In a move to enhance postgraduate education, Midlands State University (MSU) Postgraduate Studies Office held an orientation ceremony for postgraduate students and officially launched a new Postgraduate Studies Digital System on 3rd December 2024 at MSU Main Campus, Gweru.
Whilst officially opening the event, MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor – Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, Professor Grace Mugumbate highlighted that the orientation and launch showed the University’s strides towards integrating technology into education.
“Postgraduate education at MSU is more than just academic training; it is a journey of innovation, critical inquiry, and impact-driven research supported by a community of dedicated scholars, resources to support your goals, and opportunities to expand your academic and professional horizons.
“Today, the University also launches the Postgraduate Studies Digital System, an advanced platform that will redefine how postgraduate education is managed at Midlands State University,” said Professor Mugumbate.
Professor Mugumbate further added that the system represents MSU’s commitment to embracing digital transformation and enhancing the academic experience for both students and staff.
During the launch of the Postgraduate Studies Digital System, Professor Mugumbate noted that the platform is designed to streamline academic processes and act as a catalyst for innovative research and academic collaboration.
The programme offered a comprehensive orientation to psychologically prepare the new postgraduate researchers for the demands of postgraduate life.
Topics that guided presentations touched on research methodologies, academic writing, and mental wellness, among others.
Dr. Winmore Kusena, a Research Manager in the Research and Innovation Division, made a presentation on ‘Navigating Postgraduate Life’, sharing insights into balancing academic, personal, and professional responsibilities.
Senior Researcher in the Faculty of Education, Dr. Tendayi Marovha, in his presentation on ‘Research Methodologies’ gave practical advice on crafting robust proposals and utilising advanced tools like SPSS and R for data analysis.
Acting Executive Director, Research and Innovation Division, Professor Gift Mehlana made a presentation on ‘Supervisor Relationships’, focusing mainly on fostering productive academic mentorship.
Chairperson of the Centre for Communication Studies, Dr. Fungai Mutema, shared techniques for enhancing critical thinking, structuring and refining academic writing for clarity and impact.
Postgraduate Studies Manager, Dr. Umali Saidi, made a presentation on the registration process.
MSU Library team, led by Postgraduate Studies Librarian, Kwanisai Mafa, and MSU Deputy Librarian – Scholarly Communications, Research Support and Digital Services, Mr. E. Makeke, took the delegation through the MSU Library’s extensive digital and physical research resources.
During the ceremony, students also explored interactive sessions featuring University services such as the MSU National Language Institute, and MSU Campus Radio, which broadcasted the event live on 90.3 FM Zvishavane and 101.7 FM Gweru.
As MSU celebrates its 25th anniversary, the launch is a testament to its vision for the future, where technology and education work hand in hand to create transformative academic experiences.