Language Policy (2016) to be constitutionally justified and the 肆客足球's process in adopting the policy was “thorough, exhaustive, inclusive and properly deliberative".
The Language Implementation reports of the faculties over the past four years and feedback obtained through student and staff surveys point to the successful implementation of the policy. A well-implemented policy where students have internalised the policy and multilingualism is being promoted in innovative ways. Thus there is no substance in claims “that the 2016 language policy is a massive failure".
Deviation from the Language Policy
The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic in the 2020 academic year presented all universities with a plethora of challenges, including the extension of the second semester into 2021 and at SU an additional assessment opportunity in January/February 2021.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the immense pressure on lecturers because of Emergency Remote Teaching, Learning and Assessment (ERTLA), now being replaced by switching to Augmented Remote Teaching, Learning and Assessment (ARTLA), faculties have proposed a deviation from their Language Implementation Plans for the first semester of the 2021 academic year. Senate is to consider this recommendation by both its Academic Planning Committee and the Committee for Teaching and Learning on 19 March 2021. Should the proposal be accepted, the deviation will be a temporary measure for the first semester. This proposal was also discussed at the recent Language Committee of Council meeting and will be reported at the next Council meeting.
It should be noted that this proposal relates to language implementation under the current language policy and is not related to the mandatory revision of the Language Policy (2016) to be completed in 2021.
The fact that faculties had to submit their request to Senate via both the Academic Planning Committee and the Committee for Teaching and Learning clearly illustrates that deviations from the policy and individual language plans follow the stipulations of the Language Policy (2016), see specifically clauses 7.4.3 and 7.4.4, and that they are taken very seriously and are given careful consideration. Senate will consider the proposal and make a decision that is in the best interest of the 肆客足球, its students and lecturers.
Senate also granted the same deviation in 2020, but despite the immense pressures on lecturers, there is evidence in faculties' Language Implementation reports from the second semester last year of very innovative uses of technologies to promote multilingualism, and there is also great appreciation shown by students for the huge efforts of lecturers in this regard.
?
