Price praises ad hominem promotees

UCT recently celebrated the 78 academic and technical staff members '“ promoted ad hominem with effect from 2014 '“ at a dinner hosted by Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price in Smuts Hall.

"I congratulate you on working extremely hard to achieve your promotions. You deserve to celebrate tonight and I would also like to thank your families who stood by you through the sacrifices they and you have had to make," said Price during the formal part of proceedings.

Price added that a candidate's performance is assessed using criteria that include teaching, supervision, research, administration and leadership at university and faculty levels.

"In recent years we have modified these... and one of these modifications, which is incorporated (in the process) is social responsiveness '“ a measurable and direct contributor. It is very much in line with the university's goal to not only be academically excellent and focused on research, but also an institution that is engaged with the communities around us."

In each faculty the ad hominem promotions committee consists of the dean, a DVC, two outside deans, and a number of other members of the faculty, as determined by the Faculty Board.

This committee scrutinises each application and, after debate, makes its decision by secret ballot. A recommendation for ad hominem promotion requires a two-thirds majority vote. In addition, two of the three outside members (the DVC and the two deans) must support the recommendation.

The recommendation of each faculty's committee is presented to the Vice-Chancellor, who finally signs off on the promotions.

Story by Abigail Calata. Image by Michael Hammond.