1. Academic Staff Affairs and Continuous Professional Development Coordinator

Appointment: Appointment of the Academic Staff and Continuous Professional Development shall be merit based and as per the WU Academic Administration Guideline.

Qualification and Experience

• Second degree and above in any related fields and Minimum of 4 years’ experience in teaching.

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skill and proven leadership ability and motivation.
• An application of information technology and communications
• An understanding of national policies and international trends and issues that are directly or indirectly related to the activities of the unit.
• Effective and strong team spirit and demonstrated competence in coordinating activities.
• High commitment towards realization of the mission of the university.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the university’s working environment.
• Knowledge and application of office management
• Proven experience in creating and enhancing a customer service culture within an organization

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate agreement with newly recruited academic staff and a staff ready for long-term trainings;
• Supervises academic staff performance in collaboration with academic unit heads;
• Supervises staff on study leave in collaboration with academic unit heads;
• Compiles academic staff data and meaningfully prepares for reporting;
• Designs and implements professional development programs for the academic staff;
• Evaluates the effectiveness of professional development offerings and makes improvements as needed
• Collaborates with academic units and staff to identify areas of need for professional growth;
• Develops and maintains relationships with outside experts and organizations to bring new training opportunities to the academic staff;
• Coordinates logistics for continuous professional development events, such as scheduling, venue selection, and registration;
• Maintains detailed records of attendance and participation in continuous professional development opportunities;
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current education trends, research, and best practices;
• Communicates with stakeholders about upcoming professional development opportunities and encourages participation;
• Supports teachers in leveraging new knowledge and skills gained during professional development to improve classroom practices, and
• Collaborates with academic unit heads to create a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Term in Office: The term of Academic Staff Affairs and Continuous Professional Development Coordinator shall be 2(Two) years, with possible re-appointment through merit-based procedure.

Reporting: Accountable to Academic Programs Directorate 

2. Undergraduate and Post-graduate Programs Officer

Appointment: Appointment of the Undergraduate and Post-graduate Officer shall be merit based and as per the WU Academic Administration Guideline.

Qualification and experience requirements

• Second degree and above in any field and Minimum of 4 years’ experience in teaching.

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skill and proven leadership ability and motivation.
• An application of information technology and communications
• An understanding of national policies and international trends and issues that are directly or indirectly related to the activities of the unit.
• Effective and strong team spirit and demonstrated competence in coordinating activities.
• High commitment towards realization of the mission of the university.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the university’s working environment.
• Knowledge and application of office management
• Proven experience in creating and enhancing a customer service culture within an organization

Duties and responsibilities

• Policy Development and Implementation
• Developing and implementing university-wide policies and procedures related to undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Ensuring consistency in program standards across all colleges and departments.
• Staying abreast of national and international trends in higher education.
• Program Oversight and Compliance
• Monitoring the quality and integrity of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the university.
• Ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinating university-wide program reviews and assessments.
• Data Management and Reporting
• Collecting and analyzing university-wide data on program enrollment, student demographics, and graduation rates.
• Generating reports for university administration, accreditation bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Maintaining university-wide databases of program information.
• Curriculum Coordination
• Facilitating the development and review of university-wide curriculum guidelines.
• Supporting the implementation of interdisciplinary programs and initiatives.
• Ensuring that curriculum aligns with university-wide learning outcomes.
• Student Support
• Coordinating university-wide student support services related to academic programs.
• Developing and implementing initiatives to enhance student success and retention.
• Addressing university-wide student concerns and grievances.
• Postgraduate Research Support
• Coordinating university-wide postgraduate research activities and initiatives.
• Developing and implementing policies related to thesis and dissertation submissions.
• Supporting the professional development of postgraduate students.
• Liaison and Communication
• Serving as a liaison between the university administration, colleges, and departments.
• Communicating program information to students, faculty, and staff across the university.
• Representing the university at external meetings and conferences.
• Technology and Systems
• Working with IT departments to ensure that student information systems support the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Helping to implement new technologies that can improve the delivery of academic programs.

Term in Office: The term of officer shall be 2 (Two) years, with possible re-appointment through merit-based procedure.

Reporting: Reports to the Academic programs Directorate. 

