Cavendish University To Receive Consumers Choice Awards Best Private University Gold Award

Posted by: lukwago J in Education March 25, 2021

In January, Cavendish University of Uganda (CUU) was nominated as the Best Private University in the 2021 Consumers Choice Awards that are organized by Consumers Guide. Prof John Mugisha, the Vice-Chancellor of CUU shared some of their milestone achievements with Felix Oketcho and below are the excerpts.

Professor, tell us about Cavendish University and why a Parent outside there should make it a top priority to have their Children’s education dream attained here.

Cavendish University of Uganda (CUU) is a leading Private University in Uganda that is licensed and accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and was established in 2008.

At CUU we use a student-centric academic model of education which deploys global best practices in teaching and learning and is aimed at fulfilling our mission, which is to transform students into responsible, educated, employable and entrepreneurial citizens (REEE).

CUU offers market-relevant and accredited academic programs which are hosted in its four Faculties of; Law, Science and Technology, Business and Management, and Socio-Economic Sciences. There is also a School of Postgraduate Studies and Research.

Learning at CUU is innovative, student-centric, participatory, active and practical. A technology platform is deployed to support blended learning, projects, case studies, distance learning, and other forms of affective and active learning.

We have a large student population hailing from over 15 different countries. More than 5,000 students have graduated from CUU in different disciplines at certificate, diploma, bachelor`s and master`s levels since its inception.

What has kept the University among the Top University in Uganda?

A student-centric academic model that emphasizes technology-enabled learning with an ultra-modern learning platform and flipped classroom model.

Secondly, we have a blended learning method under the 2+1 technique. This has ensured the deployment of global best Teaching &Learning generic skills, skills for employability, innovation, competition and collaboration.

We also have experienced faculty who are well-grounded theoretically but also very rich with practical experience.

Our university has the best in class facilities for Teaching and Learning for example Audio-Visual, Speakers, Excellent Furniture and Air Conditioned Lecture Rooms.

We have used innovative assessment methods for example through projects, presentations, debates, case studies, open-book exams etc. This has enabled us to provide an international student experience having students that come from over 28 countries with different cultures and backgrounds.

What is the Missions and Visions of the University?

CUU mission is to provide accessible, high quality, research-driven education that transforms students into responsible, educated, employable and entrepreneurial citizens.

Our vision is a model university in Africa that delivers transformative, market-relevant education while our mission is to provide accessible, high quality, research-driven education that transforms learners into Responsible Educated, Employable and Entrepreneurial citizens (REEE)

Professor, as you may be aware, the Country was ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic which affected the education institutions. Tell us how Cavendish specifically dealt with this pandemic.

CUU managed very well the transition from face to face to online Teaching and Learning. Especially because of having installed an effective online learning platform for distance learning students.

During COVID-19 when the country shut down we remained in business and managed to set up a Distance Learning Computer Centre (DLCC) which has transformed into a Distance Learning Training Centers with a director. We managed to open accounts for every contact student; paid platform access fees to enhanced continuous learning during the lockdown. During covid lockdown, we trained students and staff on developing Content, reviewed it and uploaded it on a computer learning platform hence popularized multiple digital methods to deliver content and teach students.

We managed to lobby the government to approve online training and learning for other tertiary and universities. We integrated all our teaching and learning online and developed an open distance education academic dashboard and authorized to conduct online exams.

Additionally, we trained students and staff in online and technology-enabled open book exams.

The University officially opened on March 1, for students following the president’s partial reopening. What measures did you put in place to control the spread of the pandemic?

We followed all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set up by the Ministry of Health (MoH). We implemented social distancing in classrooms and common sitting areas. Enforced the use of face masks, sanitisers and handwashing facilities all day.

Furthermore, we ensured that daily registration was done by one individual so that we do not share the same pen.

We also had education posters and materials for students with constant messaging and reminders in every class. Blended teaching and learning even for campus students.

Applied online and phased off face to face classes to avoid overcrowding.

You have been nominated to receive Gold Award in the 3rd Edition of the Consumers Choice Awards. What does this mean to the management and your stakeholders?

The Golden Award means we are voted the best private university by the most important stakeholders the consumers. This is important to us especially coming for the second time in a row. We also won the same in 2019. It is good feedback for us to strengthen our cherished academic model with its student-centric approach to teaching and learning.

It is a vote of confidence in our efforts to deploy global best practices which started as unpopular given that most universities are still traditional.

We are living in the new normal where short courses are on-demand due to digital transformation. What courses are you introducing in addition to your current training Programmes?

We are introducing coding and Web designing for of level students who want to make a career in these fields.

We intend to introduce finance, money and entrepreneurship. And further plan to introduce Videography and photography to interest secondary school students to take on these careers.

We are also introducing newspaper and magazines designing courses on top of other university training Programmes.

When is the University getting a Charter?

We have embarked on a Charter Preparation Process which we shared with a road map with the National Council for Higher Education.

We intend to acquire a permanent home and sorting all the required infrastructural requirements to receive the charter and we strongly believe this will be completed in the next two years’ time from now

Any message to your stakeholders?

I appeal to Ugandan parents, students and policymakers to know that times have changed. This is an ideal University for you and your child. It is one that will prepare them for the global world which is highly networked and where certain skills are required for employability and excellent performance. For example Digital Literacy, Communication Skills, Critical thinking and Innovation.

A University that is adaptable to change and which devises quick solutions to challenges and eventualities like covid 19 will stand the test of time.

There are universities with big names that shut down during covid but we remained in business. In fact, covid was an opportunity for us to showcase the world our potential. And train other universities on global teaching methods. Cavendish University of Uganda planned ahead of time and deployed global best platforms to improve the learning of its students. This became important in managing the transition of its learners. As a result, our students have not lost any time

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