The objective in the National Academic Development Landscape (NADL) research project is to enable a shared understanding of the AD field in SA HE so as to support the UCDP-funded Enhancing the field of AD project, which is linked to the National Framework for Enhancing Academics as Teachers (DHET, 2018). In order to address national patterns of student success, existing fragmented staff capacity building initiatives, as well as transformation, change agency and perceptions of the value of AD work, the NADL project is conducting a national survey and engaging in focus-group discussions with key AD stakeholders and practitioners responsible for the professional development of academic teaching staff. The project has provisional ethics clearance from Rhodes University [2022-5718-6812], pending permission from the participating institutions.

The National Framework for Enhancing Academics as Teachers (DHET, 2018) has established the need to address a number of key issues:

• national patterns of student success: high student dropout and low throughput rates necessitate a responsive pedagogy

• existing fragmented staff capacity building initiatives: teaching at institutional, regional and national levels can be strengthened through improved coordination

• transformation: academics are expected to be change agents in addressing inequality and improving quality

• change agency: many academics feel marginalised, silenced or threatened by the demands for change or unable to respond to the evolving environment

• perceptions of value: teaching and research are often in competition for resources and recognition. There is a need for nationally-agreed-upon ways of recognising competence in university teaching

• development of AD: to support academics in the achievement of the above, AD practitioners similarly require professional development opportunities