Midlands State University’s Research and Innovation Division in collaboration with the Quality Assurance and Professional Development (QAPD) directorate held a two-day hybrid workshop on Postgraduate Studies Supervision Workshop from the 22nd to the 23rd of August 2024 at Regency Fairmile Hotel in Gweru.
Aimed at enhancing postgraduate studies supervisory practices by equipping supervisors with strategies to meet the demands of postgraduate training while focusing on key aspects such as ethics, relationships, supervisor health, and well-being, the hybrid workshop brought together faculty members, supervisors, and postgraduate scholars.
The event featured presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions focusing on improving the quality supervision, fostering health supervisor-student relationships, and addressing critical issues such as health and well-being for both students and supervisors.
Workshop facilitators included Dr. W. Dzimiri from the Faculty of Education who handled the theme on Models of Supervision, Professor T. H. Wekwete from the Faculty of Social Sciences who facilitated on Quality, Ethical Issues and relations in Supervision; and Dr. P. Toungana from MSU Health Services who tackled Health and Well-being in Supervision.
In his opening remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor M. Maphosa highlighted the importance of effective and holistic supervision in postgraduate education while emphasising that supervision is not limited to overseeing academic work but also includes mentoring and guiding students in ways that impact their personal and professional growth.
“We need to push our research and building a critical mass of researchers requires competent supervisors, and one of the reasons for poor completion rate is ineffective supervision,” said Professor Maphosa.
In her remarks to participants, Pro-Vice Chancellor – Research, Innovation, and Industrialisation, Professor G. Mugumbate indicated that the role of postgraduate supervision is focused on promoting innovation and bridging the gap between academic research and industry.
Professor Mugumbate further stressed that supervisors should guide students not only to academic excellence but also to think innovatively and engage in research with real-world applications noting that the postgraduate studies supervision is the cornerstone of impactful research.
“As supervisors, you have a responsibility not only to guide academic excellence but also to encourage innovation that can contribute to industrial and societal progress.
“By fostering creativity and critical thinking in your students; you help shape research that transcends the boundaries of academia and meets the needs of industry and society at large,” Professor Mugumbate remarked.
The workshop was designed to address several key objectives related to postgraduate studies supervision, including establishing models of postgraduate studies supervision, quality, ethics and relations in supervision as well as health and well-being in supervision.
Day 1 focused on models of supervision; quality, ethics and relations in supervision while Day 2 shifted focus to the critical issue of health and well-being in postgraduate supervision, addressing the mental health challenges faced by both students and supervisors.
The two-day workshop was a significant step forward in equipping supervisors with the tools and strategies needed to guide their students effectively.
Day 1’s focus on establishing adaptable supervision models, coupled with Day 2’s emphasis on health and well-being for both students and supervisors, provided a comprehensive approach to enhancing supervisory practices.
The repeated calls for increased university support, from implementing institutional policies to providing mental health resources, underscored the critical role the university must play in fostering a supportive supervisory environment.
The success of the workshop promises continued efforts to improve the postgraduate experience, benefiting both students and supervisors.
MSU Library supported the workshop by availing library resources at the disposal of postgraduate studies supervisors, and their students.
Participants, who included Faculty Executive Deans, Executive Directors, Directors of Institutes, Chairpersons, Senior and junior academics, commended the University for coming up with such an important workshop and looked forward to more workshops of a similar nature in the future.
In his closing remarks, the Acting Deputy Director – Research and Innovation division, Professor G. Mehlana expressed gratitude to management for the support and participants for the active and lively discussions during the two days of the workshop.
Through supervision workshops, MSU continues its efforts to ensure effective postgraduate supervision and foster a supportive supervisory environment.