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Information Literacy & Reference Management Training for THRiVE Network

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Date: 15th – 17th June 2022

Please register here to get the Zoom link for the workshop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdOygqTksG9Mx0s8f5VbjLHCnQzrgsBpn

About this workshop

Information Literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning and is a necessary skill for all scholars and researchers.

Information Literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, and use and communicate it in an ethical manner. Reference management tools help scholars to collect, organize, and insert citations and bibliographic references into essays, research papers, dissertations, and theses.Information literacy enables scholars and researchers to undertake their research in a more efficient, effective,and ethical manner.

This workshop is designed to provide students and researchers with intellectual, critical, and logical skills to quickly access relevant information, evaluate the information and effectively and efficiently use the information.The workshop includes hands-on activities in developing search strategies and using reference management tools.

Duration: 3 days

Trainer

  • Ms Mary Ngure, Coordinator-Information Resource Centre, icipe mngure@icipe.org

Sessions and learning outcomes

(1) Introduction to Information Literacy

This session will focus on four areas to equip participants with skills for life-long learning to become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning:

  1. How to locate, evaluate, use and manage information effectivelywith emphasis on
    e-resources
  2. Using search strategies
  3. Using search engines 
  4. Evaluating information critically 

In the workshop, participants will learn to:

  • Develop an effective search strategy to access needed information
  • Evaluate reliability, relevance, authority, and accuracy of information

(2) Publishing in Credible Open Access Journals and Identifying Predatory Journals 

This session will focus on Open Access (OA publishing model) that provides free online access to research publications. Participants will learn to:

  1. Identify Credible Open access journals
  2. Use journal selection tools to identify journals to publish in
  3. Identify predatory journals

(3) Maintaining an online scholarly presence

At this session, participants will learn about the different online platforms for creating online presence. This allows scholars and researchers to increase the visibility of their publications and to network, finding potential collaborators and readers.

Participants will learn to create their accounts on:

  1. Google Scholar
  2. Academia.edu
  3. Linkedln
  4. ORCID
  5. Research Gate

(4) Reference Management and citation tools / Plagiarism Detection

At this session, participants will learn about the standalone or web-based software that enable a researcher to efficiently store lists of references and full-text articles, format citations to any citation style and create bibliographies. Correct citing and referencing helps avoid plagiarism.

In the workshop, participants will learn:

  1. What is plagiarism and how to avoid it
  2. How to generate plagiarism reports using Turnitin
  3. Use of different reference management and citation tools to cite while you write and create bibliographies with a practical on Mendeley referencing software

Participants are encouraged to download and install Mendeley referencing tool in their devices prior to the workshop.

Programme

Time (EAT)ActivityTrainer/Facilitator
Day 1: Wednesday15thJune2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -10:10Opening RemarksTBA
10:10 -12:00Pre-Training Quiz / Self-Assessment Introduction to Information LiteracyMs Mary Ngure, Coordinator-Information Resource Centre, icipe  
12:00 -14:00Break 
14:00-15:50Publishing in Credible Open Access Journals and Identifying Predatory JournalsMs Mary Ngure
15:50-16:00Wrap up session
Day 2: Thursday 16th June 2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -12:00Maintaining an Online Scholarly PresenceMs Mary Ngure  
12:00 -12:15General discussion
Day 3: Friday 17thJune 2022
09:45 -10:00Login and connection checkICT Team
10:00 -12:00Reference Management and Citation Tools / Plagiarism Detection / Mendeley practicalMs Mary Ngure
12:00 – 12:15Post Training Quiz / Workshop evaluation Closing RemarksMs Mary Ngure   TBA  

Pre-workshop activities

Please install Mendeley on your computer before the workshop:

  1. Download Mendeley and install on your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux):https://www.mendeley.com/downloads OR Legacy version https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/mendeley-desktop
  2. Install Mendeley citation plugin
    To be able to cite as you write, generate citations and bibliographies and change your citation style, install the citation plug-in. From the Mendeley desktop version installed in step a) above; click on Tools>Install MS Word Plugin
  3. Install Web Importer add-on
    To import papers, web pages and other documents directly into your reference library from search engines and academic databases, download and install Web importer: https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/web-importer

Background reading/viewing

Google Scholar library: https://scholar.google.com/intl/en/scholar/help.html#library

“Critically Evaluating Websites” VCU Libraries (6 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBnlIA4x1Xk

“Plagiarism: Avoid it at all costs!” University College Dublin https://www.ucd.ie/library/elearning/plagiarism/story_html5.html

“Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: Types of Plagiarism”University of Guelph (3 min)

“Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: From Passage to Paraphrase”, University of Guelph (2 min) https://youtu.be/auUHRv1vIgw

“4 Ways to Check Your Paper for Plagiarism”, University of Guelph (2 min)

“Easy Referencing and Citation: How to use Mendeley Desktop, Web Importer and MS Word Plugin” (10 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4osP8Gp3Kk

“Mendeley: How to Create a Bibliography from a Folder”, University of Guelph (2 min)
https://youtu.be/bxTTz4WIdUI

“Mendeley: How to use the Citation Plugin in Word”, University of Guelph (2 min)
https://youtu.be/t6c78uqn6EI

“Mendeley: How to Share References with Your Group”, University of Guelph (2 min) https://youtu.be/yYGCKbJlNmo

“Mendeley: How to Add References from an Online Database” University of Guelph (3 min)
http://y2u.be/aNaKFLvKrh0

Mark Wamai

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Directorate of Graduate Training Completes Training of First Cohort Training of Supervisors

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) has in collaboration with Centre for Teaching and Learning completed the training of the first cohort of Graduate Supervisors.

