CSD SERVICE CHARTER 2013

  1. INTRODUCTION

The Department of Clinical Studies is one of the five departments comprising the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which is administered under the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences located on the Upper Kabete Campus of the University of Nairobi.

The Department of Clinical Studies Service Charter spells out the scope and standards of services which are rendered to students, staff and all stakeholders. We are committed to the provision of quality service to our clients and stakeholders. We have set our commitment to you and welcome feedback on how to improve our service.

VISION

A centre of excellence in veterinary medicine, animal welfare and animal resource management.

MISSION

To provide leadership in quality teaching, research, outreach and consultancy in veterinary medicine, animal welfare and animal resource management for sustainable livelihoods, food security and national development.

CORE VALUES

The Department of Clinical Studies is committed to realizing its vision and mission. It operates within certain treasured beliefs, which have contributed to its success to date.

The departments shall:

  • Perform all its operations with the highest level of professionalism, ethical conduct and excellence.
  • Be accountable and transparent in all its operations.
  • Uphold integrity, honesty and quality in training and all other activities.
  • Promote participatory management and effective teamwork in all its activities and operations.
  • Recognise and esteem freedom of expression, intellectualism and innovations.
  • Committed to the sustainable management of animal resources and promote biodiversity.

These values remain the cornerstone in service delivery and are to be embraced by all members of staff and students in the department at all times.

  1. STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Clinical Studies was established within the University pursuant to section 4 of the University of Nairobi Act, 1985 (CAP 210) of the laws of Kenya, recently repealed when the Universities Act was enacted.

  • Chairman of Department: Appointed by the Vice - Chancellor in consultation with the Principal and the Dean of the Faculty.
  • Heads of Sections: Appointed by the Chairman of Department. Currently, there are three discipline based sections, namely Medicine, Surgery and Theriogenology. In addition, there is a Head of Section in Charge of the Small Animal Clinic.
  • Service Units: These are organised to offer specialised services to clients; and include, Diagnostic Imaging Unit (Conventional and Digital X-Ray and CR Equipment, and Diagnostic Ultrasound). Teaching and Diagnostic Laboratories (Haematology, Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology), Veterinary Pharmacy, Large Animal Unit (Medicine, Surgery and Theriogenology), Outreach and Extension Unit (Ambulatory, Herd Health and Field Visits), Small Animal Hospital.
  • Academic Staff comprises 30 and include 5 Professors; 5 Associate Professors, 8 Senior Lecturers, 6 Lecturers and 6 Tutorial Fellows. Others include the Chief Technologist and the Administrative Assistant
  • Technical and Administrative
  • Clinicians: There are three Clinicians who are Veterinary Surgeons registered by the Kenya Veterinary Board and with the primary mandate of providing clinical services to clients.
  • Technical and Administrative Staff; There are 2 Senior Technologists, 6 Technologists, and Technical Assistants/ Receptionists.

PRINCIPLES OF SERVICE DELIVERY

In service delivery, the department shall pledge to:

  • Serve our clients with dignity, courtesy and respect.
  • Provide efficient and effective service at all times.
  • Uphold transparency and accountability at all times
  • Espouse the principles of natural justice at all times
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality
  • Discharge our duties professionally, passionately and with patriotism

CLIENTS TO THE DEPARTMENT

The clients of the Department of Clinical Studies include the following;

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate students
  • Academic, technical and administrative staff
  • Parents and guardians
  • Suppliers and technical service providers
  • Alumni
  • The community
  • The general public

PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

The strategic partners and stakeholders of the Department of Clinical Studies comprise;

  • The Public (tax-payers).
  • Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
  • Ministry of Livestock Development
  • Animal Health and Industry Training Institute (AHITI)-NDOMBA
  • Ministry responsible for Veterinary Services
  • Ministry responsible for Wildlife Management , Tourism and Conservation
  • Commission for University Education (CUE)
  • Kenya Veterinary Board
  • Kenya Veterinary Association
  • Kenya Livestock Finance Trust
  • Kenya Animal Genetics Resource Institute
  • International Livestock Research Institute
  • Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
  • Institute for Primate Research
  • Kenya Wildlife Service
  • Radiation Protection Board
  • Pest Control Products Board
  • Pharmacy and Poisons Board
  • Donkey Sanctuary Worldwide
  • World Society for Protection of Animals
  • University of Nairobi Alumni Association – Veterinary Medicine Chapter
  • Other relevant departments and institutes of the University of Nairobi; including the Veterinary Faculty Farm, The Field Stations at Upper Kabete and Kibwezi

