Robert McCutcheon

Robert McCutcheon is a professor emeritus in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at WITS. He was Head from 1994 to 2000.

I am particularly interested in the first year of study and the importance of the first two months of the WITS experience. During this period, which passes swiftly, students need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined within an environment that is so different from school (no roll call, not being known by name). They also need to be able to assess the value of the work they produce.

All this alongside open and vigorous social engagement (both serious and fun) offered by the wide range of student societies.

How does WITS spot those students who should be able to cope based on its entry criteria, but who are having difficulties, and how does WITS enable such students to improve?

I intend to contribute to the relevance of WITS in SA and internationally, and to the preservation of the value of its qualifications.

I will find out from the Alumni, with whom I have contact, both locally and internationally, what they expect from a WITS graduate immediately after graduation.

I need to learn more about how WITS maintains the balance between teaching, learning, and research.

I need to improve my understanding of the metrics that are used to rate the quality of WITS education.