Participants were academic staff from two colleges namely, College of Engineering, Art and Design (CEDAT) and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

The three-day training that took place at the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building ended on Friday 20thJune 2025.

In his closing remarks to the participants, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “This is the first cohort we are working together with the Center for Teaching and Learning to put together continuous professional development Program so that we are able to enforce the new teaching and learning policy.”

He said that before lecturers are allocated students for supervision, they must first go through this form of formal teaching and learning training to equip them thoroughly with certification required of supervision of graduate students.

“We are coming up with process to ensure that the certificates earned by participants allow you to supervise graduate students. This is the direction of the university and we must ensure that such trainings are concluded and completed successfully by all participants”, Prof. Kikooma.

Prof. Julius Kikooma – Director of Graduate Training

“We can only have you certified upon completing all the exercises in the training process. This is when you will be eligible to receive the work load for supervision”, He added.

“This training of Supervisors is going to be continuous so that all academic staff in colleges and schools are equipped. This first cohort is going to be our building block to the future trainings in the colleges.”

With such capacity building trainings, Prof. Kikooma said that the university is on the right path to achieving its targets in the new strategic plan of increasing the number of graduate students while progressively reducing the under graduate students.

He further hinted that, “We are in the process of writing a curriculum on this, which will be presented for approval before it is rolled out.”

He echoed all participants to share the knowledge they have acquired adding, “Share all you have learnt, do not keep it. Be open minded, have proper communication channels and the sky will be the limit for you.” 

Dr. Robinah N. Kulabako, The Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at CEDAT welcomed the training adding, “This training is very pertinent. I have had the opportunity to supervise Masters and PhD students for over 15 years and I must say that the need to be subjected to this training cannot be over emphasized because there is need to learn, unlearn and relearn many aspects involved in the supervision process.”

She added, “We are moving towards knowledge-based supervision rather than experience-based supervision. This means we must be informed and equipped to be able to advise, guide and mentor to be able to lead a successful supervision journey for both supervisor and supervisee.”

Dr. Andrew Gilbert Were – a lecturer at CEDAT and a participant said, “It is important that all supervisors of graduate students receive this certification from Makerere University through a systematic training process that enables them to attain diverse skills to facilitate learning of graduate students from diverse cultures and with unique set of circumstances.”

“This training is long overdue. In fact, it was an oversight that we could be allowed to supervise students without undergoing supervisors’ training.”

Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa, The Director Centre for Teaching and Learning support- CEES said, “The training this time round has had a mix of early career professionals including Lecturers, Supervisors and Professors share experiences. We have learnt a lot more from experienced supervisors who have shared practices on how they have done supervision over the years.”

“The knowledge and experience-based approaches have made this collaboration very active, interactive and learner centered which has resulted into a collaborative learning from the interdisciplinarity of staff from CEDAT and CAES. The issue now is to continue with professional development across all levels.” She added.

The Makerere University Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning completed the training of the first cohort of Graduate Supervisors. This activity was supported by the iCARTA – Institutionalization of Advanced Research Training in Africa, a NORHED II Project at Makerere University.

Mak Editor

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CEDAT’s Department of Architecture to Undergo Major Studio Refurbishment with Industry Support

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R-L: Arch. Kenneth Ssemwogerere (Head of Department, Architecture), Dr. Kizito Maria Kasule (Deputy Principal, CEDAT), and Mr. Kayongo Daniel (Plascon Uganda National Sales Manager) during the official handover of a donation at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, on Tuesday, 25th June 2025.

The Department of Architecture at Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) is set to begin a significant refurbishment of its design studios starting 1st July 2025. This initiative marks a pivotal step in enhancing the learning environment for architecture students and fostering innovation in design education.

The refurbishment project has received a significant boost from Kansai Placon Uganda Limited, which donated UGX 15 million worth of paint to support the transformation. This contribution highlights the growing partnership between academia and industry in shaping the future of architectural education in Uganda.

Click here for details

Alex Isemaghendera

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Freshers’ Joining Instructions 2025/2026

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks. Inaugural comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing the pedagogical and professional competencies of its academic staff, 11th-14th December 2024, Fairway Hotel, organized by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), facilitated by the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

To All First Year Students;

It brings me great joy to welcome you to Makerere University.

First Year students (Freshers) are by tradition given an “acclimatization” period of one week which is referred to as the “Orientation Week”. The Freshers report on Campus one week earlier than the Continuing students and during this week they are introduced to the key facilities as well as other important aspects of life at the University.

