Mountains of the Moon University Dean of Students Roselyne Ssali joined her counterparts from across Uganda at Gulu University for the annual Deans of Students and Guild Leaders Conference, a gathering that brought together key student affairs professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities in higher education student support services.
The conference, hosted by Gulu University, brought together 30 Deans of Students from across Uganda, along with 5 guild leaders and other key stakeholders, providing a comprehensive platform for academic leaders to share experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches to student welfare and guidance across Uganda’s university landscape.
Speaking at the event, Gulu University Vice Chancellor Professor George Ladaah Openjuru praised the assembled Deans of Students for their invaluable contributions to the higher education sector. “The tremendous work that Deans of Students offer in our universities through supporting and guiding the student community is a role that many university communities may not easily understand, but it is absolutely vital,” Professor Openjuru emphasized.
The Vice Chancellor’s remarks highlighted the often-overlooked but crucial function that student affairs professionals play in creating conducive learning environments and ensuring student success beyond academic achievement.
Dean Ssali, representing Mountains of the Moon University among the 30 participating Deans of Students, engaged in various sessions focused on contemporary challenges facing students in Ugandan universities, including mental health support, career guidance, disciplinary matters, and fostering inclusive campus communities. The presence of 5 guild leaders at the conference ensured that student voices were directly represented in discussions about campus welfare policies.
The annual conference serves as a critical forum for Deans of Students to collaborate on policy development, share experiences, and align their approaches to student welfare across different institutions. Participants engaged in workshops covering topics such as crisis intervention, student leadership development, and creating supportive campus cultures.
The gathering reinforced the importance of student affairs professionals in bridging the gap between academic instruction and holistic student development, ensuring that universities not only educate but also nurture well-rounded graduates prepared for professional and personal success.
The conference concluded with commitments from participating institutions to strengthen inter-university collaboration in student support services and to continue advocating for the recognition of student affairs as an integral component of higher education excellence.
Written by: Brens Willie Wambedde