Overview
“To provide broad-based design knowledge and skills in Fashion Design.”
Fashion Design is one of the main fields that can play leading roles in the economic development of a country. The main objectives of fashion design program are to provide broad-based education and training in fashion design; to enable graduates to be creative, adaptable, problem solver in the challenges of the professions in rapidly changing environment that exists in the globe. These changes require the ability to apply existing knowledge in new ways thereby creating new systems and opportunities as well as adapting existing Ethiopian traditional design. Moreover, it aims to initiate, develop and sustain research activities that are critical for the conditioning of advancement of the Ethiopian textile and garment sectors involved in fashion design. Fashion/Garment industry faces a major crunch in terms of well-trained manpower in the area of design with adequate grasp of the technical and cultural matters. This work force should be enabled to implement the decisions taken at higher levels.
The Fashion design program prepares students from diverse backgrounds to be fashion innovators by providing a professional environment in which students learn by working in tandem with top designers.
I. Objectives/Goals
The Head of the Department of Fashion Design is responsible for achieving the following objectives:
- Deliver High-Quality, Creative Fashion Education: Provide an academically rigorous and creatively enriching fashion design program that blends artistic expression with technical knowledge and market relevance.
- Promote Innovation and Cultural Identity: Encourage the development of innovative designs that reflect Ethiopian heritage and global trends, supporting cultural sustainability and creative excellence.
- Prepare Industry-Ready Graduates: Equip students with practical and entrepreneurial skills for successful careers in fashion design, production, merchandising, and fashion business management.
- Support Research and Creative Practice: Foster research in textile innovation, sustainable fashion, fashion history, and design technologies that contribute to academic knowledge and industry growth.
- Strengthen Staff Development and Capacity Building: Enhance academic staff qualifications and instructional quality through continuous professional development and creative engagement.
- Build Community and Industry Linkages: Establish partnerships with local artisans, textile manufacturers, fashion houses, and cultural institutions to enhance learning and contribute to community empowerment.
- Ensure Academic Quality and Alignment with National Standards: Uphold curriculum relevance, educational standards, and internal quality assurance mechanisms in line with HERQA and Wolkite University policies.
II. Duties and Responsibilities
A. Academic and Curriculum Leadership
Ø Lead the design, implementation, and periodic revision of the Fashion Design curriculum to ensure academic relevance and creativity.
Ø Promote the integration of theory and practice in design, pattern making, textile selection, and fashion technology.
Ø Encourage the use of digital tools such as CAD for fashion and 3D modeling in design education.
B. Administrative Management
Ø Prepare and manage the department’s academic calendar, annual budget, procurement plans, and operational reports.
Ø Assign teaching, advising, and administrative responsibilities fairly among faculty and staff.
Ø Ensure proper documentation of syllabi, student records, inventory, and departmental activities.
C. Staff Supervision and Professional Development
Ø Mentor faculty members and support their growth through workshops, advanced study, and research grants.
Ø Facilitate regular performance evaluations and foster a collaborative, creative working environment.
Ø Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Art, Business, and Engineering.
D. Student Support and Talent Development
Ø Oversee student advising, academic progress, and supervision of final collections, portfolios, and internships.
Ø Organize student fashion shows, exhibitions, competitions, and entrepreneurship training.
Ø Address student concerns with sensitivity and promote an inclusive, inspiring learning environment.
E. Research and Creative Output
Ø Promote research in areas like Ethiopian traditional fashion, sustainable materials, textile design, and fashion marketing.
Ø Support faculty and students in publishing, showcasing work, and participating in national/international fashion events.
Ø Encourage innovation in design thinking and the use of emerging technologies.
F. Industry and Community Engagement
Ø Collaborate with designers, cultural institutions, NGOs, and cooperatives for training, internships, and outreach.
Ø Engage in projects that empower women, preserve traditional crafts, and promote local textile industries.
Ø Coordinate workshops and seminars with professionals and guest speakers from the fashion sector.
G. Quality Assurance and Accreditation
Ø Ensure the department maintains educational standards, prepares for HERQA audits, and adopts continuous improvement strategies.
Ø Gather and act upon feedback from students, alumni, and employers to enhance curriculum and instruction.
H. Strategic Leadership and Institutional Contribution
Ø Represent the department in university governance, curriculum review boards, and academic planning committees.
Ø Align departmental goals with Wolkite University's mission in creativity, innovation, and community transformation.
Ø Promote a culture of transparency, teamwork, and artistic excellence.