The Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) has inducted a new group of Senior Members into its DoSA Experience (DoSA_Exp) Programme as part of efforts to strengthen university-wide responsibility for student welfare and support.

The second cohort was oriented on 7 August 2026 to gain first-hand experience of student welfare issues and the work of the Directorate, including counselling, case management, financial support and responses to students’ academic and personal challenges.

Under the programme, participants voluntarily work with DoSA for at least 12 hours per semester, exposing them to the day-to-day realities of student support and equipping them to serve as links between the Directorate, academic units and students.

Director of Student Affairs, Prof. Marian Asantewah Nkansah, said the initiative reflects DoSA’s broader mandate to ensure that student welfare is treated as a shared responsibility across the University.

“DoSA exists to provide welfare support for student academic and personal success. We are the central hub for students, parents, staff and faculty on student life issues,” she said.

Introduced in March 2025, the DoSA_Exp Programme seeks to improve collaboration between academic units and the Directorate while giving faculty greater insight into challenges that may affect students beyond the classroom.

Prof. Nkansah said DoSA’s work covers virtual and in-person orientation, safe-arrival activities, hostel inspections, DoSA Day, the Vice-Chancellor’s Student Excellence Awards, leadership training, scholarships, hospitalisation support, and gender-based violence and sanitary hygiene campaigns.

The Directorate also oversees the KNUST Counselling Centre, Career Services Centre and KNUST Owned Hostels, and liaises with the Ghana Immigration Service on matters affecting students.

The second cohort comprises Dr. Joshua Kiddy Asamoah of the College of Science; Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Sarpong-Danquah of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dr. Edmund Wonder Anku of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Dr. (Mrs.) Princess Rahuma Acheampong of the College of Health Sciences; Dr. (Mrs.) Amma Birago Kantanka Gyimah of the College of Art and Built Environment; and Dr. David Sasu Konadu of the KNUST Obuasi Campus.

Prof. Nkansah urged the participants to use their experience with the Directorate to identify student concerns, facilitate referrals and help improve support services.

“Represent DoSA’s values, serve as a liaison between staff and students, report cases, and provide feedback to improve services,” she said.

She reiterated the Directorate’s commitment to providing an environment in which every student can optimise their potential.

The orientation was attended by the Deputy Directors responsible for Conduct and Discipline and Housing and Welfare, the Hall Master of KNUST Owned Hostels, and the Senior Assistant Registrar in charge of Student Support and Financial Services.