The Office of External Relations (OER) at Botho University falls under the Pro- Vice-Chancellor Communications. The office is headed by a Dean. OER connects the university with external stakeholders through its three sister departments being: The Admissions Department (ADM), the Marketing and Communications Department (MCD) and the Internal Quality Assurance Department (IQAD).
The Admissions Department is responsible for recruitment and admission of students at all BU campuses. ADM plans and attends student recruitment fairs and education expos, marketing all programmes offered by the university on both Classroom Learning and Blended and Distance Learning modes at all BU Campuses. The department acts as a liaison between the university and key stakeholders such as government sponsorship offices and agencies. As an extension of this responsibility, ADM, in liaison with both the Registry Department and the Office of Financial Management, takes care of invoicing and payment of students’ tuition by sponsors.
The mandate of the Marketing and Communications Department is to advertise all programme offerings of the university and carry out brand management in all the countries where the university has a campus. BU has a robust social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, alongside the website. These platforms are used to attract learners from across the globe, with a deliberate focus on Africa.
All communication and recruitment materials such as students’ career booklets and prospectus and the use of the university logo pass through the MCD for verification. For this reason, MCD and ADM work closely together during the student recruitment process. MCD also manages contracts between the university and clients as well as oversees the use of the university halls by the public. Another key aspect of the MCD mandate is the coordination of media placements and ensures proper public relations in liaison with the media. Additionally, all events that take place in the university are organized and run in conjunction with the MCD.
The Internal Quality Assurance Department (IQAD) was established with the goal of establishing, implementing, maintaining and enhancing the University’s Quality Management System. The Quality Management System adopted by Botho University seeks to enhance stakeholder satisfaction by formalising and improving both academic and non-academic operations in the institution. IQAD is also responsible for ensuring that Botho University is compliant with the regulatory requirements of running a University in all its campuses.
