The Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has held a capacity-building programme to equip junior staff with practical skills to improve their well-being and enhance the quality of services provided to students.

Held under the theme, “Growth from Excellence to Eminence: Repositioning DoSA to Deliver a Transformational Student Experience,” the training brought junior staff together to reflect on their roles and identify practical ways to contribute to an improved student experience.

The programme also sought to equip staff with the skills and knowledge required to perform their duties more efficiently and contribute meaningfully to the University’s goal of delivering a transformational student experience.

The Director of Student Affairs, Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, described junior staff as an essential part of the University community, noting that their daily responsibilities have a direct impact on students’ experiences on campus.

“When we say, ‘Junior Staff’ in Student Affairs, we are talking about the real backbone of this University,” she said, highlighting the contributions of cleaners, gardeners, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, hall assistants, messengers, drivers and office assistants.

Prof. Nkansah explained that students often interact more frequently with junior staff than with senior University officials, making their conduct and service particularly important.

“A student may go through the school for four years and may not know the Vice Chancellor or the Director, but the student will never say he or she has never seen the hall assistant or the front desk,” she said.

She noted that the University’s goal of moving “From Excellence to Eminence” would be reflected not only in academic achievements but also in the everyday experiences of students.

“Eminence will not happen only in the lecture hall. It will happen when a student enters a clean bathroom, when a broken louvre is fixed quickly, when a gardener smiles, and when a hall assistant speaks respectfully to a worried parent. Eminence will be seen in your work,” she added.

Prof. Nkansah encouraged staff to remain committed to their responsibilities, work with urgency and maintain high standards of service. She also referenced the recognition of outstanding junior staff during the recent DoSA Day, assuring other staff that their efforts were being observed and would be acknowledged in due course.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Kwasi Adu-Boahen Opare, said the programme provided an opportunity for staff to strengthen their capacity, share experiences and identify ways to improve service delivery within the Directorate.

“As the student population grows and their needs and expectations evolve, it is important that we periodically build our capacity, sharpen our skills, and reflect on how we can better support and serve them,” he said.

Dr. Opare encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and translate the knowledge gained into improved service delivery.

“The real value of this programme will be seen in how we translate what we learn into a more responsive and transformational student experience,” he added.

Speaking on “Self-Management: Physical and Mental Health,” Mr. James Nii Amar Ayiku of KNUST Hospital urged participants to take personal responsibility for their health through consistent healthy lifestyle choices.

“You need to maintain your health every day,” he said.

He encouraged participants not to wait until they became ill before taking steps to protect their well-being.

Mr. Ayiku advised participants to engage in regular physical activity, get adequate sleep, eat nutritious meals, drink sufficient water and pay attention to early signs of illness. He also urged them to be mindful of their consumption of sugary and highly caffeinated drinks, particularly energy drinks, and to make healthier food choices.

The session further highlighted the link between physical and mental well-being and encouraged participants to adopt preventive measures against common health conditions.

Story: Ama Pokuaa Mensah  Photos: Michael Kwawu