Rationale for the Gender Mainstreaming policy

Gender in higher education, especially in science and technology-based University is a concern that calls for a legitimate point of reference for addressing gender inequalities at all levels; so as to promote quality education for sustainable development. This is important given the significance of science and technology in socio-economic development of societies and the gender stereotyping of science subjects as being masculine. A policy framework is therefore significant in providing guidelines on mainstreaming gender in University initiatives and activities.

The rationale to develop a Gender Mainstreaming policy was based on concerns of gender equity and equality observed in situational analyses conducted in University in 2011, 2016. The surveys revealed a low female representation in the various levels of decision making. For instance, out of the 2011 (twenty-one) membership in the University Council, female representation is only 26%. The low female representation cascades down to committees of council such as; Appointments Committee (22% female and male 88%) Quality Assurance, ICT and Gender Committee (18% female and 82% male). A similar scenerio is evident in the University Management where female representation is 23% and male is 77% male; inspite of the chairperson being female.

Introduction

Busitema University is a public University established under the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001(Establishment of Busitema University) Instrument No.22 of 2007 having been enacted by Parliament on the 10th of May 2007.

The University recognises that the environment at the halls of residence has a significant influence on students' life and experiences. The university strives to provide an environment conducive to the educational, social, physical, spiriitual and overall development of the student.

The policy addresses accommodation as an important component of the Students' Welfare. It covers among others: eligibility for accommodation, guidelines and regulations for accommodation.

PREAMBLE

The roles of Universities are to train, research and develop communities. The University to effectively and efficiently perform on those roles has to develop sound policies and guidelines to enhance decision making and guide operations. A coherent and functional outreach policy will enable Busitema University to be a strong institution in outreach services for her clientele. The outreach policy is designed to engage University management, lecturers, students and the community both around the University and worldwide on novel causes of development. We foresee Busitema University innovating and solving community problems. Through the outreach policy the University will engage the international community in supporting these programmes since internationalisation is a University strategy. Outreach is Incorporated in University Education programmes and has never been taken as a sole role. Its existence entails practice and standard assessment. The University has adopted  a standard program planning and evaluation cycle applicable in many programmes in outreach, which will involve situational analysis, outreach  planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The outreach programmes of the University will be integrated to comprehensively and periodically inform University management on outreach activities of the different faculties on set indicators. The policy will be implemented together with other policies such as Quality Assurance, research and internationlisation policies.

Policy statement

Busitema University is committed to a policy of equality of opportunity for Students With Disabilities (SWDs) and aims at creating an environment which enables them to participate fully in University life. The University is determined to take appropriate steps to ensure that its responsibilities under the Universities and other tertiary Intuition's Act, 2001 and other National pieces of legislation on Education of Persons with Disabilities are enacted in a way  that promotes the independence of Students With Disabilities (SWDs) and which tackles and eliminates discrimination against such individuals.

The University values the diversity of its student population and is committed to ensuring that the highest equality and diversity standards are maintained. It will endeavour to proactively anticipate the requirements of Students With Disabilities before and during their academic life while at the University. The University will endeavour to provide information to applicants about course requirements. The University will work alongside Students With Disabilities to provide an inclusive environment to all persons wishing to acquire higher education, including Persons With Disabilities regardless of race, political opinion, colour, creed or gender.

This policy seeks to promote research, innovations and dissemination of findings through strengthening the knowledge foundation base, expanding the scope of research and innovations, promoting ethics in research, promoting the creation of new applications, promoting the societal impact of research and innovations, renewing and transferring knowledge, and transforming knowledge into practical solutions, including new businesses. Issues on Intellectual property rights and management arising from research and innovations are addressed in a separate policy.

During the implementation of this policy, the University shall initiate and increase collaborative linkages and networks for research, innovations and outreach with various relevant entities both regionally and globally. The University shall also consolidate the existing linkages and networks.

Policy statement

Busitema University is committed to a principle of provisions of accessible physical facilities and creation of an enabling environmental to all sports persons to fully participate in University games and sports in order to achieve the University's vision, mission and strategic objectives.

The Policy objectives are:-

i. To guide the planning, management and administration of University games and sports.

ii. To provide an enabling environment for all students and staff to participate in competitive and recreational games and sports without discrimination.

iii. To develop a games and sports culture among students and staff at the University.

iv. To improve the quality and quantity of sports facilities and equipment.

v. To create linkages both local and international to support and financially facilitate games and sports at the University.
 

Health Insurance Scheme

Section 24.0 of the Tenure, Terms and Conditions of service of Academic, Administrative and support staff of Busitema University June 2009 provides for a health insurance scheme.

It provides that:

• All staff are entitled to free medical attention for self and immediate family in any Government hospital in Uganda.
• The University shall take medical insurance cover provided by a service provider approved by the contracts committee.
• The medical insurance scheme will cover up to a maximum of four dependent children below 21 years of age or up to 24 years of age and attending school at undergraduate studies on a full time basis as well as the staff member's registered spouse.

Rationale of the policy

This ICT policy is formed in order to promote a focused, effective development and application of ICT resources. This will support the core mission and functions of the University through the following focus areas;

• ICT Governance and Administration
• ICT Infrastructure and Connectivity
• Innovative and optimal acquisition of software
• ICT system Security
• Data Backup and Recovery
• Optimal Usage of University Website and social media platforms
• Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL)
• Learner support services
• Staff capacity building
• Research, innovation and dissemination
• Provision of timely information flow, which leads to effective and efficient institutional governance and management
• ICT budgeting, funding and resource mobilization
• Procurement and disposal of ICT equipment

Busitema University is a Multi-campus model University that was established by Statutory Instrument No.22 enacted by the parliament of Uganda on the 10th of May 2007. As strength, the university has vast expanse of land on each of its campuses, which ia an asset for socio-economic transformation of the university as a whole. Besides the planned infrastractural expansion, staff, students and the surrounding communities continue to cultivate the University's land. This is an indicator that there is pressure and competition for land resources.

Busitema campus is located approximately one thousand three hundred and ten (1,309.658) acres of land, Nagongera on approximately five hundred and eighty five (584.775) acres, Arapai on approximately six hundred and eighty (679.54) acres, Namasagali on approximately one hundred and eighty seven (187) acres, Mbale on approximately fifty (50) acres, and Pallisa on approximately twenty eight (27.804) acres. The total land for the six operating campuses is approximately two thousand eight hundred and forty one (2840.777) acres.

Land is one of the most sensitive, critical and very valuable resources in Uganda, Africa and the world over. It is the most basic resource in terms of space it provides, the environmental resources it contains and supports and the capital it represents and generates. The need for University tailored policy on land use and management cannot be over emphasized.

Busitema University land management policy will take into consideration, National legislation and policies regarding land. The constitution of the republic of Uganda, The Land Act and all amendments. The policy reflects the views of the University, all stakeholders without eroding the right of proprietorship which is vested in the University Council.

The policy contains, guiding principles for its development; the rationale for Busitema University land use policy; the goal and objectives of the policy, the legal framework, Land rights Administration, Land use and Management, Implementation of the Land Use Policy; conflict resolution and reviews.

The policy will lead to sustainable use and development of the land and its resources, hence benefiting the University, stakeholders, partners and the surrounding communities.

Rationale of the policy

This policy is formulated to promote effective and efficient acquisition, operation, maintenance and disposal of the University assets. The policy will help the university monitor and manage its assets using a systematized management approach sustainability. The net benefits include but not limited to improvements in performance and productivity of the assets, increase in output and job satisfaction.