Workshop to amplify student voices in quality assurance

Unisa’s Gauteng Region hosted a two-day Student Engagement in Quality Assurance and Student Support (SEQASS) Project Workshop on 21 and 22 October 2024. The workshop aimed to amplify students' voices in key areas such as facilitation of learning, student counselling, technology-enhanced learning and student administration, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of education and student services.

Participating students and staff members at the Student Engagement in Quality Assurance and Student Support Project Workshop

Student participation as key to educational excellence

In her opening remarks, Moipone Masalesa, Gauteng Regional Director, welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of student involvement in quality assurance processes. She emphasised the university’s commitment to placing students at the forefront of service delivery improvements. “Students are not just beneficiaries of the education system; they are equal partners in shaping it,” she said. “Your engagement is crucial in driving both academic and institutional quality.” She also encouraged students to step forward as ambassadors of the Unisa brand, actively promoting the values of the institution.

Moipone Masalesa, Regional Director, Gauteng Region, Unisa

Zanele Maloyi, programme director for day 1, ensured the smooth running of discussions and kept participants engaged. On day 2, Stanley Namakhota, a cum laude graduate and former student activist, took over as programme director, using his experiences to inspire students to take an active role in shaping their educational journey.

Reflecting on his previous contributions to Unisa, Namakhota encouraged students to take shared responsibility for the quality of services provided by the university. "We are equally responsible for the quality of services we receive from the university. Active engagement is key in shaping the teaching and learning processes," he pointed out, urging students to be proactive in driving academic excellence.

Addressing key challenges

The workshop explored various challenges faced by students, focusing on the importance of their involvement in quality assurance processes. Issues such as anxiety caused by digital platforms and delays in processing student queries were discussed, along with calls for improved access to library resources and mental health support. The role of library services in alleviating these challenges was emphasised.

Gauteng Region Committee Members: Obakeng Motsamai, Additional Member: Quality Committee, Louisa Maile, Deputy Secretary: Quality Committee, Thembeka Mpapama, Chairperson: Quality Committee, Pulane Mphasane, Deputy Chairperson: Quality Committee, and Mamashu Mabowa, Secretary: Quality Committee

Tania Molapo, Regional SRC Chairperson, highlighted the value of collaboration between students and university management in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. "As we work together, we can make the learning experience more accessible and less stressful for students, especially in areas such as library access and mental health," Molapo said.

Historical context and purpose

Refiloe Tsephe, SEQASS Project Leader, and Acting Deputy Director: Directorate Sustainability, Monitoring and Evaluation and Quality Specialist: Directorate Institutional Quality Assurance, provided an overview of the project's purpose, linking it to South Africa's long-standing history of student activism. She cited key moments such as the formation of SASO by Steve Biko and the 1976 Soweto Uprising, highlighting the pivotal role student voices have played in shaping education. "From 1976 to the Fees Must Fall movement, student voices have been central to driving change. Now, in 2024, Unisa is taking a stand with the support of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), ensuring that student voices are heard and acted upon," Tsephe said.

Discussions and student engagement

The workshop created opportunities for in-depth discussions on key areas of student engagement, including learning facilitation, counselling, library access, technology-enhanced learning and student administration. Presentations were led by representatives such as Stanley Dubazane, Louisa Maile, Lucas Rampe and Maserame Dipale, giving students an open platform to share their challenges and offer feedback on the services they receive.

Prof Lumkile Lalendle, Executive Director: Planning and Quality Assurance, Unisa

Day 2 included a recap of the discussions on day 1 and a presentation by Professor Lumkile Lalendle, Executive Director: Planning and Quality Assurance at Unisa. He stressed the importance of authentic student engagement and feedback in quality assurance to ensure continuous improvement. Lalendle also emphasised the collaboration between his directorate and the SRC in shaping future plans, ensuring that students play a central role in the processes of the directorate.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Victor Mbuqe, Acting Deputy Director for the Gauteng Region. He expressed his appreciation to both students and staff for their active participation and contributions, underscoring the significance of student-university collaboration. "Together, we can ensure the success of these initiatives and continue to improve the quality of education and student services at Unisa," Mbuqe said.

Students left the SEQASS Project Workshop empowered, recognising their vital role by taking accountability for shaping the future of education at Unisa. This initiative stands as a testament to the university's commitment to placing students at the centre of its quality assurance efforts.

* By the Gauteng Region Quality Committee, with input from Prof Lumkile Lalendle, Executive Director: Planning and Quality Assurance at Unisa

* * Photos by Mduduzi Comfort Khathamzi, Multimedia Centre