Associate Professor - Writing Centre Manager (M000895)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The purpose of this position is to render a specialised service regarding investigations and expert advice in instances of plagiarism, provide Turn it in training and workshops to Academics. In addition, the successful candidate in the position will manage the Writing Centre, School of Languages, Faculty of Humanities and operate from the Mahikeng Campus, North-West University.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.       Investigation of instances of plagiarism:

• Responsibility for technical investigations regarding instances of alleged plagiarism and academic malpractice. 
• Draft investigation reports focusing on lexical, grammatical, and textual analyses of instances of alleged plagiarism.
• Implement the Academic Integrity Policy requirements of the University.

2.       Teaching and learning:

• Short learning programmes for academic integrity.
• Academic integrity awareness initiatives/workshops.
• Workshops on Turn it in for academic staff members.
• Undergraduate academic writing consultations.
• Post graduate writing consultations.
• Train writing consultants.
• Provide advice to Faculties and stakeholders regarding matters related to academic integrity.
• Supervision of post-graduate students.

3.       Research and Innovation:

• Develop context-specific interventions and advising on the implementation thereof, through relevant operational processes.
• Develop an on-line interactive platform to provide support for the identification, reporting and intervention of instances of academic misconduct and plagiarism.
• Contribute to Research by publishing in accredited Journals as expected of the level for an Associate Professor.

4.       Social Responsiveness (sharing of expertise and community engagement)

• Identify key risk areas regarding the ongoing management of academic integrity.
• Ongoing improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of internal processes and procedures related to the management of academic integrity.

5.       Fulfilling a managerial role at the Writing Centre

• Day-to-day management of management of activities of the Writing Centre, including quality control, development of impact measurement mechanisms.
• Increase institutional awareness of services provided by the Writing Centre.
• Develop an online interactive platform and/or online writing laboratory to provide support to students and researcher in academic writing activities.
• Benchmarking and ongoing standardisation.
• Financial management.
• Design & implementation of strategic projects that address the needs of the North-West University academic writing contexts.
• Draft reports to the relevant management and oversight structures.

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in a relevant discipline.
• Advanced experience in the investigations of plagiarism and academic malpractice.
• A minimum of 5 years lecturing experience at a higher education institution.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in student writing support and development.
• Active involvement in research, as evidenced by a number of publications in accredited journals commensurate with the level of an Associate Professor.

RECOMMENDATION / ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• A minimum of 5 years management experience in a Writing Centre environment.
• Engagement in the community.
• Membership of Academic Associations.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced skill profile regarding the following technical competencies:

§  Conduct technical investigations on forensic platforms, like Turnitin;

§  Advanced understanding of online databases;

§  Application of Microsoft Office for forensic purposes;

§  Adequate knowledge and understanding of the scholarship of academic writing and writing-centre conduct, amongst others:

• academic integrity and prevention of plagiarism as part of writing centre scholarship, context and environment;
• management of Writing Centre consultants;
• staff and consultant training.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Professional work ethics.
• Ability and willingness to work with a variety of students.
• Passionate about teaching and learning, and research.
• Adherence to deadlines.
• Team player who relates well with colleagues and peers.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:                     Prof. PN Nkamta, Tel: 018 299 2895

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:    Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: 018 299 4951

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                 30 June 2025

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                         As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.