The Association for Academic Administrators

3rd Conference & AGM

24 – 25 March 2022, East London
‘Challenges that Academic Administrators at HEI’s are dealing with in VUCA times, i.e., Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguity.’ Coping with the resultant stress and mental health issues

Conference  Theme

The Board of Directors of the AAA decided that the theme for the 2020/21 conference that was going to address the continuous challenges that academic administrators are dealing with, referring to violent student protests on campuses, striking staff, institutions that are becoming a stage for opportunistic politicking, financial uncertainties relating to government funding and study fees, NSFAS under administration, increasing corruption in HEI’s, the pandemic and its impact on higher education administration work, to name a few “VUCA” factors, is still very relevant, and therefore retained this theme.

A bleak picture indeed, but it is the work environment of many of the AAA members, putting in so much effort to perform their duties professionally under very trying circumstances. This conference should create an opportunity for members to share their experiences and how to find coping mechanisms to deal with the VUCA factors. And of course, to share best practices that will make our work more efficient and effective by learning from each other.

Who should attend

All personnel who are involved with the broad function of academic (-student) administration, inclusive of faculty and examinations administration or any other related functions at all Universities, TVET Colleges and Private Higher Education institutions in Southern Africa and Africa

Break-away group discussions

AAA Members are invited to submit topics for discussion in these sessions until 14 workdays before the conference.

Panel Discussions

Panel members to share real case studies that happened at their institutions regarding the impact of Covid-19 and lockdowns on their operations, the impact of students’ fees protests, effects of working from home, how funding constraints are affecting institutions in general and academic administration specifically and other VUCA challenges, and very importantly what they did to overcome it.

Panel members: AAA Board of Directors 

Gold Sponsor

Our Gold Sponsor is

Advanced Secure Technologies who develop innovative, secure solutions that protect individuals, organisations and wider society against fraud.

In the field of education, they ensure the highest level of security for qualifications. Safeguarding the integrity of the learning and ensuring that all stakeholders, learners, centres and awarding organisations are protected.

Featured Talks & Speakers

Opening address: Creativity is Intelligence Having Fun: AAA as Foundation to Customer Service Excellence in Academic Administration.

Speaker: Mr. Noel Knickelbein, Higher Education Administration Consultant & Former Deputy Registrar at University of Fort Hare

The intention is to introduce the conference to the three AAA factors that influence “Service Excellence Delivery” within the ambit of good governance and service delivery to our customers, namely the Executive Management, Faculty Leadership, academic staff members and most importantly forging a connection with our students. The presentation will focus on the three AAA aspects, i.e., Administrators that influence the final goals and objectives of our customer service, functionality of Administrative Functions and Business Processes and most importantly our acceptance of Accountability for all individuals’ actions, as a manager, leader or as a staff member.

24 March 2022 – 11:45 – 12:45

Yasien Ryklief

Paper: A plausible solution for the VUCA challenges post 2020.

Speaker: Yasien Ryklief, Registrar – The Two Oceans Graduate Institute

25 March 2022 – 09:00 – 09:50

Yusuf Mahomedy

Work @ Home Upgrade

Over the past two years, academic staff has been working from home and navigating new challenges in the workplace.
Discover how to have an engaging experience from home, while boosting service delivery and performance.

Guest speaker:Yusuf Mahomedy Chartered Accountant, CE, AENSA

25 March 2022 – 12:30 – 13:00

Tersia Visser

“Get out of your comfort zone”

24 March 2022 10h30 – 11h20

Tiaan Vermeulen

Keynote address: The Impact of Neurological Stress on People’s Information Processing style and Neuro-agility as an approach to managing Mental Fatigue.

Speaker: Tiaan Vermeulen, Director of Operations – Neuro-Link

24 March 2022 11h45 – 12h45

Shahied Daniels

A plausible solution for the VUCA challenges post 2020.

Guest speaker: Shahied Daniels, Senior Admissions and Registration Coordinator – The Two Oceans Graduate Institute

25 March 2022 – 09h50 – 10h40

Ms Madichakga Malahlela

From Paper to Smart Digital Board packs: Transforming Governance Meetings in the University of Limpopo.

Ms Madichakga Malahlela, Records Manager: University of Limpopo

Conference Fee Details

Conference fee for Thursday & Friday, 24-25 March 2022

EVENTS

24

March

16h20 pm

Teamwork Fun Event – Quiz on “Proudly South African” – Delegates from various institutions are allocated to teams for this event to promote interaction between colleagues of other institutions, and to win the prizes.

25

March

8h15 am

Lucky Draw – If you snooze you lose. You must be there to win!

13h00 pm

Lucky draw – Lucky draw – Weekend getaway for two – at a luxury resort/hotel sponsored by Premier Hotels

24

March

Proudly South African Dinner

Time : 19:00pm – 23:30pm

Location : EL ICC

Show off your favourite South African outfit at the dinner function. Dress in the colours of our national flag, or different South African cultures, let your imagination soar.

Please note that dressing to the theme is completely voluntary, and delegates are not expected to go and spend money on hiring of costumes. Alternative is smart casual.

Program:

19:00: Guests to be taking up their seats – no tables or seats are reserved. You are free to sit where you like.

19:00 – 19:30: Prize-giving for the winning teams of the team quiz. There will also be a few fun prizes as well.

19:30 – 20:30: Carnival dinner

After dinner: Dancing with Dee Jay Ben till late (+-23:00)

There will be several bottles of wine and fruit juices on the tables. Should you wish to have anything else to drink, there is a full cash bar available. (No own liquor is allowed).