The Directorate of Students’ Affairs (DoSA) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has introduced an Operational Manual and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to staff aimed at improving service delivery, consistency, and collaboration across its units.

The documents, which were launched earlier by the Vice-Chancellor, were the focus of a staff training session.

Director of Students’ Affairs, Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, underscored its purpose of deepening understanding of the newly launched Operational Manual and SOPs. She said the documents were designed to streamline operations, ensure consistency, and enhance the quality of services delivered to students.

“This training is not just about familiarising ourselves with the documents,” she said. “It is about ownership. By actively engaging, you become custodians of the DoSA Strategic Plan and partners in its successful implementation. I am confident it will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in your respective roles.”

Prof. Nkansah also acknowledged Professor Wilson Agyare, a former Director, for initiating the development of the documents, and commended Dr. Addo for his leadership in drafting them.

Deputy Registrar Dr. Paul Addo said the manuals would serve as a unified guide for staff, regardless of their specific roles. “The intention is to have all of us together, have a document that guides everything,” he said. “The basic services we provide, all of us at every point in time, should be able to do each other’s work. Let us work in an integrated way.”

He added that the Operational Manual outlines the Directorate’s structure, offices, committees, and services, while the SOPs detail step-by-step procedures for daily tasks. The documents, he said, were developed collaboratively and should be treated as “living” tools that staff must remain familiar with.

Mrs. Theodora Oduro, Head of Student Support and Financial Services, outlined DoSA’s mandate in safeguarding student welfare. She said the Directorate oversees counselling, financial aid, scholarships, housing, health, and discipline, and works closely with other university units including student finance, transport, security, and health services.

Mrs. Victoria Degraft-Adjei, Head of the KNUST Counselling Center, provided an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the various offices under the Directorate. She explained how the units collaborate to support students in areas such as financial assistance, counselling, immigration, accommodation, and career development.