CPUT has had an opportunity to collaborate with other higher education institutions in the sharing of good practices and contributed to continuous improvement of the country’s higher education system.
The Council on Higher Education recently held a Quality Enhancement Project Workshop in Johannesburg to develop institutional and national processes and practices that can support students to engage productively in assuring and enhancing the quality of their learning experience.
The event was attended by student development practitioners and Student Representative Councils from various higher education institutions in the country.
“The role of the Student Representative is complex but at the heart there is usually a role in making the lives of the students better,” reflects Melani-Ann Hara, the CPUT Student Development Officer who attended the workshop.
“This might involve representing students’ wider needs as citizens as well as important issues relating to student life, such as student support, accommodation etc.”
Hara adds that the event presented her with a great opportunity to engage with her counterparts from other universities as well as Student Representatives in developing student engagement.
“The workshop was an introduction to the framework. Further investigation and more in-depth workshops and consultation around its implementation is needed.”
During the workshop consensus was reached on certain issues including the following topics:
- Partnership is a key concept – students have a role in shaping their experience which when fully realised goes beyond feedback, problem-solving and membership of committees, to opportunities for real enhancement.
- Student Representatives should be included in future discussions around institution-led quality assurance and enhancement processes.
