STUDENTS SHARE PERSPECTIVES TO INFLUENCE THEIR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE

In a bid to collect insights from the institution’s student population, the WSU Student Tracking and Institutional Research (STIR) unit embarked on a university wide drive, carrying out its undergraduate student survey.

Aimed at enhancing the overall student experience at WSU, the survey sought to involve students in shaping their own future through sharing their perceptions on WSU’s academic and living environment, as well as support services and extracurricular activities.

Although much has been done by the university to ensure an environment that allows students to thrive in their living and learning spaces, their perspectives will play a crucial role in the institution’s continuous evolution.

STIR manager, Dr Munienge Mbodila underscored the importance of student participation stating that they would be central to shaping an enriching and impactful university experience.

“The primary goal of this survey is to assess the overall student experience, identify the strengths and weaknesses of our services and programmes, and gather insights that will help us improve the quality of education and student life at WSU,” said Mbodila.

Data collected showed that although students generally appreciated the core elements of their university experience, they saw room for improvement areas.

Some of the key concerns for students included mental health resources, Skills-Based Learning, and a more diverse range of extracurricular activities.

These and other insights will play a significant role in guiding policies, programmes, and services at WSU by providing data-driven insights into the student experience.

“The results of this survey will shape decision-making and improvements across the university. Survey data will help shape the institution's policies that directly impact students' academic well-being and social experiences. For example, policies related to academic support, mental health resources, residence allocation, diversity and inclusion, can be refined based on the areas students identify as needing attention,” Mbodila asserted.

Moving forward, the STIR unit together with various university stakeholders will use data collected to tackle students concerns, prioritising those of a pressing nature.

“Issues that significantly affect a large number of students will be given higher priority. We will assess how frequently a particular concern is raised and the extent to which it impacts student satisfaction and success. Areas directly influencing academic performance, mental well-being, and overall student satisfaction will be prioritised to ensure meaningful enhancements to the student experience,” said Mbodila.

Mbodila added that the survey was part of an ongoing effort to improve the student experience at WSU. He also mentioned exploring additional methods like focus groups and digital feedback platforms to engage students and track progress, ensuring that the university remained responsive to their needs and supports their academic success and well-being.

By Yanga Ziwele