3. First Year Students Coordinating Officer

Appointment: Appointment of the First year Students Coordinating Officer shall be merit based and as per the WU academic administrators’ placement guideline.

Qualification and experience requirements

• Second degree and above in any field and Minimum of 4 years’ experience in teaching.

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skill and proven leadership ability and motivation.
• An application of information technology and communications
• An understanding of national policies and international trends and issues that are directly or indirectly related to the activities of the unit.
• Effective and strong team spirit and demonstrated competence in coordinating activities.
• High commitment towards realization of the mission of the university.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the university’s working environment.
• Knowledge and application of office management
• Proven experience in creating and enhancing a customer service culture within an organization

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop academic calendar for First Year Students in collaboration with the registrar;
• Develops schedules for cross-disciplinary courses and assessment schedules in collaboration with the academic units offering the courses;
• Facilitate orientation sessions for new students,
• introduces new students to campus resources, academic policies, and student life;
• Coordinate academic advising and support services, including tutoring and study skills workshops, to promote student success;
• Manage scholarship and financial aid programs (Example; Cost-sharing), ensuring students are aware of and can access available funding opportunities.
• Organize extracurricular activities and events, such as career fairs, cultural nights, and leadership development programs, to enhance the student experience;
• Serve as a liaison between students and academic units, addressing academic concerns and facilitating communication.
• Implement wellness and mental health programs, providing students with access to counseling services and stress management resources.
• Develop alumni engagement initiatives, connecting current students with potential/actual graduates for mentorship and networking opportunities.

Term in Office: The term of officer shall be 2 (Two) years, with possible re-appointment through merit-based procedure.

Reporting: Reports to the Academic programs Directorate

4. Distance and Continuing Education Officer

Appointment: Appointment of the Distance and Continuing Education Officer shall be merit based and as per the WU Academic Administration Guideline.

Qualification and experience requirements

• Second degree and above in any field and Minimum of 4 years’ experience in teaching.

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skill and proven leadership ability and motivation.
• An application of information technology and communications
• An understanding of national policies and international trends and issues that are directly or indirectly related to the activities of the unit.
• Effective and strong team spirit and demonstrated competence in coordinating activities.
• High commitment towards realization of the mission of the university.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the university’s working environment.
• Knowledge and application of office management
• Proven experience in creating and enhancing a customer service culture within an organization

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and organizes continuing education programs for students and academic units in collaboration with the Distance and Continuing Education Program Directorate;
• Coordinates with instructors and subject matter experts to develop curriculum and course content;
• Promotes and markets continuing education courses and programs to target audiences;
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and student satisfaction.
• Maintains accurate records and reports regarding course attendance and completion in collaboration with the Distance and Continuing Education Coordinating Office;
• Communicates regularly with stakeholders and educators regarding program updates and changes.
• Stays up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in continuing education.

Term in Office: The term of officer shall be 2 (Two) years, with possible re-appointment through merit-based procedure.

Reporting: Reports to the Academic programs Directorate

Vision

As the Director of Academic Programs, my vision is to cultivate a dynamic and impactful learning environment that empowers students with the practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and entrepreneurial mind-set necessary to drive socio-economic development in Oromia, Ethiopia and beyond. This vision is built upon several key pillars:

1. Industry-Driven and Relevant Curriculum:

• Close Collaboration with Industry: My primary focus will be to establish and strengthen partnerships with industries, businesses, and government agencies in Ethiopia and internationally. This collaboration will directly inform curriculum development, ensuring that our programs are aligned with current and future labour market demands.
• Practical and Hands-on Learning: I will champion a pedagogical approach that emphasizes practical application through internships, project-based learning, simulations, and real-world case studies. Students will not just learn theory but will actively engage in solving real-world problems.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The curriculum will be designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for timely updates and the integration of emerging technologies and trends. Modular course structures and micro-credentials will be explored to cater to diverse learning needs and promote lifelong learning.

2. Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

• Integrating Entrepreneurial Mind-set: I will work to embed entrepreneurial thinking across all programs, encouraging students to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and consider starting their own ventures.
• Incubation and Acceleration Support: Establishing or strengthening on-campus incubation centres and providing access to mentorship and resources will be crucial to support student-led start-ups and foster a culture of innovation.
• Promoting Research and Development: While focusing on applied sciences, I will encourage research that addresses practical challenges faced by Ethiopian industries and communities, with a strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and commercialization.

