participation in civic engagement for its staff and students. It will offer a range of project initiatives, working collaboratively with numerous civic leaders and organisations to engage in dialogue relevant to the specific context and concerns of our community.

Strategies

· Provide opportunities for our staff and students to participate in social activities

· Collaborate with NGOs and other institutions

· Give sustained voice (speeches, publications, editorials, etc.) to the importance of civic engagement

· Provide relevant training and professional development activities focused on civic engagement and public leadership skills

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