The Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has launched “Time with DoSA”, a monthly interactive platform aimed at strengthening engagement between students and the Directorate while improving awareness of student support services on campus.
During the virtual event, Director of Student Affairs, Professor Mariam Asantewah Nkansah, highlighted the central role students play in the university community and reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to creating a supportive and student-centred environment.
“As a university, the students of KNUST form more than 90 percent of the entire university community, and so without the students, there will be no university,” she said.
“Everything we do at the Directorate is student-centric, with the aim of creating an environment for students to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.”
Prof. Nkansah explained that the initiative forms part of efforts to change the long-held perception that the Directorate of Student Affairs only engages students when disciplinary issues arise.
“We have come to a place where when you are called to the Directorate of Student Affairs, it could also mean that you have been selected for some goodies,” she said.
“The essence is to get closer to our students and ensure that no student is left behind.”
According to her, the monthly interaction platform will provide students with the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the services and opportunities available at the Directorate and better understand where to seek support on campus.
The Deputy Director in charge of Conduct and Discipline, Professor Akwasi Acheampong Aning, explained that the unit serves as a central point for handling student-related complaints, behavioural concerns and disciplinary matters.
“At the Directorate of Student Affairs, there is a unit dedicated to student conduct and behavior. Whenever students have issues, they can report them to our office, and we invite all parties involved to help resolve the matter amicably,” he said.
Professor Aning added that cases reported to KNUST Security Services are also forwarded to the Directorate for further attention, with support from senior tutors and staff who assist in investigating and resolving disputes.
Deputy Director in charge of Student Housing and Welfare, Professor Samuel Amos-Abanyie, highlighted the unit’s responsibilities, which include student conduct, housing and welfare services aimed at improving students’ living and learning experiences.
Professor Amos-Abanyie said the unit works closely with hall masters, senior tutors and hostel managers to maintain a conducive living environment for students.
“We collaborate with hall masters, senior tutors, and hostel managers to ensure that students live in safe and comfortable environments. Every year, inspections and training programs are organized to improve standards in both university and private hostels,” he said.
He added that the Directorate certifies newly established hostels and has introduced a portal that allows students to conveniently select accommodation options.
The Deputy Registrar for Directorate of Student Affairs, Mrs. Victoria De-Graft Adjei, explained that her office oversees the coordination of student-centered services and administrative activities aimed at enhancing the welfare and academic experience of students. She noted that DoSA remains committed to ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed both in academic and psychosocial development.
“Our goal is to provide quality student-centered services that support the welfare and well-being of all students at KNUST,” she said.
She explained that the Directorate pays particular attention to the needs of special groups, including international students and students with disabilities, ensuring that they are fully integrated into the university community and have access to essential services.
She emphasized the Directorate’s collaboration with student leadership, including the Student Representative Council (SRC), the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), and other student associations.
“We work with student leaders to ensure compliance with University regulations and provide training to enhance their leadership skills,” she added.
Deputy Head of the KNUST Counselling Center, Dr. Joseph Asamoah-Gyawu, said the facility provides comprehensive counselling and psychological services tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.
“The Counseling Center exists to support students both academically and personally. We provide individual and group counseling services for students dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, personal difficulties, and other emotional concerns,” he said.
Dr. Asamoah-Gyawu added that the centre also offers psychotherapy sessions, psycho-educational seminars, peer counselling, and academic and career guidance to help students effectively navigate university life.
“We organize workshops and seminars that equip students with practical skills for managing anxiety, balancing academic life, and making informed career decisions,” he added.
Also present were other members of the Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) management, including the Senior Assistant Registrar (SAR) for Student Support and Financial Services, Senior Tutors, DoSA experts, representatives of the Obuasi Campus leadership, the International Programmes Office, the Committee of Halls, GUSSS Hotel, and administrators of the Obuasi Campus.
A question-and-answer session provided students with the opportunity to raise concerns, have their issues addressed, and receive referrals to the appropriate offices for further assistance.
