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The newly elected leadership of the University of Botswana (UB) Student Representative Council (SRC) and Graduate Students Association (GSA) were formally introduced to the University's Executive Management Team (EMT) during a meet-and-greet session held recently at the UB Council Chamber.

The student delegation was led by SRC President, Mr Neville Sechele and GSA Chairperson, Mr Joseph Mwape, accompanied by members of their respective executive committees. The UB Executive Management Team (EMT) comprised Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning Professor Maria Nnyepi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Professor Doreen Ramogola-Masire, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Mr Dawid Katzke and Chief Finance Officer (CFO),  Mr Davies Tele. Also in attendance were Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr Faith Rapuleng-Tuelo and Director of Student Life and Experience, Dr Babra Pansiri.

Welcoming the newly elected student leaders, Professor Norris underscored the critical role of student leadership within the University, noting that students remain the institution's most important stakeholder group.

"The University exists because of its students," he said, adding that student leaders played an integral role in shaping the institution and ensuring that the voices of their constituents were represented in decision-making processes.

Professor Norris assured the SRC and GSA leadership that they were valued partners in the governance and management of the University. He encouraged them to exercise professionalism, ethical leadership and accountability while upholding the University's values and reputation.

"The integrity of the University is of paramount importance," Professor Norris emphasised.

The Vice Chancellor also took the opportunity to brief the student leaders on the University's recent transition into a High-Performance Organisation (HPO), a strategic initiative aimed at fostering a culture of excellence, efficiency and continuous improvement. He explained that UB was committed to delivering excellence to all its stakeholders including students, government, industry and society at large.

Professor Norris further encouraged the student leaders to engage constructively with management by bringing forward meaningful proposals and innovative ideas that advanced the interests and welfare of the student community. "Leadership is about serving those who follow you," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the SRC, Mr Sechele expressed appreciation for the engagement, describing it as an important opportunity for student leaders to establish working relationships with the University's senior management.

He highlighted the need for open and constructive dialogue between students and management, stressing that listening to student concerns was essential for the continued growth and prosperity of the institution.

However, he raised issues related to welfare. Among the issues raised by the SRC were the welfare of student leaders, a proposal for an SRC allowance and concerns regarding lecturer-to-student ratios to ensure the maintenance of quality teaching and learning standards.

Similarly, GSA Chairperson, Mr Mwape highlighted the importance of enhancing support services and welfare for international students. He called for collaborative efforts between students and management to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.

Meanwhile, members of EMT acknowledged the concerns and proposals raised by the student leaders and encouraged them to remain committed to the university's rules, regulations and governance frameworks.

The EMT also emphasised the importance of financial prudence, accountability and adherence to procurement procedures in the management of student funds. Student leaders were urged to uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure that resources entrusted to them are utilised responsibly and for the benefit of the broader student community.

The meeting marked the beginning of what both parties described as a collaborative and constructive relationship aimed at enhancing the student experience and advancing the University of Botswana's mission of academic excellence, innovation and societal impact.