Frontlines of Student Support: Narratives of Student Affairs Practitioners in Higher Education Institutions in Masbate
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.07.09.06Keywords:
Best practices, Challenges, Experiences, Student affairs and servicesAbstract
The purpose of the this study is to explore the experiences of student affairs and services (SAS) practitioners in the Province of Masbate, particularly describing how they manage and administer the student affairs and services in their respective institution, the challenges encountered in the implementation of academic support services such as (a) student development services, (b) student welfare services and (c) institutional student development services. Further, the study described the solutions employed by practitioners to achieve institutional goals. The study utilized qualitative approach and narrative design to interpret the experiences of student affairs practitioners in the eleven (11) higher education institutions (HEIs): one (1) State University/ College (SUCs); four (4) Local Universities/ Colleges (LUCs) and six (6) Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) situated in the Province of Masbate. Findings derived from the analyzed themes indicated management practices which enabled a smooth delivery of support services to the student community, however, some practitioners experienced management factors that hamper the delivery academic support. Notable challenges were also encountered by the student affairs and services (SAS) practitioners in the student development, student welfare and institutional student development programs. Amidst the difficulties, solutions and best practices were imparted by practitioners which ensure satisfactory and holistic academic support services among students in the college, thus led to creation of comprehensive development plan which practitioners may apply in their respective academic institutions.
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