EXPECTATIONS FROM CLIENTS

STUDENTS AND STAFF

  • Exhaustive coverage of the approved curricula and syllabi.
  • Prompt and fair processing of examination results by submitting the same to Dean’s office.
  • Well maintained lecture theatres, laboratories, offices, clinics, toilets and other facilities.
  • Fair and just disciplinary procedures.
  • Upgrading and application of modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
  • Safe and healthy environment
  • Prompt clearance of students and staff
  • Courteous and timely response to requests and inquiries
  • Increased funding for research
  • Strategic marketing of consultancy and research services
  • Adaptive human resource management practices
  • Effective performance appraisal system
  • Efficient and effective procurement processes
  • Expeditious processing of collaborative agreements

DONORS

Prompt research outputs

Honoring Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) involving research institutions, industry and other partners

Recognition and acknowledgement of donors and sponsors

Ensure transparency and accountability.

SUPPLIERS

Prompt feedback on acceptance or rejection of quotations

Prompt preparation of Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) and provision of respective feedback thereof.

Prompt processing of payment for services and goods delivered.

ALUMNI

Facilitate registration of members with the University of Nairobi Alumni Association – Veterinary Medicine Chapter.

Involvement of alumni in the governance and development of the Department and University.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT

The department shall expect the following from its stakeholders;

To treat staff with respect and courtesy

To give feedback and comments on services rendered

To support departmental programmes and activities

To observe University rules and regulations

To provide sufficient and accurate information for accurate and appropriate response

To pay all fees and other levies promptly

SERVICE DELIVERY PLEDGE

Upon registration, a student shall be issued with student information handbook; clear guidelines on academic programmes, examination rules, fee structure and student support services and disciplinary procedures.

All lectures shall be conducted fully and on time as per approved timetables and schedules.

All Continuous Assessment Tests and Semester I Examination scripts shall be marked and marks posted within 3 weeks following the end of the examinations.

Consolidated mark sheets shall be finalized and submitted to the Dean’s Office within 2 weeks following the end of the examinations.

Disciplinary cases for students shall be reported to the Chairman of Department immediately and forwarded to the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Principal of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences within 48 hours following the event.

Postgraduate supervisors for Masters and Doctoral degrees shall give feedback to their students within two weeks after receiving a project report or thesis.

Preparation and prompt clearance of graduates in time for graduation ceremonies held annually.

Clearance of students shall be finalized within two (2) days.

Staff performance appraisal shall be conducted between October and March every academic year.

The department is an illicit drug free environment.

Quality ICT services shall be provided to students and staff.

All telephone calls shall be attended to within twenty (20) seconds.

Routine correspondence shall be replied to within seven (7) days from the date of receipt.

The department shall not condone impropriety.

The department is a corruption free zone.

FEEDBACK

Complaints, compliments and suggestions should be forwarded to the Chairman and Heads of Sections in the Department of Clinical Studies. In case of appeals, the Vice-Chancellor shall be willing to consider.

Feedback may be communicated through telephone, letters, e-mail or suggestion boxes which have been made available within the Department in appropriate locations for your use.

Confidentiality and privacy shall be upheld.

All feedback shall be addressed within seven (7) days.

ADDRESS COMMENTS, COMPLIMENTS, SUGGESTIONS AND FEEDBACK TO THIS CHARTER TO:

CHAIRMAN, DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL STUDIES

FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY SCIENCES

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

P O BOX 29053 -00625, KANGEMI, NAIROBI, KENYA

TELEPHONE: +354 20 4916012

Email address: dept-clinicalstudies@uonbi.ac.ke

May 31, 2013