College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Message of the Dean
Dear Members of the Communities.
It is my pleasure and honor to share with you the purpose, vision, and impact of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
In a world of rapid technological advancement, economic complexity, and global interdependence, the need to understand human behavior, culture, history, Literature, and communication has never been more urgent. Our college stands at the heart of these vital inquiries. We are dedicated to the study of society, the exploration of the human experience, and the pursuit of knowledge that enhances our collective understanding and wellbeing.

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Why Choose us

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Our Mission

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Our Visions

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About College

The Social Sciences and Humanities College (CSSH) is one of the colleges in Borana University which were formed almost about a Five year ago when the University structured its academic and administrative departments with respect to the new efficient and effective working systems that the government has set out. It has been offering degree programs since teaching commenced at the University in September, 2013 E.C. The purpose of the College was to alleviate the national manpower shortage in the fields of social sciences and humanities by providing a broadly-based degree that would equip graduates to respond constructively and flexibly to the developing requirements of the public and private sectors.


Until now, the departments of the college are six discipline-based departments and One coordinate unit. They are; Afan Oromo, literature and Communication, English language and Literature, Geography and Environmental studies, Civics and Ethical Studies, Social Anthropology, Psychology, and History and Heritage management is as Coordination unit. However, since degrees in these areas were still available within the College, it retained its designation as the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.  
The College offers four-year programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (BA). It also offers Master’s programs under Geography and Environmental studies, specialization, “MSc in disaster risk management”. The major aim of the degree programs is to equip the graduate with an awareness of society and its problems and of the ways in which he/she can help to solve these. The programs provide orientations that will enable the graduate to be innovative and provide intelligent leadership in a rapidly changing society.

There are approximately 260 students in the College. Of social science and humanities, about 18% per cent are females. In addition, the college caters for approximately 80 students who are registered for courses through Weekend Education. In 2024/2025 the College had awarded more than 32 degrees from those 2 is female students.

Overview of CSSH

An overview of a College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) at Borana university, typically covers its academic focus, departments, programs, and opportunities.

  • Purpose and Focus

The College of Social Sciences and Humanities focuses on understanding human behavior, culture, society, and political and economic systems. It blends analytical, interpretive, and critical thinking skills to examine complex social issues from local and global perspectives.

  • Typical Departments and Disciplines

CSSH generally includes a broad range of departments such as:

  • Psychology
  • Social Anthropology
  • Afan Oromo and Literature
  • English language and Literature
  • History and Heritage management
  • Geography and Environmental Studies
  • Civics Ethical Studies
  • Academic Programs

CSSH offers degrees at multiple levels:

  • Bachelor’s degrees (BA/BS) in individual disciplines
  • Master’s (MA/MSC) in disaster risk management fields
  • Curriculum and Skills Emphasis
  • Critical thinking
  • Qualitative and quantitative research
  • Communication and writing
  • Ethical reasoning and civic engagement
  • Cultural competency and global awareness
  • Career Paths

Graduates from CSSH programs pursue careers in:

  • Public service and government
  •  public policy consulting
  • Nonprofits and NGOs
  • Journalism and media
  • Social and human services
  • Education and academia
  • Research and Community Engagement

CSSH often houses research centers, policy institutes, and community engagement initiatives focusing on contemporary societal issues like:

  • Social justice
  • Climate change and sustainability
  • Literature and Communication
  • Indigenous and Gadaa System
  • History and Heritage 
  • Migration and urbanization and etc.
  • Unique Features (May Include)
  • Study abroad and international exchange programs
  • Internships with NGOs, think tanks, or government agencies
  • Capstone projects or thesis
  • Collaboration with University industry linkage for interdisciplinary solutions

Organizational Structure of a College of Social Sciences and Humanities

The Organizational structure of a College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) within a Borana University typically follows a hierarchical and departmental framework designed to support academic, administrative, and research activities.

v College Leadership

These are the top administrators responsible for overseeing the entire college:

I/ College Academic Council (AC).

