Student Academic Support Manager Portfolio

Strategic Vision and Leadership

This section demonstrates my role as a programme manager and strategic leader using data to proactively drive student success and contribute to the university’s core mission.

From Strategy to Execution

Developed and executed a student academic support portfolio strategy aligned with the Sol Plaatje University Strategy, Graduate Attributes and Academic Plan.

Building from Scratch

Established networks, programmes and systems, most of which did not exist before my tenure.

Leading Institutional Change

Leading the Siyaphumelela Student Success project and using data to improve student success outcomes.

Evidence of Impact

Comprehensive documentation of achievements, strategies, and institutional contributions

SAS Strategy Framework

Comprehensive strategic framework for student academic support

Implementation Strategy

Detailed implementation plan for student academic support initiatives and programmes

Annual Report

Comprehensive annual report showcasing achievements and impact

Acting CTLPD Director

Centre for Teaching, Learning and Programme Development (CTLPD) Director secondment

Executive Presentations

Strategic presentations to university leadership and stakeholders

SAS Operational Impact

SAS programme student reach and impact on student success.

Data-Driven Innovation and National Recognition

The section highlights the evidence-based practice using data for action through research and application of advanced statistical tools for diagnosis and prediction, and alignment of support programmes.

In addition, further highlights high-level conceptual expertise through the establishment of the learning analytics core group, national representation (Siyaphumelela) and advancement of systems and applications.

Governance Framework

Established comprehensive governance framework for learning analytics implementation

Learning Analytics Procedure PDF Ethical Guidelines PDF Learning Analytics Core Group PDF

Core Group Reports

Learning analytics core group reports

First Term Report PDF Second Term Report PDF

Conferences

Explainable AI for Student Success

Siyaphumelela student success network conference presentation on AI applications in education

View Presentation

SAS Ecosystem and Transition Framework

Siyaphumelela student success network conference presentation on institutional transformation

View Presentation

Sustainable student success through innovative course design for diverse contexts.

Journal of Educational Studies (JES) conference presentation on sustainable development in education

View Presentation

Workshops

Data-Driven Support and Tracking for Student Success

Siyaphumelela Workshop on implementing data-driven student support systems

View Presentation

Data Collection & Analytics Workshop 1

Foundational workshop on data collection and basic analytics

View Presentation

Data Collection & Analytics Workshop 2

Advanced workshop on analytics implementation and interpretation

View Presentation

Systems and Applications

Innovative digital solutions developed for student academic support

Academic Advisor Form

Data collection form for capturing academic advising session data

View System

Academic Writing Form

Data collection form for capturing academic writing session data

View System

Class Attendance Portal

Portal for capturing class attendance data

View System

Student Info Portal

Centralized portal for student information and support services

View Portal

Learning Analytics Dashboards

Data-driven insights for student success and institutional improvement

Academic Advising Analytics

Insights into academic advising engagements

View Dashboard

Academic Writing Analytics

Insights into academic writing consultations

View Dashboard

Class Attendance Analytics

Insights into tutorial and SCOR class attendance

View Dashboard

SAS Student Profile

High level information on enrolled students

View Dashboard

Academic Performance Analytics

Insights into university academic performance

View Dashboard

Module Evaluation Analytics

Insights into university module evaluations

View Dashboard

Faculty of Education Student At-Risk Project

Collaborative initiative to identify and support at-risk students in the Faculty of Education

Complete Module Pass Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of module completion rates and student success indicators in the Faculty of Education

Previous Pass Rate

Significant Indicator

3,800+

Students Analyzed

View Report

Student Success Model

Data-driven model for predicting and supporting student success in education programmes using machine learning algorithms

3

Proposed Models

6

Key Indicators

View Documentation

Project Impact & Outcomes

This collaborative project between the Faculty of Education and Student Academic Support aims to result in significant improvements in student success rates and early intervention capabilities.

Early Intervention

Proactive student support

Data-Driven

Evidence-based decisions

Student Success

Improved outcomes

86%+

Contribute to the minimum Module Pass Rate

Building Capacity and Partnerships

This section demonstrates long-term success through people development and establishing partnerships. I believe in investing in people development by encouraging my immediate team to complete formal qualifications and short learning programmes, and scaling professional development across the institution. Establishing networks to attract resources for the enhancement of academic support and student success.

Institutional Staff

Staff development programmes and training initiatives designed to enhance institutional capacity and professional growth. 16 staff members enrolled for Academic Advising Short-learning programme.

AAPD Schedule July 2025 Attendance Register

Student Academic Support Staff

Academic Advising Short Learning Programme (all staff)

Academic Writing Short Learning Programme

Formal Qualifications

Strategic Networks

Building partnerships with national and international institutions to share best practices and drive innovation in student academic support.

