Objectives/Goals

1. Ensure Quality IT Education: To lead the department in providing high-quality, practical, and up-to-date Information Technology education that meets national and global standards.
2. Promote Curriculum Relevance and Innovation: To design and continuously improve the IT curriculum to reflect current technological trends, labor market demands, and digital transformation priorities.
3. Advance Research and Applied Innovation: To promote applied research and innovative projects that contributes to national development and technological advancement.
4. Enhance Digital Competency and Skills: To develop students’ and staff’s digital skills and competencies to meet the dynamic needs of the ICT sector.
5. Strengthen Industry and Community Linkages: To build strong relationships with industry, government, and community stakeholders for internships, joint projects, and outreach.
6. Support Staff Development and Institutional Capacity: To lead efforts in building the professional and academic capacity of the department's staff and supporting the university’s digital infrastructure initiatives.
7. Maintain Academic Standards and Compliance: To ensure the department operates in full compliance with Wolkite University policies and national higher education regulations, including HERQA standards.

Responsibilities of the Department Head of Information Technology

A. Academic Leadership and Curriculum Management

v  Coordinate the planning, implementation, and periodic review of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Information Technology.

v  Ensure the integration of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, big data, networking, and system administration into the curriculum.

v  Promote competency-based, practical, and project-oriented learning.

B. Administrative Oversight

v  Manage the department’s human, financial, and material resources efficiently.

v  Prepare and execute annual plans, budgets, procurement requests, and progress reports.

v  Supervise the preparation of teaching timetables, exam schedules, and academic calendars.

C. Staff Management and Development

v  Allocate teaching and administrative duties based on staff qualifications, interests, and workload policies.

v  Support staff in pursuing postgraduate studies, certifications, and professional development.

v  Monitor staff performance and recommend incentives, disciplinary measures, or career advancement.

D. Research and Innovation Promotion

v  Encourage and coordinate research activities in IT domains such as network security, system integration, and e-learning systems.

v  Facilitate access to research funding and publication opportunities.

v  Organize departmental seminars, tech talks, and workshops to promote a culture of inquiry and problem-solving.

E. Student Support and Development

v  Oversee academic advising, mentorship, and career guidance for students.

v  Facilitate internships, final year projects, and industrial attachments.

v  Address student concerns, grievances, and academic support needs in collaboration with university bodies.

F. ICT Resource and Infrastructure Management

v  Ensure that IT labs and digital learning platforms are fully functional and up to date.

v  Recommend upgrades and acquisition of necessary hardware, software, and teaching tools.

v  Promote the use of learning management systems and virtual learning tools.

G. Industry Collaboration and Community Engagement

v  Establish linkages with ICT companies, public institutions, and NGOs for knowledge sharing, joint research, and employment opportunities.

v  Coordinate IT-based community service programs that address local challenges through technology.

v  Involve external stakeholders in curriculum review and departmental planning.

H. Quality Assurance and Monitoring

v  Implement internal quality assurance mechanisms aligned with HERQA and institutional frameworks.

v  Prepare periodic reports on departmental performance, student achievement, and staff activities.

v  Lead internal assessments and support external evaluation and accreditation processes.

I. Strategic Planning and Institutional Participation

v  Participate in university-level strategic planning, policy formulation, and governance structures.

v  Align departmental objectives with the vision of Wolkite University to become a center of excellence in science, technology, and innovation.

v  Represent the department in academic councils, professional associations, and external meetings.