A College-level Academic Council typically serves as the governing body responsible for overseeing academic matters within a college of social science and humanities Its responsibilities usually include:

  1. Academic Policy Development and Oversight
  • Review, recommend, and implement academic policies within the college.
  • Ensure compliance with university-wide academic standards and regulations.
  • Review and interpret institutional policies for application within the college context.
  • Curriculum and Program Review
  • Approve new courses, degree programs, minors, and certificates.
  • Review and revise existing curricula to ensure academic rigor and relevance.
  • Evaluate proposals for changes to course descriptions, prerequisites, and credit hours.
  • Conduct periodic program reviews to ensure quality and continuous improvement.
  • Academic Standards and Assessment
  • Set and maintain standards for grading, progression, and academic standing.
  • Review data on student learning outcomes and ensure assessment practices are in place.
  • Monitor and review accreditation requirements and processes for academic programs.
  • Student Affairs and Academic Appeals
  • Review and adjudicate student petitions and grade appeals.
  • Monitor student academic progress and provide recommendations for improvement.
  • Promote student success initiatives such as advising, mentoring, and tutoring.
  • Strategic Planning and Resource Allocation
  • Participate in academic strategic planning for the college.
  • Advise on allocation of academic resources such as funding for new initiatives or equipment.
  • Support enrollment management, including admission standards and student recruitment.
  • Interdepartmental Coordination
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration across departments and units within the college.
  • Coordinate interdisciplinary programs and initiatives.
  • Address conflicts or overlaps in curriculum and scheduling.
  • Liaison to University Governance
  • Represent the college in the broader university academic governance system.
  • Serve as a communication channel between college department and university administration.
  • Provide feedback and recommendations to university-wide academic committees.

II/ Dean

  • Chief academic and administrative officer of the college.
    • Oversees strategic planning, budgeting, college recruitment, and academic programs.

III/ Academic Departments

Each department operates semi-autonomously and focuses on a specific discipline. Headed by:

  • Department Chair (or Head)
    • Manages department, curriculum, scheduling, and departmental governance.
    • Reports to the Dean.

Examples of departments:

  • Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
  • Department of Psychology
  • Department of Social Anthropology
  • Department of History
  • Department of Afan Oromo, literature and Communication
  • Department of English language and literature
  • Department of Civics and Ethical Studies

CSSH may have committees that shape policy and governance:

A. Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee (ASCRC)

B. Educational Quality Enhancement &Assurance Committee (EQEAC)

C. Research and Development committee(RDC)

D. Staff Development, Promotion and Scholarship Committee(SDPSC)

E. Library, ICT and E-learning Committee(LICTEC)

F. Students Affairs Committee(SAC)Organizational Flow (Simplified):

Facilities and Services

The facilities and services of a College of Social Science and Humanities (CSSH) typically support academic, research, and student life needs. The facilities and services in CSSH is:

  • Academic Facilities
  1. Lecture Halls & Classrooms
    • Equipped with projectors, smart boards, audio systems
    • Spaces for large lectures and small seminars
  2. Libraries
    • Subject-specific collections (Afan Oromo, literature and communication, English language and literature, Geography and Environmental studies, social Anthropology, psychology, civics and ethical studies, etc.)
  3. Computer Labs
    • Equipped with statistical, GIS, qualitative research, and writing software
    • Internet and printing services available
  4. Language Labs
    • For linguistics, literature, and foreign language studies
    • Audio-visual tools for immersive learning
  5. Research Facilities
  1. Research Centers & Institutes
    • Focused on areas like gender studies, migration, public policy, cultural studies, etc.
  2. Graduate Research Rooms
    • Dedicated spaces for MA and PhD students to work
  3. Data Labs
    • For social science research (e.g., SPSS, STATA)
  4. Student Support Services
  1. Academic Advising
    • Degree planning, course selection, study abroad guidance
  2. Career Services
    • Internships, resume building, career counseling, employer networking
  3. Writing & Communication Centers
    • Help with academic writing, presentations, research proposals
  4. Other Common Facilities
  1. College Offices & Consultation Hours
    • Access to professors for mentorship and academic help
  2. Seminar & Conference Rooms
    • For workshops, academic conferences, guest lectures
  3. Cafeterias & Common Rooms
    • Social spaces for students and faculty
  4. Wi-Fi and Digital Learning Platforms
    • Moodle, Blackboard, or Canvas access for online resources and classes

Accountability

The College of Social Sciences and Humanities of Borana University is accountable for several key areas: producing qualified graduates, conducting research, engaging in community service, and fostering an inclusive environment. They are also responsible for delivering high-quality education, addressing local and national problems through research, and offering community service trainings. The more detailed accountability:

1. Education and Graduate Production:

  • Producing skilled graduates:

The college aims to produce highly skilled and knowledgeable graduates who can contribute to the country in various professions. 

