Highlights from Wittenborg’s Student & Staff Conference Day

13.03.2025

Discussions Focus on Teaching, Student Support and Campus Development

On 4 March, Wittenborg hosted its annual Student & Staff Conference Day, bringing together staff and students, both in person in Apeldoorn and online, for a day of discussions aimed at enhancing the overall student experience.

The day started with the Staff Representatives Meeting, where staff gathered to discuss a range of important topics. These discussions set the stage for the plenary feedback session later in the day, where both students and staff shared further insights.

Staff Session: Addressing Key Challenges and Opportunities

The staff session kicked off with an in-depth conversation on how best to engage students, particularly Generation Z. Fahad Shakeel, Deputy Head of the School of Business, who moderated the meeting, led a discussion on how teaching approaches could be adapted to better connect with students. “Generation Z needs a more interactive and flexible approach,” Shakeel said, stressing the importance of understanding their learning preferences to create a more engaging academic environment.

Another important point raised during the staff meeting was the need for informal spaces where staff and students can connect outside formal settings. This highlighted the need for additional community spaces to help foster stronger relationships between staff and students, enhancing the sense of community and belonging.

Additionally, staff reflected on how to better support their professional development. Dadi Chen, Deputy Head of the School of Business, shared details about the school's ongoing efforts to bring technological training, including workshops on AI and other essential tools, to help staff stay ahead of industry trends. “We want to equip staff with the skills needed to thrive in the changing business landscape,” Chen remarked.

In closing the staff session, Shakeel emphasised the importance of continuous feedback, stating, “We’re always open to feedback. Your ideas are always welcome, so please take the initiative, and we’ll follow up with actions.”

Following the morning’s discussions, the afternoon saw the plenary feedback session where both students and staff came together to share their perspectives and ideas on how to improve the Wittenborg experience.

Key Feedback from Students

During the plenary session, students shared valuable insights from their meetings. A key focus was on enhancing Wittenborg’s dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Students expressed enthusiasm for fostering a vibrant campus atmosphere and suggested that expanding support for student-led initiatives, such as cultural events, sustainability projects, and volunteer activities, would further enrich their university experience.

Regarding teaching methods, students proposed introducing standardised teaching guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency across courses. Additionally, they highlighted the opportunity to strengthen communication between staff and students, fostering a more connected and supportive academic community.

Staff and Programme Committees Respond

In response to the feedback, Chen, also MBA Programme Coordinator, highlighted the importance of Wittenborg’s industry connections and the role they play in helping students secure career opportunities and internships.

He also emphasised the growing significance of alumni engagement, noting that some Wittenborg graduates are now working at leading companies, such as IKEA and Philips. 

Teaching Quality and Industry Partnerships

Students enrolled in the master’s programmes shared feedback on the role of industry partnerships in enhancing their learning experience. They particularly appreciated practical assignments that tied academic learning to real-world applications. However, they also suggested a stronger focus on practical software skills, such as Power BI, which are increasingly in demand by employers. Adeyemi Banjo, Senior Lecturer & MBM Programme Coordinator, acknowledged this feedback, stating that Wittenborg is already exploring ways to integrate more software training into the curriculum to better prepare students for industry needs.

Looking Ahead

As the day concluded, Karen Penninga, Director of Corporate Governance, and Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenborg, reflected on the ongoing efforts to enhance the student experience. “We’re all working towards improving your experience here at Wittenborg,” Penninga said. The plans for a new building in Apeldoorn, expected to be completed in five years, were also shared. This new facility will provide additional space for student activities and offer state-of-the-art resources, further strengthening the community atmosphere.

Ron Tuninga, Rector at Wittenborg, expressed his appreciation for the feedback received during the plenary session. He highlighted several key areas for improvement, including teaching and learning, facilities and professional practice. Tuninga acknowledged that while some improvements could be implemented quickly, others, particularly those related to facilities, would take more time to address, as noted by Peninga and Birdsall.

He concluded by saying, "Thank you all for your hard work. Together, we change Wittenborg for the better. Thank you for your commitment. Better Yourself – Better Our World."