Charting Course for Progress: Insights from Wittenborg's Student & Staff Conference Day
Students & Staff Discuss AI, Examinations, Communication and More
On 5 March, Wittenborg hosted its annual Student and Staff Conference Day in Apeldoorn and online to encourage discussion and debate among students and staff.
The day kicked off with separate discussions for staff and students, paving the way for interactive feedback exchanges in the afternoon. During these discussions, moderated – and led – by Wittenborg's Dadi Chen, Fjorentina Muco, Fahad Shakeel, and Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes at various stages, the staff meeting covered a wide range of topics. De Oliveira Menezes commented that the staff engaged in significant conversations, reflecting on the successes of the past year, including new student accommodation and collaboration with Global People.
"After a discussion lasting just over an hour, it was concluded that employees would like to take more courses to improve their skills," De Oliveira Menezes explained further. These courses could be in teaching, AI (Artificial Intelligence), communication, team building and other subjects.
Another point of interest to highlight was the necessity for clarity regarding the departments available at Wittenborg and the respective responsibilities of each staff member.
"Employees were also asked to get more involved in guest lectures, as it is important to have more quorum in our lessons. Finally, it was recommended to move the smoking areas so as not to disturb the offices in front of the Brinklaan building."
It was also suggested to improve routine socialising events, personal development plans, and provide clear guidance on hygiene and recycling at Brinklaan.
De Oliveira Menezes said that hearing colleagues' points of view is essential for understanding different perceptions and expectations about Wittenborg.
"It was interesting to hear that the demands were based on the same issues such as updating and acquiring knowledge and being more involved as a group."
She added that issues such as preventive health checks and lecturers' courses related to research, AI, and higher education teaching skills have already been discussed with the management team and strategies have been or will be applied very soon.
In this case, de Oliveira Menezes feels that Wittenborg is not only promoting staff meetings but is also interested in different opinions and open to making a few changes to improve the institutional environment.
Plenary Feedback
The outcomes of these discussions were further discussed during the Plenary Feedback session.
From the students' point of view, Arvin Gharib, Chairman of the Student Representatives, reported that students expressed satisfaction with lecturers and content but would like to see more transparency in certain areas. Student representative Alexandra Kukhtina further emphasised the importance of a better understanding of AI among staff and students.
Additionally, student representatives suggested reconsidering evaluation types, minimising changes to exam guides, and clearer grading criteria with ample feedback. Students also explained that dual teaching is also widely appreciated and to be encouraged further.
Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng commented that every year the discussions conducted on the Student and Staff Conference Day provide the school with valuable insights into different topics and areas. In 2023, the central theme of the Plenary Feedback session was mental health and well-being. After making big strides in this space since then, she thanked Wittenborg staff and students for their suggestions and comments.
"This way we can make this lovely institution even greater."
WUP 19/03/2024
by Erene Roux