  • Providing high-quality education:

They are committed to providing high-quality education to all students, without discrimination. 

  • Student-centered learning:

They utilize student-centered learning approaches and innovative curricula to encourage students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom, promoting critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. 

2. Research and Knowledge Advancement:

  • Conducting research:

They are dedicated to conducting research in various thematic areas, such as language, culture, education, social justice, and sustainable development. 

  • Addressing local and national problems:

Their research efforts are focused on finding solutions to problems faced by local communities and broader national issues. 

  • Research-led learning:

They deliver research-led learning, providing students with practical knowledge and fostering multicultural competence. 

Professionals
Professionals from a College of Social Sciences and Humanities are individuals who work in disciplines related to the study of human behavior, society, culture, and the humanities. These professionals can include researchers, teachers, policymakers, community organizers, and various other roles depending on their specialization. 

  • Researchers:

These individuals conduct research on topics related to social sciences and humanities, contributing to academic knowledge and understanding of society. 

  • Teachers:

They teach at various levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate, imparting knowledge and skills in their respective fields to future generations. 

  • Policymakers:

They use social science research and insights to inform policy decisions, aiming to improve society and address social issues. 

  • Community Organizers:

They work to empower communities, promote social change, and address local needs based on social science principles. 

  • Psychologists:

They study human behavior, mental processes, and emotional development, often working in counseling, research, or other related fields. 

  • Social Anthropologists:

They study human societies, cultures, and their development, often conducting fieldwork and research in different communities. 

  • Linguists:

They study language, its structure, and its use in society, often working in teaching, research, or translation. 

  • Historians:

They study past events and societies, providing insights into the present and future. 

  • Journalists and Communicators:

They play a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion, often using social science research to understand media consumption and public discourse. 

  • Literary Scholars:

They analyze and interpret literature, contributing to cultural understanding and appreciation. 

Key Areas of Study within a College of Social Sciences and Humanities:

  • Social Sciences: Disciplines like Social anthropology, Psychology, Civics and Ethical studies and Geography and Environmental studies.
  • Humanities: Disciplines like History, Literature, Languages, and the Arts. 

Research Properties of the College of Social Science and Humanities

1. Interdisciplinary in Nature

  • Research often crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries, integrating methods and theories from fields such as Social Anthropology, psychology, Geography and Environmental studies, English language and literature, Afan Oromo, literature and communication, History and heritage management literature and Civics and Ethical studies.
  • Encourages collaboration among departments and with other colleges (e.g., health sciences, environmental studies, technology).

2. Human-Centered Focus

  • Research is centered on understanding human behavior, societies, cultures, histories, and values.
  • Aims to explore how individuals and communities interact with political, economic, and social institutions.

3. Contextual and Interpretive

  • Emphasizes the importance of historical, cultural, social, and political contexts.
  • Often employs qualitative and interpretive methodologies to explore meaning, identity, power, and experience.

4. Theoretically Grounded

  • Research is deeply engaged with theoretical frameworks, whether rooted in classical social thought, contemporary critical theories, or philosophical paradigms.
  • Encourages the development and critique of theory as a core part of academic inquiry.

5. Publicly Relevant and Impact-Oriented

  • Research addresses pressing societal issues such as inequality, justice, governance, migration, gender, conflict, development, and cultural preservation.
  • Often aims to inform public policy, contribute to community empowerment, and promote social change.

6. Ethically and Culturally Sensitive

  • Research is conducted with strong ethical considerations, particularly when involving human subjects or vulnerable populations.
  • Values cultural diversity, indigenous knowledge, and respect for community values and traditions.

7. Methodologically Diverse

  • Employs a broad range of methodologies, including:
    • Qualitative methods: interviews, focus groups, ethnography, archival research, content analysis.
    • Quantitative methods: surveys, statistical analysis, demographic research.
    • Mixed methods: combining qualitative and quantitative approaches.
    • Textual and Discourse Analysis: especially in fields like literature, history, and media studies.

8. Critical and Reflective

  • Encourages critical thinking about dominant ideologies, power structures, and epistemologies.
  • Fosters reflexivity, where researchers consider their own role, perspective, and impact within the research process.

9. Inclusive and Participatory

  • Engages diverse voices and communities in the research process.
  • Prioritizes research that is inclusive of gender, race, class, disability, and other dimensions of identity.

