Office of the Dean of Students

Our Mandate

The Mandate of Dean of Students’ Office /Department is derived from Section 37 of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 as amended which states that the Dean of Students shall be responsible for the welfare of Students.

The Dean of Students office is essentially responsible for overseeing the provision of welfare services to the students; specifically, on matters related to Students’ Accommodation, Feeding, Guidance & Counselling, Games, Sports and recreation, Religious Affairs/ moral and spiritual guidance, Health care Services, Students Leadership, Governance and life skills development as well as ensuring the discipline of the students.

In fulfilling this mandate, the department has developed its vision, mission, motto, core values that is before Quality Assurance for consideration and onward submission to the University Council for approval.

Department key strategic objectives:

1. To improve Students Welfare in areas of accommodation and feeding.

2. To promote the spiritual welfare of Students

3. To provide psychological support to students through guidance and counselling

4. To nurture students Leadership Skills and promote good governance

5. To develop and nurture students’ talents in various sports activities

6. To create a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes learning, students’ retention and progression.

7. To provide appropriate support and facilities for students with Special Needs.

8. To enhance Students exposure to local, regional and international experiences.

9. To develop appropriate welfare policies and guidelines.

10. To promote discipline, unity and teamwork among students.

11. To provide a link between the University and students’ parents/guardians/sponsors.

Functions of the Dean of Students’ Office

The following are some of the functions of the office of the Dean of Students:

1. Coordinating all matters related to the accommodation and feeding of students.

2. Monitoring students’ welfare and discipline in areas such as health, safety, financial, personal and other students’ matters affecting their well being.

3. Providing support to the government sponsored students and SWDs.

4. Directing the provision of guidance and counseling services, psycho social support to individual students who have unexpected setbacks during the semester.

5. Directing the organization and management of students’ games, sports and recreational activities in line with the University budget. The Dean of Students is the Patron of the Games Union and fosters sports activities.

6. Management of student’ Guild e.g student’s governance and leadership and other students Associations etc.

7. Management and supervision of students’ social functions

8. Providing mentorship to the Guild Leaders and building a cadre of student leaders that provide guidance, direction, and support for their peers and contribute to the SUN student experience and attainment of our vision.

9. Listening to and addressing students’ complaints of harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct etc.

10. Monitoring compliance with University’s behavioral expectations as enshrined in the code of conduct and other policies and laws and handling discipline related processes and procedures.

11. Mentoring and helping students effectively manage themselves.

12. Advising the Vice Chancellor and other University managers on matters relating to students welfare and discipline.

13. Developing policies, rules and regulations that guide the operations of the department.

14. Liaising with religious leaders to provide students with spiritual nourishment.

15. Liaising with University Medical Officer for the provision of health care services to the students.

16. Mentoring, couching and counseling of staff of the Dean of Students’ office.

Counseling Unit

The Counseling Unit is responsible in the coordination and provision of guidance and counseling services to the University Community.

The roles played by the unit includes the following.

1. To coordinate the planning, development and monitoring of support programs, strategies and activities for the provision of guidance and counseling services to the University Community.

2. To listen to students’ academic, emotional, social, behavioral concerns in an open and non-judgmental way.

3. To provide students with the necessary support and guidance on how to deal with their problems by working directly with them to develop solutions and set achievable goals.

4. To provide guidance and confidential counseling to staff and students.

5. To provide competent advice to student on their career choices and development.

6. To provide awareness of services offered by the unit by participating in the orientation of new students and compiling and disseminating information on guidance and counseling.

7. Identify and address issues that interfere with students’ education, academics, emotional and social well being.

8. Maintain staff and Students’ records in counseling while ensuring confidentiality of all clients.

9. To support staff in their academic and non-academic roles in the management of students’ problems.

10. Assist with conflict resolution and mediation between students, staff, parents and lecturers to ensure students’ academic goals are not disrupted.

11. To support the Dean of Students, Medical Officer, the Wardens and other University departmental organs in the day-to-day care of staff and students as the case may require.

12. To organize and conduct counseling and guidance workshops and seminars.

13. To coordinate the development and dissemination of guidelines on counseling and guidance services

14. To refer clients to other specialized service entities found appropriate, ensure effective coordination and follow up for proper feedback sharing.

Religious Affairs Unit.

The unit is generally responsible for planning and coordinating the activities that will promote the religious and spiritual well being. of Soroti University

However, the specific roles played by the unit includes the following.

1. To offer spiritual guidance and pastoral care to the student and other members of Soroti University.

2. To perform religious rites and conduct worship service.

3. Assess students’ religious and spiritual needs, create and implement programs that respond to those needs.

4. Develop and implement programs that promote spirituality.

5. Advice the University management on matters of faith and beliefs that help to promote an inclusive, tolerant and harmonious University Community.

6. Work with the Dean of Students and other colleagues to provide support to students’ crisis management.

7. Build and maintain good relationship with students, staffs regardless of their religion, faith or non-beliefs.

8. Provide an oversight role of the University Chapels, Mosque, facilities and resources while used by the students and staffs

9. Develop guidelines that regulate the use of the chapel and Mosques.

10. Build and maintain connections between the University and the governing bodies of the Church.

11. Counsel students with social and psychological problems.

12. Seek grant support for projects and programs that benefit the student and staff.

13. Supervise the students and other members of the University during spiritual events and camps within and outside the University especially outreach programs whenever approved.

14. Generate Work plan, Budgets and reports for presentation to management.