Tutor Policy

• Tutors are recruited on the basis of seniority from PhD level down, subject to departmental discretion.
• The primary role of tutors is to facilitate tutorials in a module, but must also attend lectures of the module.
• Tutors must keep an attendance register for tutorials.
• Tutors must grade assessments worth 10% or less (cumulatively 50% or less) of the module class mark.
• Tutors must submit marks to the departmental administrator within five working days.
• Tutors must attend all meetings called by the instructor of a module. These will be called regularly by the instructor, ideally once a week.
• Tutors must be available to be contacted by tut group members, and must provide contact details.
• All tutors must annually sign an agreement that stipulates their minimum performance requirements.
• New tutors must attend the EMS faculty and Departmental tutor training
• Tutors will be supported in terms of needs like work space as far as resources allow.
• Claim sheets must be completed no less than three days before the due date.

Academic Staff Policy

• All staff carry an equal load of teaching, research and administration overall, with the exception of the HoD.
• Staff must take at least one tutorial group in a module they teach.
• All staff must endorse a work environment based on intellectual integrity, professionalism and collegiality.
• The department meets once a month during the working year, and a minimum of eight times a year.
• All staff are required to participate in departmental meetings.
• At staff meetings, any person may speak on any issue, and deliberations will seek consensus, although the HoD retains final responsibility for decisions.
• Meetings will consider all the key issues confronting the department at that time, and always the standing items of teaching, supervision, research, community engagement and staffing.
• Sensitive departmental issues must be handled with discretion in line with HR procedures.
• Minutes are taken each meeting and ratified at the next.
• At least one strategic session on both personal and departmental development must be held annually.

Postgraduate Application and Selection Policy

• Minimum criteria for Honours are a relevant degree and a 65% average for third year Politics modules
• Minimum criteria for Masters are a relevant Honours degree and an average of 65% or more
• Minimum criteria for a PhD are a relevant Masters degree and an average of 65% or more
• Both Masters and PhD applicants must provide:
  • A concept note or proposal on intended research
  • A writing sample
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A Reference letter
  • Relevant academic qualifications (a SAQA certificate of equivalence for non-South African degrees)
  • Identity documentation
• All applicants must apply online through the university application system
• Applicants are responsible for their own documentation and funding needs
• All applications are subject to a departmental selection process that may involve an interview
• Applicants can be declined if they do not meet the minimum requirements or if there is insufficient supervision capacity

Postgraduate Policy

Postgraduates must re-register every year for their degree.

• Masters and PhDs candidates must sign a Memorandum of Understanding with their supervisor that includes:
  • The minimum number of meetings per year,
  • Agreed upon deadlines for draft submission,
  • Defending research proposals and drafts to the department or school. 
• Students must keep regular and open communication with the department, especially as regards to deadlines.
• Supervisors must read students’ work and provide constructive feedback within a reasonable time.
• In the event of difficulties around supervision, students can approach the HoD for mediation.
• All postgraduates must attend:
  • The postgraduate orientation at the start of every year,
  • Departmental research seminars,
  • Research methodological workshops.
• All students are subject to university processes regarding registration, proposals and examination.
• Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the teaching life of the department, primarily tutoring.
• The Department will facilitate processes of postgraduate skills development.
• The Department must facilitate the intellectual maturation of students. Students can assist by taking independent ownership of their work.

Assessment Policy

• Late course work will only be accepted without penalty if accompanied by a valid medical or death certificate or by prior arrangement with the lecturer.
• Students caught forging certificates will be referred to the Proctor.
• Late submission results in a penalty of 5% per day. No coursework will be accepted more than three working days late. A weekend will count as one working day.
• Plagiarism:
  • A first-year will receive 0%, and if time permits, may be allowed to resubmit for a maximum mark of 50%.
  • A second-year will receive 0% and not be allowed to resubmit.
  • A third-year or post-graduate will receive 0% and be referred to the proctor.
• Course assessments will be marked, captured and returned within two weeks of submission.
• All course work must be submitted manually to the department and also electronically to verify submission.
• Students have five working days to verify that their marks have been correctly captured.
• Where a student has a mark query, they should consult the module instructors.All students are to collect tutorials, essays and tests promptly, and keep them safe as proof of work done.