Vice-Principal: Student Life

UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

VICE-PRINCIPAL: STUDENT LIFE

PEROMNES: POST LEVEL 1

 The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s top research-intensive universities, dedicated to producing high-quality, impactful research that addresses complex contemporary issues. It is one of the most significant producers of research and makes a major contribution to postgraduate and postdoctoral fellowship training, as well as nurturing and supporting researchers at different stages of their research careers. It is home to the largest number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers. The University has developed infrastructure and a number of research platforms, including the Future Africa Platform, that support multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary research across the institution. The University is continuously expanding its research partnerships and collaborations worldwide.

 The University’s nine faculties and business school offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes recognised internationally. It offers quality education to a cohort of approximately 55 000 students from across the diversity of the South African population and awards approximately 14% of all degrees conferred annually by public universities in South Africa.

 The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In pursuit of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria invites applications for the position of Professor and Vice-Principal: Student Life.

JOB PURPOSE

The Vice-Principal: Student Life is a senior executive responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight across the university’s student life portfolio including managing student affairs, residence affairs and accommodation, student governance, student development programs, and student services working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, senior management, and student leadership to enhance the student experience, promote student well-being, and foster a vibrant campus community. The Vice-Principal: Student Life is responsible for overseeing and integrating the strategic and operational functions of:

• Student Affairs (including Student Health and Wellness, Disability Unit, Student Counselling, and Advocacy)
• Student Governance and Leadership Development
• Residence Affairs and Accommodation
• Student Development and Co-Curricular Programming
• TuksSport (including oversight of affiliated companies and clubs)
• Tuks FM (student-run campus radio)
• Strategic Student Engagement, Student Success and Well-being Initiatives

The Vice Principal will also be responsible for building and nurturing strategic partnerships with industry, businesses, and community organisations to create real-world learning opportunities, enhance employability outcomes, and foster collaboration that benefits both students and the institution.

It is the prerogative of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal to determine the portfolios of the members of the Executive, and the University reserves the right to change the portfolio responsibilities of Vice-Principals from time to time in line with new strategic priorities and operational requirements.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

 The responsibilities of the Vice-Principal: Student Life, amongst others is to:

 Strategic Leadership

•  Lead the development and implementation of the university’s student life strategy in alignment with its mission and vision.
• Lead and oversee the strategic and operational management of all assigned portfolios.
• Oversee the operational and strategic management of the portfolios responsible for.
• Collaborate with other members of the executive team to ensure the integration of student life initiatives with academic and research priorities.

Strategic Oversight of Student Affairs and Student Services and Tuks FM

• Provide strategic oversight of the Department of Student Affairs, ensuring the delivery of student-focused, accessible, and responsive services that support academic and personal success.
• Ensure the provision of comprehensive support services, including mental health counselling, health and wellness programmes, disability support, academic skills development, career services, and social work interventions.
• Promote a developmental and preventative approach to student wellness and psychosocial care by overseeing the implementation of evidence-based interventions and awareness campaigns.
• Promote and monitor student participation in co-curricular activities, civic engagement projects, and social justice initiatives to build leadership, accountability, and a sense of social responsibility.
• Lead the development of student affairs policies, procedures, and frameworks, ensuring they align with institutional transformation objectives, legal compliance, and sectoral best practices.

Strategic Leadership of the Residence Affairs and Accommodation

 Oversee the management and development of student residences, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive living environment.

• Develop policies and programs to enhance the residential experience and foster a sense of community among residents.
• Coordinate with relevant departments to address accommodation challenges and improve service delivery.
• Oversee residence infrastructure, allocations, living and learning programmes, and compliance with safety and transformation policies.
• Promote affordability and equitable access to on-campus accommodation for financially vulnerable and first-generation students.

  Strategic Leadership of Student Governance

• Provide strategic and executive oversight of Student Governance structures, including the Student Representative Council (SRC), Faculty Houses, Societies, and other recognised student organisations.
• Ensure effective functioning of governance structures, including compliance with institutional policies, codes of conduct, and the relevant student constitutions and frameworks.
• Support and guide the Student Representative Council (SRC) and other student governance structures in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities.
• Facilitate leadership development opportunities for students, including training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and integrity of student elections and governance processes, ensuring they are fair, transparent, and well-managed.

Strategic Oversight of Student Development Programmes

• Promote inclusive campus environments that reflect the University’s commitment to diversity and transformation.
• Lead the design, implementation, and assessment of student development programmes that promote holistic growth across intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, spiritual, and physical dimensions.
• Oversee and expand co-curricular initiatives such as leadership academies, community engagement, peer mentorship, volunteerism, and career-readiness programmes aligned with UP’s Graduate Attributes.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with internal academic departments, external agencies, and non-profit organisations to enrich the student development portfolio.

Communication and Advocacy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive student life communication strategy in collaboration with University Relations and the Division for Student Affairs.
• Promote the University’s commitment to a holistic student experience through strategic messaging, official communications, and public engagements.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and other stakeholders to promote awareness and understanding of student life initiatives.
• Lead advocacy efforts within executive structures to secure resources, facilities, and policy support for student development, residence life, wellness, sport, and co-curricular initiatives.
• Represent the University at national and international forums related to student affairs, higher education policy, and youth development.

Policy Development, Risk Management and Compliance

 Develop and implement policies and procedures related to student life, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with relevant regulations.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of student life programs and services, making recommendations for improvements as needed.
•  Tuks Sport Oversight

 Provide strategic direction for TuksSport to sustain its standing as a premier university-based sports institute in Africa.

