IOP STUDENTS AT THE HEART OF THE SIOPSA HOD FORUM
Re-linking internships to curriculum, employability of students and the role of the HOD in chaotic times was a few of the items on the agenda for the recent SIOPSA HOD Forum.
This Forum consists of Head of Departments and representatives from 13 tertiary institutions in South Africa. Covid-19 also turned this regular interaction amongst academics in the IOP space into a virtual affair. Some of the key points that we would like to share with the SIOPSA community is as follows:
- Dr Justin August, Chair for the Board of Psychology at HPCSA joined the meeting as a guest sharing some of the priorities and focus areas on his new role.
- Professor Alewyn Nel (UP) chaired the forum, welcoming all and reflecting on lives lost the past few months, in particular that of Dr Marius Meyer and he shared the Forum’s condolences to the Stellenbosch Fraternity). The Forum also conveyed their support to Dr Duffy and the UCT team, for the recent fires.
- Natasha Winkler-Titus (SIOPSA President 2020/21) shared an update on SIOPSA activities over the past quarter highlighting the upcoming conference (virtual 21-23 July), call for president-elect as well as Presidential awards nominations and gave more information about the newly established SIOPSA Intern management program.
- Odendaal (US) shared insights on the role of the HoD during chaotic times and guest speaker, Phiona Martin provided some insights on the employability of students and the support required to equip students for work after academic life.
SIOPSA would like to thank everyone for their commitment to the IOP Profession by regularly attending the HOD Forum and for the valuable insights and contributions shared to make an impact on industrial psychology not only in the organisations but in society as a whole.
