University of the Western Cape
Institutional service
As the Education Faculty Senate representative and former Postgraduate coordinator, I have exercised institutional leadership by streamlining departmental supervision processes and institutionalising developmental initiatives, such as the "Braai and Brainwaves" talks, to foster a vibrant research
As the Education Faculty Senate representative and former Postgraduate coordinator, I have exercised institutional leadership by streamlining departmental supervision processes and institutionalising developmental initiatives, such as the "Braai and Brainwaves" talks, to foster a vibrant research culture. My sustained involvement in the Higher Degrees and Internationalisation committees further reflects a deep commitment to institutional citizenship and the successful achievement of UWC’s strategic and developmental goals
University-wide governance
- University of the Western Cape Education Faculty representative on UWC Senate (2026-) International Conference on Inclusive Education Faculty committee (2026) Member of the 5th Black Afrikaans writers symposium advice committee (2025)
- Education Faculty representative on UWC Senate (2026-)
- International Conference on Inclusive Education Faculty committee (2026)
- Member of the 5th Black Afrikaans writers symposium advice committee (2025)
Organisation of the symposium, reviewing presentations and deciding on keynotes speakers
- Member of the Education Higher Degrees Committee (2024-2026)
- Member of the Education Higher Degrees Committee (2024-2026)
Reading research proposals and ethical clearance applications for further approval.
- Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch Law Review technical editor (2019-2021)
- Stellenbosch Law Review technical editor (2019-2021)
Managing reviews and final articles according to journal guidelines.
- Afrikaans and Dutch departmental research committee
- Afrikaans and Dutch departmental research committee
Co-organiser of US conference for young researchers (USAN) (2017, 2018)
Departmental coordination & administration
I developed a systematic programme of departmental events designed to streamline ethical clearance workflows, establish consistent supervision tracking, and foster a vibrant research culture through a structured calendar of developmental workshops and scholarly events.
29 January 2025
31 May 2025
11 September 2025
Braai and Brainwaves
I conceptualised and organised the Braai and Brainwaves postgraduate event to create a supportive space for scholarly engagement, peer learning, and academic mentorship within the Language Education Department. The event promoted research development through student presentations, collaborative feedback, and meaningful academic dialogue, while also strengthening collegial relationships among postgraduate students and staff.
Fostering a research culture
Establishing a writing environment for colleagues and postgraduate students. Setting up a weekly writing session where we can come together to write/spend time on our research. This was held on Mondays at 16:00-18:00. I hope to invite other departments as well if the need is there.
These sessions have also evolved into Saturday writing sessions with my postgraduate students, where they present their current progress and ask questions, and then we write.
Faculty-level committees
- University of the Western Cape Programme coordinator for SP & FET orientation day at Education Faculty (2 Feb. 2026) Member of Education Faculty academic planning committee (2026) Member of Education Faculty internationalisation committee (2025-2026) Member of CALT conference organising committee (2025) Member of the BEd-committee (2023)
- Programme coordinator for SP & FET orientation day at Education Faculty (2 Feb. 2026)
- Member of Education Faculty academic planning committee (2026)
- Member of Education Faculty internationalisation committee (2025-2026)
- Member of CALT conference organising committee (2025)
- Member of the BEd-committee (2023)
Representative for the Language Education department.
Reporting on all projects regarding the BEd programme within the Faculty.
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology Member of the SPFET language committee (2021, 2022)
- Member of the SPFET language committee (2021, 2022)
Development of inclusive language activities and campaigns within the department.
- Contact person for female students in need (mother role in department): For all female students who need assistance with personal matters for them to complete their studies.
Interpersonal communication and fostering positive relationships with colleagues.
- Stellenbosch University Law Faculty teaching and learning (2018-2021)
- Law Faculty teaching and learning (2018-2021)
Coordinating and participating in developing faculty guidelines for the recognition and promotion of good teaching.
- Law Faculty Social impact (2019-2021)
- Law Faculty Social impact (2019-2021)
Reporting and evaluations of social impact projects within the Law Faculty.
- Afrikaans and Dutch departmental research committee
- Afrikaans and Dutch departmental research committee
Organisation of postgraduate symposium (2017)
- As a PhD student: Manager of International Association of Afrikaans | 2018 Leader in Jongeren Tour to Netherlands and Belgium | 2014, 2016, 2017
- Manager of International Association of Afrikaans | 2018
- Leader in Jongeren Tour to Netherlands and Belgium | 2014, 2016, 2017
Contact me at sslouw@uwc.ac.za/susannahlouw@gmail.com