Schedule of Semesters for 2025/2026 Academic Year

Saturday 2nd August, 2025 to Friday 8th August 2025 (7 Days) – Orientation Week

Semester One
Saturday 9th August, 2025 to Saturday 6th December, 2025 (17 Weeks)

Semester Two
Saturday 17th January, 2026 to Friday 16th May, 2026 (17 Weeks)

Orientation Week

Saturday 2nd August, 2025 – Friday 8th August, 2025

During the Orientation week, arrangements are made to enable the Freshers meet and be addressed by Key Officers, Wardens and Student Leaders who welcome the students.

Arrangements are also made to enable the Freshers acquaint themselves with such key facilities at the University like the Library, University Hospital, Games and Recreation Facilities etc.

Freshers are expected to take advantage of the week to survey and acquaint themselves with the general Campus lay out. Another major activity during the Orientation Week is Registration.

All Freshers must ensure that they are registered with their respective Colleges/Schools/Departments/Halls/University Hospital.

Saturday 2nd August, 2025
Resident Freshers report to their respective halls of residence or private hostels by 5.00 p.m. It’s the responsibility of each student to make his/her own travel arrangements to the University or private hostel.

Monday 4th August, 2025
All freshers shall report to the Freedom Square for a meeting (Central orientation program) with the University officials at 9:00am.

College Orientation
Tuesday 5th – Friday 8th August, 2025 College orientation programs will follow during the orientation week. College Principals and Registrars will issue the orientation programs for their colleges.

Lectures will begin on Monday 11th August, 2025.

Registration

For a candidate to be considered a bonafide student of the University, he/she must be registered. Registration is a mandatory requirement of the University which must be done within the first two (2) weeks from the beginning of the semester by every student. Privately sponsored students will pick their original admission letters after payment of 60% tuition and all functional fees from their respective colleges.

Registration will commence on Monday 11th August, 2025 starting at 9.00 a.m. each day at the respective Schools.

Ensure that you complete all the required registration formalities within the prescribed time in order to avoid disappointments later. College/School Registrars will provide registration programs.

Registration Requirements

Admission to Makerere University is a provisional offer made on the basis of the statement of your qualifications as presented on your application form. The offer is subject to verification of your academic documents and payment of university fees.

For registration purposes, all first-year students MUST produce their original documents for verification.

Government sponsored students shall pay shs.163,154/= functional fees to Makerere University.

Privately sponsored students shall pay 839,954/= and 1,495,253/= for Ugandans and International candidates respectively for semester one and 132,250/= for semester two of year 1.

Full admission letters for government sponsored students should be picked from the respective Colleges/Schools beginning Monday 7th July 2025.

The fees structure for privately sponsored students is attached to their provisional admission letters that should be down loaded from their ACMIS portal.

Students in the affiliated Institutions should pay fees indicated by their respective Institutions.

Fresher’s joining instructions concerning reporting, fees payment, academic policies and any important information from the different university units can be viewed from the Academic Registrar’s Department notice boards and University websites www.ar.mak.ac.ug and www.mak.ac.ug respectively.

All freshers MUST have laptop computers as one of the essential tools for study purposes for their programmes.

Other Fees
a) National Council for Higher Education fee (Per Year)-Shs.20,000/= (Payable to the National Council for Higher Education Account in Stanbic Bank).
b) UNSA Subscription fee (per year)-Shs.2,000/= (payable to Stanbic Bank, City Branch, A/C 0140007248501).

Change of Programmes/ Subjects

(a) Change of Programmes
Since selection for specific programmes was made according to each candidate’s performance and order of programme choices, taking into account the available subject combinations and time-table limitations, there is normally little need to change the programme or subjects. However, some places become vacant when some of the students admitted do not take up the offers. Such places are filled through the change of programmes/subjects.

Students who wish to change programmes first of all register according to the registration time-table for the programmes and subjects (where applicable) to which originally have been admitted. Each student who may wish to change his/her programme/subject combination is required to pay an application fee of Shs.6,000/= plus the bank charges to banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.

(b) Change of Subjects
Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural Sciences or the College of Education and External Studies may wish to change their subjects.

Students should be aware that changing one subject may result in a change of College. Before students apply to change their programmes, Colleges and Subjects, they are encouraged to seek advice on the cut-off point(s) for programmes, requirements for specific subjects and possible subject combinations.

Change of programme/Subjects will be done online on payment of an application fee of Shs. Six thousand (6000/=) plus the bank charges to banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Students are notified and warned that change of programme or transferring to another subject combination or College without proper authority will be liable to discontinuation from the University.

A student who has been permitted to change his/her programme or subject(s) will be issued with a letter stating so, and on receipt of such a letter that student should complete the ACCEPTANCE part and return a copy of each to the Undergraduate Admissions and Records Office, the former College/School and the new College/School.

The change of programme/subjects will be done online from Monday 4th August, 2025 to Tuesday 12th August, 2025.

N.B: It is advisable that only those students who meet the cut-off points for the desired programmes /subjects may apply.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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