• Ensure integration of high-performance sport, mass participation, and student-athlete academic support with the University’s strategic objectives.
• Oversee the governance and performance of all sporting codes, including competitive and recreational sport.
• Exercise executive oversight of sport-related commercial and non-profit entities affiliated with TuksSport, including professional teams, clubs, academies, and institutes.

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant doctoral degree
• A total of ten (10) years of relevant experience, of which at least five (5) years must have been at an executive/senior management level in a higher education environment.
• At least five years of proven executive management experience in:

• leadership in higher education, particularly in student affairs or student services, or student life support portfolios, including strategic management of student governance, accommodation, wellness, engagement and development
• strategic planning, program development, and policy implementation.
• governance of university-affiliated entities, including sporting companies and student organisations.
• providing oversight of large-scale student support services, including mental health, wellness, residences, and staff and student leadership development.
• A proven track record in student policy development and implementation at a strategic level.
• An established scholar with both national and international standing.

• The candidate should qualify for appointment as a full professor at the University of Pretoria.

 ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• At least five (5) years’
  • Experience in executive leadership.
  • Experience in sports leadership and/or student media is desirable.
• A management qualification.

 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Ability to set and drive a coherent student life vision aligned with UP’s academic mission, transformation agenda, and strategic plan.
• Strong understanding of how student life contributes to student success, retention, and graduate attributes.
• Deep knowledge of holistic student development (academic support, wellness, residence life, co-curricular learning, employability).
• Proven ability to design and oversee initiatives that enhance student experience, wellbeing, and belonging.
• Strong commitment to transformation, diversity, equity, and inclusion within a South African higher education context.
• Ability to navigate complex social dynamics, promote social cohesion, and address student activism constructively.
• Excellent knowledge of higher education governance, public accountability, and policy development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage students, SRCs, staff, faculties, unions, alumni, and external partners.
• Ability to build trust, manage conflict, and maintain open, credible dialogue with students.
• Advanced knowledge of risk management and regulatory compliance across academic and co-curricular domains.
• Excellent skills in budgeting, financial oversight, and resource optimisation in a publicly funded institution.
• Sound understanding of higher education governance, policy frameworks, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to manage institutional risk related to student affairs, residences, safety, and student conduct.
• Experience overseeing large, diverse portfolios and budgets (e.g., residences, student support services, extracurricular programmes).
• Capacity to lead change sensitively while maintaining institutional stability.
• Ability to ensure efficient, sustainable, and accountable service delivery.
• Proven ability to lead senior managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to staff development, performance management, and building a high-performing, values-driven culture.
• Advanced knowledge of student development theory and applied co-curricular models
• Advanced knowledge of the higher education landscape, both nationally and internationally.
• Advanced knowledge of the South African higher education landscape.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education Act, NQF Act, CHE requirements, and NSFAS framework
• Advanced understanding of relevant legislation, including PAJA, POPIA, OHSA, and student rights frameworks.
• Excellent understanding of media regulation and broadcasting standards in the context of Tuks FM and ICASA compliance
• Familiarity with sports governance frameworks, including collaboration with national federations (e.g., USSA, SASCOC)
• Excellent relationship management, negotiation, problem-solving, planning, organisational and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and facilitation skills.
• Advanced computer and related information technology skills.

REMUNERATION AND APPOINTMENT

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes, and the employer contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Vice-Principals are appointed for a term of five (5) years and are eligible for reappointment for one further consecutive term, subject to performance. External candidates will be considered for a permanent academic appointment in an appropriate academic department within the University.

 APPLICATION PROCESS

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Careers@UP link on the University website. All supporting documentation listed below must be attached to the application at the time of submission. Applicants are required to read the Regulations and Procedure for the Appointment of Vice-Principals prior to submitting their application. Candidates will be required to confirm in writing their acceptance of the applicable appointment Regulation and Procedure and to submit this confirmation with their application. The Regulation and Procedure is available on the link below:

https://www1.up.ac.za/cs/sf/UPPR017483

 By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge and consent to the appointment process as set out in the University’s regulations and procedures.

 Applications must be accompanied by the following supporting documents that must be attached electronically to the application:

• A full curriculum vitae
• An abbreviated curriculum vitae
• Certified copies of qualifications and identity document
• A self-evaluation by the applicant of their suitability for appointment in the position
• Applicant’s vision for the portfolio
• Names and contact details of at least three (3) referees who can attest to the candidate’s stature as well as leadership qualities (applicants should note that the University also reserves the right to appoint and consult its own referees)

 Applications must be submitted by 12H00 noon on 30 April 2026.

 CLOSING DATE:30 April 2026 at 12H00.

Applications that are incomplete, do not meet the minimum requirements, or are received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to prepare a presentation. The topic and further details will only be provided to the shortlisted candidates.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in relevant competencies and psychometric assessments as part of the selection process.

Please note that the University may extend the closing date and undertake further recruitment initiatives.

ENQUIRIES

Jeovitah Chimhamhiwa, Tel: 012 420 6149, email: [email protected], for enquiries regarding the application process.

Nicolaas Wagner, Tel: 012 420 4091, email: [email protected], for role-related enquiries.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the University’s Employment Equity Plan and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record (including sexual offences), credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings, as part of the selection process.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise the position if suitable candidates are not identified.