Studsents' perceptions of the quality of students welfare services at the University of Zambia
Date
2015-10-29
Authors
Musonda, Annie
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Abstract
This study was conducted at the University of Zambia and it investigated students’ perceptions of the quality of student welfare services. Little documented literature in this area necessitated the need for this study. The study used closed-ended questionnaires for the systematic randomly sampled of 381 respondents while semi-structured interview schedules were used for key informants.
The findings revealed that majority of students felt that accommodation offered was of sub-standard. The majority students were not satisfied with the general cleanliness of the surroundings. The safety and cleanliness water used by the students was also another service of which most students were sceptical of. Some students complained that there were times a leakage in the sewer line led to the contents of the sewer pipes finding its way into the domestic water. Moreover, students were not confident of the security provided by UNZA and they backed this up with experiences of theft incurred by them and their colleagues. On the other hand, students perceived library services provided by UNZA as of low quality. Even though UNZA is an institution of higher learning and research, students felt the material in the library was mostly out-dated and required major refurbishment. Besides, students were not adequately oriented on the use of e-resources.
It was concluded that students perceived the welfare services they receive from UNZA as of low quality. This denoted lack of student satisfaction which may impact on their academic performance. In order for UNZA to win respect and recognition throughout the academic world, it was recommended that trained personnel in the office of the Librarian need to thoroughly educate students on how to use e-library services as well as giving them unlimited access to e-resources. To ensure prevalence of conducive living and learning environment, there is also need for regular inspections of UNZA premises by Officers-in-charge of standards in higher education at Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.
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Educational Counselling-Zambia , Student Welfare , Student Affairs-Zambia