CUT | Strategic Plan 2026-2030

Advancing CUT’s Strategic Direction: 2026–2030

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Strategy 2026–2030 places students at the heart of everything we do. Grounded in our institutional values: Ubuntu, Integrity, Diversity, Innovation, Excellence, Sustainability, and Digital Citizenship, this plan charts a clear course toward our shared vision:

Vision

A leading University of Technology – changing lives, transforming society and shaping the future.

Mission

CUT delivers quality academic programmes and applied research, promotes access with success, engages meaningfully with communities, and leverages strategic partnerships to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, social impact, and inclusive development.

This strategy consolidates past investments to unlock their full potential, shifting from expansion to intentional integration. By aligning academic, administrative, and operational efforts, CUT will strengthen student success, produce work‑ready graduates with entrepreneurial mindsets, and reinforce its identity as a future‑focused University of Technology.

Progress will be driven through three strategic goals

Goal 1	To promote an integrated student-centred ecosystem that enhances academic success, support, and experiences throughout the student journey.
Outcome	Enhanced student academic success in terms of retention and graduation.
Outputs	Student Information System (SIS) flagship digital transformation project implemented Student administrative processes optimised and automated Effective student recruitment, registration, assessment and graduation support processes established Proactive, integrated data-informed academic advising system established Formal qualification in higher education teaching institutionalised for all Instructional/Research staff without teaching qualification Formal training of Instructional/Research staff in supervisory capacity

Goal 2	To deliver innovative, industry-relevant academic programmes that produce work-ready graduates, innovators and entrepreneurs
Outcome	Work-ready graduates, innovators, and entrepreneurs produced
Outputs	Institutionalised STEP in all faculties Distinctive academic programme for Welkom Campus finalised and implemented Annual programme of awareness-building and ideation events hosted to stimulate entrepreneurial mindset among students and staff Skills-building and experiential learning events (e.g., hackathons, bootcamps, innovation challenges) conducted annually across faculties Large-scale multiyear, multidisciplinary research programmes launched (flagship projects) Research productivity improved e-WIL assessment and monitoring system introduced

Goal 3	To position CUT as a future-focused university of technology distinguished by a culture of innovation, industry-relevant partnerships and impactful research.
Outcome	Recognised as a university of technology of choice for quality education and impactful research and innovation
Outputs	Comprehensive brand-building and communication strategy and implementation plan developed and implemented Institutional advancement strengthened Participatory budget model institutionalised Revenue from diversified sources increased Digital administrative systems modernised (HR, Finance, Procurement, Planning, Reporting, etc.) Culture of performance excellence and innovation established 10-Year Campus Development Plans for Bloemfontein and Welkom approved and implemented Campus Safety Strategy developed and implemented

Implementation is guided by a clear Theory of Change and monitored through measurable annual targets, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement across all dimensions of the institution.

Strategic Plan 2026- 2030 (PDF) | 13 January 2026

Vision 2030

CUT remains steadfast in its commitment to the Vision 2030 trajectory. Following the midterm review, targeted refinements have been made to strengthen alignment with our mission and values, ensuring the strategy remains both responsive and resilient as we advance toward 2030.

CUT Vision 2030 (PDF) | 28 October 2020

Values

The values that guide behaviour and action at CUT are as follows:

Ubuntu

A person is a person through other people, expressed through the qualities of humanity, compassion, mutual respect, and tolerance. Ubuntu in the 21^st century means fostering global citizenship and recognising our interconnected responsibilities across digital and physical communities.

Guiding questions for living our values

Do I place the people I serve first?

Do I demonstrate empathy and consider diverse perspectives?

Am I contributing to collective well-being beyond my immediate community?

Integrity

We behave ethically and professionally in both physical and digital environments. We conduct our activities in an accountable and transparent manner, with particular attention to data ethics and information stewardship. We ensure the integrity of our information, systems, and processes.

Guiding questions for living our values

Do I practice what I preach?

Am I ethical and professional in all contexts?

Do I uphold conduct informed by respect, honesty, and dignity?

Do I consider the ethical implications of technological decisions?

Diversity

We embrace social, intellectual, and cognitive diversity. Students and staff reflect broad societal characteristics encompassing race, class, multilingualism, ethnicity, national origin, religion, freedom of conscience, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, neurodiversity, and disciplinary backgrounds. We value critical scholarship and the expression of multiple opinions and ways of knowing.

Guiding questions for living our values

Do I understand the evolving definition of diversity in my context?

Have I created an environment that actively supports and leverages diverse perspectives?

Am I challenging my own biases?

Innovation

Finding new, sustainable ways of practice and design to contribute to advancements in technology and life, with careful consideration of long-term impacts on society and the environment.

Guiding questions for living our values

Is this the best way/method/process/product for today and tomorrow?

Have I thought about doing it differently and more sustainably?

How creative am I?

Do I always think of new ideas and approaches that challenge conventional thinking?

Have I questioned the status quo and its implications for future generations?

Excellence

We strive to offer outstanding and relevant academic programmes that foster intellectual inquiry, exploration, and discovery that transcend traditional boundaries and apply knowledge with creativity. We provide effective tools, technologies, and facilities for learning and excel in research and scholarly activity. We embrace continuous improvement and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Guiding questions for living our values

Do I continuously strive to improve on previous efforts? Was this my best effort?

Do I pursue excellence while remaining adaptable to new knowledge and approaches?

Do I measure success not just by traditional metrics but by meaningful impact?

Sustainability

We commit to environmental, social, and economic sustainability in all university operations, research, and teaching. We strive to develop solutions that meet present needs without compromising future generations.

Guiding questions for living our values

Are our practices environmentally responsible?

Do our decisions promote social equity and economic viability?

Are we preparing students to address complex sustainability challenges?

Do we model responsible resource stewardship in our institutional practices?

Digital Citizenship

We promote responsible, ethical, and effective engagement with digital technologies. We develop critical digital literacy, respect for privacy, cybersecurity awareness, and the ability to evaluate information in an era of misinformation.