3. Enhancing Teaching Excellence and Faculty Development:

• Investing in Faculty Training: Continuous professional development for faculty will be a priority, focusing on modern pedagogical approaches, industry best practices, and emerging technologies. This will include opportunities for research, industry attachments, and international collaborations.
• Promoting Innovative Teaching Methodologies: I will encourage the adoption of student-centered learning approaches, active learning techniques, and the effective integration of technology in the classroom.
• Recognizing and Rewarding Excellence: Establishing a system that recognizes and rewards outstanding teaching and research contributions will be essential to motivate and retain high-quality faculty.

4. Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment:

• Student-Centered Approach: All academic decisions will prioritize the needs and success of our students. This includes providing robust academic advising, career counselling, and support services.
• Promoting Inclusivity and Equity: I am committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that welcomes and supports students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
• Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork: Encouraging collaborative learning among students and interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty will be key to developing well-rounded graduates.

5. Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Learning:

• Integrating Digital Learning Platforms: I will champion the effective use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other digital tools to enhance the delivery of content, facilitate communication, and provide personalized learning experiences.
• Promoting Digital Literacy: Equipping students and faculty with the necessary digital skills will be crucial in today's technology-driven world.
• Exploring Blended and Online Learning Opportunities: Where appropriate, I will explore the potential of blended and online learning models to expand access to education and enhance flexibility.

Mission

As the Director of Academic Programs at one of the Universities of Applied Sciences, my mission is to lead and facilitate the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality, industry-relevant academic programs that empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary to excel in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Ethiopia, particularly within the Oromia region.

This mission will be achieved through a commitment to the following key principles and actions:

1. Ensuring Program Relevance and Quality:

• Conducting Regular Curriculum Reviews: I will champion a systematic process for reviewing and updating all academic programs in collaboration with faculty, industry partners (local and national), and relevant government bodies to ensure they align with current and future market needs and international best practices.
• Fostering Industry Engagement: I will actively cultivate and maintain strong relationships with industries and businesses in the catchment area of Wallaga University, Oromia, and beyond to gain insights into their skill requirements and incorporate practical experiences (internships, guest lectures, and collaborative projects) into our programs.
• Promoting Quality Assurance: I will work diligently to establish and uphold robust quality assurance mechanisms for all academic activities, including teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and learning resources, adhering to national standards and striving for continuous improvement.

2. Enhancing the Learning Experience:

• Supporting Innovative Pedagogy: I will encourage and support faculty in adopting student-centered, active learning methodologies, and the effective integration of technology to create engaging and effective learning environments.
• Promoting Practical Skills Development: I will ensure that all programs emphasize hands-on learning, practical application, and the development of technical and soft skills that are directly transferable to the workplace.
• Facilitating Access to Resources: I will work to ensure that students have access to the necessary learning resources, including well-equipped laboratories, workshops, libraries (both physical and digital), and relevant software and tools.

3. Empowering Faculty and Staff:

• Championing Faculty Development: I will advocate for and facilitate continuous professional development opportunities for faculty in areas such as pedagogy, curriculum development, industry trends, research, and the use of technology in education.
• Fostering Collaboration and Innovation: I will create a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages faculty to share best practices, engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, and develop innovative teaching and learning approaches.
• Promoting a Culture of Excellence: I will work to recognize and reward faculty and staff for their dedication, innovation, and contributions to the academic success of our students.

4. Focusing on Student Success:

• Providing Comprehensive Student Support: I will work with student affairs and other relevant units to ensure that students have access to effective academic advising, career counselling, mentorship programs, and other support services that contribute to their academic and professional success.
• Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation: I will support initiatives that foster an entrepreneurial mind-set among students, encouraging them to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and consider creating their own ventures, contributing to job creation in the Oromia region and beyond.
• Cultivating Ethical and Responsible Graduates: I will ensure that our programs instill strong ethical values, a sense of social responsibility, and an understanding of the importance of sustainable development in our graduates.