Siyaphumelela

A STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVE Enabled by Saide and The Kresge Foundation. Collaborative initiatives with other South African universities

View Documentation

Partnership Impact

250+

Students Funded Annually on Additional Academic Support

2

External University Collaborations for Scalable Development

10+

Knowledge Sharing Events and Workshops

3

Internal Partnerships to Develop Integrated Systems

"Dear Mr Sekonyela,

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation for the extensive and outstanding work you have undertaken in leading the development of the Learning, Teaching & Assessment Plan (2025 – 2029). Your expertise, patience, and exemplary leadership have been pivotal throughout this complex and consultative process.

Your dedication to ensuring a thorough benchmarking process and inclusive engagement with stakeholders has significantly enriched the quality and relevance of the Plan. The care and attention you have given to fostering collaboration and encouraging diverse perspectives have been truly commendable.

The culmination of this work in a Senate-approved Learning, Teaching & Assessment Plan for the next four years stands as a testament to your tireless efforts and dedication. This achievement reflects not only your leadership but also the amazing effort and professionalism demonstrated by all staff involved.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate your remarkable contributions. Your dedication, resilience, prompt responses and teachability have been fundamental to reaching this important milestone.

Once again, thank you for your leadership and hard work, which have laid a strong foundation for the future of our learning, teaching, and assessment strategies. With warm regards and deep appreciation,"

"Greetings Ntate Lerato

I hope you are doing well.

Please note the "baby" you "sent" to the wilderness is gradually adjusting to her new role.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the start of academic advising at SPU.

Thank you for your guidance both professionally and personally. I have learned so much while working alongside you and I cannot thank you enough for the impact you have had on my professional growth."

"My manager has a great firm but fair leadership style. He clearly has the team's best interests at heart, which builds trust, while also maintaining a strict focus on task completion and quality work. This balance is motivating and makes one feel both supported and challenged to do their best."

"My manager has been supportive and approachable. They communicate clearly, give constructive feedback, and create a good working environment. I appreciate their guidance and leadership style."

"You're not simply managing us, you're building us. Your leadership is driven by compassion, purpose, and a passion for empowering others. Thank you."

I have developed a lot and learned a lot from my manager. It has been a great honour to learn from him."

"He implores us to be ethical in our work and make decisions that are guided by the institution's policies. Moreover, he advices us to build strong and healthy relationships with all the stakeholders at the university to avoid duplicating services."

"I would like to suggest that we receive more technical training courses to help us improve our skills and perform our tasks more effectively."

I have a great relationship with my manager, but I believe there is still room for improvement and growth."

Operational Excellence and Impact

Developing and continuously enhancing student academic support programmes is the foundation of the portfolio and directly affects students. This section highlights the programmes established and managed, and demonstrate the contribution towards the scholarship.

Students Supported

8,600+

Unique students supported through student academic support programmes

Student Attendance

206,604

Total recorded attendances in student support sessions (Tutorship, Advising, Writing) in the last 2-3 years

Module Pass Rate

90%+

Achieved by students actively participating in student academic support programmes

Student Retention

2x

First-year students that use student academic support are twice as likely to persist to their second year

Student Reach by Programme

Programme	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Student Profile Provide information about students for proactive intervention development	571*	697	1179	1847	2064
Academic Orientation Awareness of the higher education environment	1682*	1430	1754	2396	2402
Core Curriculum Develop academic skills for effective functioning in higher education	1125	1396	1660	2460	2685
Academic Advising Provide academic development & clear progression pathways.	–	412*	858	1264	2517
Tutorship Develop academic competencies in specified modules	–	–	2646	3788	4100
Academic Writing Develop & enhance academic writing skills	–	166*	596	414	741
Supplemental Instruction An academic support focusing on both developing content & study skills	–	–	–	–	379*

* Year the programme was implemented; “–” data not available.

Summary and Concluding Remarks

Reflecting on achievements and looking toward the future of student academic support

Key Achievements

Comprehensive SAS Framework

Established strategic framework for student academic support

15+ Digital Systems

Innovative digital solutions for student support

Learning Analytics Framework

Governance and implementation framework

National Recognition

Leadership in academic support innovation

Concluding Remarks

I am committed to being an authentic transformational leader, building authentic collaboration and contributing to the growth of others. My leadership purpose is to use my gifts to help my team succeed, creating a supportive environment where people can develop.

Contact and Collaboration

Email

lerato.sekonyela@spu.ac.za

Phone

+27 (0)53 491 0076

Location

Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley

Get in Touch