10. Global and Local in Scope

  • Explores issues at both global and local levels.
  • Recognizes the importance of comparative perspectives and the interconnectedness of global systems.

Research Approach

The research approach of a College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) typically emphasizes interdisciplinary, critical, and human-centered methodologies.

1. Interdisciplinary Methods

  • Blending Disciplines: Combines insights from sociology, anthropology, political science, history, philosophy, literature, cultural studies, etc.
  • Collaborative Research: Encourages partnerships across fields and with other faculties like law, public health, or education.

2. Qualitative and Quantitative Research

  • Qualitative Methods:
    • Interviews, focus groups, ethnography, narrative analysis, discourse analysis.
    • Deep exploration of meaning, identity, culture, and lived experience.
  • Quantitative Methods:
    • Surveys, statistical analysis, econometrics, social network analysis.
    • Seeks patterns and generalizations using measurable data.

3. Critical and Reflexive Approach

  • Critical Theory Influence: Examines power, inequality, and social structures.
  • Reflexivity: Researchers critically reflect on their own position and biases within the research process.

4. Emphasis on Context and Meaning

  • Historical and Cultural Sensitivity: Focus on understanding phenomena within specific social, political, and historical contexts.
  • Constructivist Paradigms: Understands reality as socially constructed, emphasizing interpretation.

5. Ethical and Participatory Research

  • Community-Based Research: Involves stakeholders and communities in the research process.
  • Ethical Commitment: Strong adherence to ethics, especially when researching vulnerable or marginalized populations.

6. Policy and Practice Orientation

  • Many programs aim to influence policy, public discourse, or social justice initiatives.
  • Research often informs government, non-profits, NGOs, and global development efforts.

Examples of Common Research Themes:

  • Migration and diaspora
  • Gender and sexuality studies
  • Conflict and peacebuilding
  • Urban studies and development
  • Media, communication, and digital cultures
  • Human rights and transitional justice

Research Thematic Area

The thematic research areas of a College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) can vary by institution, but generally they focus on understanding human behavior, societies, cultures, and global issues through interdisciplinary approaches. Here are common thematic research areas found in most CSSH programs:

1. Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Race, ethnicity, and gender studies
  • Social inequality and policy
  • Disability studies
  • Human rights and advocacy

2. Globalization and International Relations

  • Global governance and diplomacy
  • Development studies
  • Migration and transnationalism
  • Conflict resolution and peacebuilding

3. Urbanization and Environment

  • Urban studies and planning
  • Sustainability and environmental justice
  • Climate change impacts on societies
  • Rural and regional development

4. Culture, Identity, and Communication

  • Cultural studies and anthropology
  • Media and communication studies
  • Language, identity, and power
  • Digital cultures and social media

5. Historical Perspectives and Social Change

  • Historical memory and heritage
  • Colonial and postcolonial studies
  • Social movements and revolution
  • Gender and history

Research Dissemination Method for the College of Social Science and Humanities

1. Academic Publishing

  • Peer-reviewed Journals: Faculty and students are encouraged to publish in high-impact journals relevant to their disciplines, such as sociology, political science, anthropology, history, literature, and philosophy.
  • Edited Volumes and Books: Faculty members are supported to author and edit scholarly books, often in collaboration with university presses or reputable academic publishers.
  • Conference Proceedings: Research outputs are shared through national and international academic conferences.

2. Community Engagement

  • Public Lectures and Seminars: The college organizes regular events where researchers present findings in accessible formats for non-academic audiences.
  • Policy Briefs and White Papers: Findings with social and policy relevance are translated into briefs shared with government agencies, NGOs, and media outlets.
  • Workshops and Roundtables: Interactive sessions with community stakeholders help co-develop solutions based on research findings.

3. Collaboration and Networking

  • Academic Conferences: Faculty are encouraged to participate in and host symposia, panels, and conferences to share research and build networks.
  • Interdisciplinary Research Clusters: Collaborative research groups work across departments and with other institutions to enhance the relevance and reach of findings.

6. Student Involvement

  • Undergraduate and Graduate Research Forums: Students present their work at annual college events to foster a culture of scholarly exchange.
  • Mentored Publication Opportunities: Faculty guide students to co-author papers or present at conferences.
Motto
·        Rooted Education, Research and Engagement for excellence!