Providing and managing student development and support in higher education in a developing country

Abstract

This study is a qualitative review to identify factors impacting on the management and provision of student development and support in higher education in a developing country. For the purpose of the study student development and support includes all developmental and supportive services and interventions for students within an institution of higher learning, regardless of the current structuring of the functions. The study first contextualises the scenario of a developing country in terms of the socioeconomic, political, higher education, labour and other factors that set the scene for student development and support and then continues with a systematic exposition of factors that have direct relevance and impact on the future of student development and support. A systematic investigation in the higher education sector by means of interviews with national policy makers, institutional and unit managers as well as focus groups with practitioners make it possible to identify factors that have direct relevance and impact on the future management and provision of student development and support. The result of the study is a construction of the specific factors identified on the macro/international, meso/national and micro/institutional levels as well as the intricate relationships between the various factors. This research provides a potential framework for future management and provision of strategic focus areas for student development and support functions within higher education in a developing country to ensure that it effectively positions the function within higher educ as a key component of the core business. Copyright