5. Contributing to the Local and National Context:

• Addressing Regional Needs: I will actively seek to align our academic programs with the specific developmental needs and priorities of the catchment area and the broader Oromia region.
• Fostering Community Engagement: I will explore opportunities for students and faculty to engage in community-based projects and initiatives that contribute to local development.
• Promoting Collaboration with Other Institutions: I will seek opportunities for collaboration with other educational institutions and research centres in Ethiopia to share knowledge and resources.

My mission is driven by a deep commitment to the transformative power of applied education and its potential to empower individuals and contribute to the prosperity of the region and Ethiopia as a whole. I will strive to lead with integrity, transparency, and a collaborative spirit to achieve these goals.

Overview

Academic Programs Directorate is the office dedicated for Strategic Planning, management and development of Academic Programs; overseeing Curriculum Development and Review; Accreditation and Compliance, and Faculty recruitment, development and support. The directorate office is directly accountable to the vice president for Academic Affairs.

Appointment: Appointment of the Academic Programs Director shall be merit based and as per the WU Academic Administration Guideline.

Qualification and Experience

• Second degree and above in any field and Minimum of 4 years’ experience in teaching.

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skill and proven leadership ability and motivation.
• An application of information technology and communications
• An understanding of national policies and international trends and issues that are directly or indirectly related to the activities of the unit.
• Effective and strong team spirit and demonstrated competence in coordinating activities.
• High commitment towards realization of the mission of the university.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the university’s working environment.
• Knowledge and application of office management
• Proven experience in creating and enhancing a customer service culture within an organization

Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Development and Review

• Overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic programs.
• Ensuring that programs align with the institution's mission, goals, and standards.
• Conducting regular program reviews to maintain relevance and quality.
• Working with faculty to develop and update curriculum.
• Engaging with accreditation bodies as needed.

• Curriculum Management

• Ensuring that curriculum is current, effective, and meets the needs of students and employers.
• Monitoring curriculum delivery and assessment.
• Facilitating curriculum innovation and improvement.

 Faculty Support

• Providing guidance and support to faculty in teaching, research, and service.
• Facilitating professional development opportunities for faculty.
• Assisting with faculty recruitment and evaluation.

• Student Support

• Advocating for students and promoting a positive learning environment.
• Addressing student academic concerns and providing guidance.
• Working with student support services to ensure students have access to necessary resources.

• Administrative Oversight

• Managing program budgets and resources.
• Ensuring compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
• Preparing reports and data related to academic programs.
• Overseeing academic services, such as advising.

• Strategic Planning:

• Contributing to the development of strategic plans for academic programs.
• Identifying and addressing emerging trends in higher education.
• Working collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders.

• Accreditation and Compliance

• Ensuring that programs adhere to all accreditation standards.

• Staying up to date with all regulatory compliance.

 Term in Office: The term of Academic Programs director shall be 3(three) years, with possible re-appointment through merit-based procedure.

Reporting: Accountable to Academic Vice President 

ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT (AVP) OFFICE

WU Academic Vice President Office is answerable to the President

 Major function

 As a major function, the Academic Vice President at WU provides the executive leadership in assisting the President in the overall planning, organizing, and controlling of the academic programs.

 Duties and responsibilities

• Coordinate, direct and lead, the different academic programs: graduate and undergraduate academic programs, continuing and distance education programs, academic staff affairs, office of the registrar, library, and  academic quality and assessment Directorates;
•  Provide leadership in planning and executing  the development of programs, faculty recruitment and development, and manages  the academic initiatives;
• Advise, assist and support the president in his endeavor to discharge his responsibilities on academic affairs;
• Provides leadership in creating and maintaining academic standards and policies
• Devise strategies which help to follow and ensure the implementation of policies,  plans, rules and regulations, legislation  and other guidelines governing academic  programs, academic and technical staff,  and students; 
• Works closely and collaboratively  with other Vice Presidents for effective and efficient use of resources and manages the activities of the University’s broad academic directions/vision, priorities and  policies;
• Supervises the deans of the colleges/Schools/Institutes at WU and the directors of Library, Academic Staff Affairs, Postgraduate and Undergraduate programs, Registrar, and Quality and Assessment Directorates, evaluating and approving their recommendations for different activities.
• The office of AVP is responsible to  establish programs, policies, procedures, and standards in selection, evaluation, promotion and supervises staff development programs; Ensure the employment and promotion of academic staff is in consistent with the University’s rules and procedures;