AASAP Annual Workshop 2025
Quality Student Affairs Management and Administration in African Universities
About AASAP Annual Workshop
The Association of African Student Affairs Practitioners (AASAP) is a continent-wide organization dedicated to providing leadership and professional support for student affairs and higher education practitioners across African universities.
AASAP's core mission is to promote a bold, context-driven approach to student development and the practice of student affairs, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within African higher education.
Workshop Theme
Quality Student Affairs Management and Administration in African Universities
Workshop Details
Duration
4-Day Intensive Workshop
Monday to Thursday
Venue
Holiday Inn Nairobi
Two Rivers Mall, Nairobi
Languages
English (Primary)
French & Arabic translations
Target
Student Affairs Practitioners
Across African Universities
The Critical Need for Professionalization
Student affairs practitioners play a crucial role in promoting holistic student development by designing and implementing programs that enhance students' out-of-class experiences and support their well-being and aspirations.
However, African universities traditionally appoint senior administrators and faculty (such as Deans, Directors, and Deputy Vice-Chancellors) to student affairs leadership roles. While these individuals are often accomplished academics, many have limited professional training and academic backgrounds specifically in student affairs and student development theory.
Current Challenges
- • Difficulty delivering quality support services
- • Limited expertise in psychosocial support
- • Inadequate crisis management capabilities
- • Poor student engagement strategies
- • Weak retention and career development programs
Workshop Solutions
- • Professional development training
- • Evidence-based best practices
- • Comprehensive skill development
- • Student-centered approaches
- • Transformative service models
Workshop Objectives
Training and Re-training
Train Student Affairs Practitioners in African universities, establishing a baseline of professional competence.
Service Review
Review existing support services that respond holistically to students' psychological, social, academic, and physical well-being.
New Modes of Delivery
Discover and implement new modes of service delivery that enhance effectiveness in meeting evolving student needs.
Harmonization & Framework Development
Share and harmonize best practices across institutions and develop a unified framework for Student Support Services.
Skill Sharpening
Sharpen knowledge and skills on quality delivery of Student Support Services through practical workshop activities.
Overall Goal
Equip student affairs practitioners with comprehensive best practices and current trends in quality support services for optimal student development and management.
The Role of Student Support Services (SSS)
Quality management and support services are critical for student success, helping them overcome academic challenges and access resources that enhance their intellectual, psychological, emotional, and overall well-being.
Student Support Services (SSS) are specialized programs designed and administered by qualified practitioners to foster student growth and development. These services actively integrate in-class and out-of-class activities to stimulate the learning process.
Key Contributions of SSS:
- Holistic Well-being: Addresses academic, physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and social aspects of student life
- Potential Maximization: Helps students maximize their potential while in school
- Retention and Graduation: Facilitates students' transition to university life, promotes retention, and ensures timely graduation
Examples of SSS:
- Academic tutorial programs
- Faculty and peer mentoring
- Educational and career counseling
- Social and personal adjustment initiatives
Workshop Modules and Target Audience
The workshop content is structured around key areas of contemporary student affairs practice, emphasizing practical application and the development of a continental framework.
Core Workshop Modules
Support Services
Focused on services that respond to the psychological, social, academic, physical, cultural, and general well‑being of students in African universities.
New Modes of Service Delivery
Exploring innovative and effective methods for delivering student support services to meet modern student needs.
Best Practices and Framework
Developing shared standards and a formalized framework for Student Support Services across the continent.
Knowledge, Skills, and Quality Delivery
Practical sessions aimed at improving the quality and competency of SSS delivery.
Professionalization of Student Affairs Offices
Strategies for formalizing and professionalizing the student affairs function within African universities.
Targeted Participants
The workshop is primarily designed for individuals directly involved in the management and delivery of student life and support services.
Primary Targets:
- Deans/Directors of Student Affairs
- University Counsellors and School Psychologists
- Halls/Student Residence Masters & Wardens
- Academic Advisors
- Student Leaders
- Campus Health and Security Officers
Other Relevant Attendees:
Although the content is primarily for practitioners, the material is highly relevant for university leadership and faculty who oversee student success and institutional management.
- Vice‑Chancellors, Rectors, and Presidents
- Registrars
- Faculty Members
- International Education Consultants and Experts
- Anyone interested in student affairs issues
Registration, Fees, and Logistics
Workshop Fee
Fee Includes:
- Workshop documents
- Group lunches
- Tea/coffee breaks
- Copy of workshop proceedings
Early Bird Discount
Up to 40% discount available for registrations and payments completed by COB Monday, October 31, 2025
Registration Assistance
For registration assistance or general inquiries, contact our moderators:
Documentation, Travel, and Accommodation
Workshop Documents
- Materials shared in soft copy with paid participants before the event
- Participants must bring their own laptops
- No hard copies will be available
Travel and Meals
Travel:
Participants are responsible for all costs associated with their travel to and from Nairobi, Kenya.
Meals:
Registration fee covers group lunches and tea/coffee breaks. Other meals are participant's responsibility.
Accommodation
- Hosted at Holiday Inn Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
- Participants responsible for accommodation costs
- Mandatory: All participants must book through AASAP for discounted rates
Excursion
A list of optional excursion sites will be provided to participants. Any desired excursions must be indicated for arrangements to be finalized, and the associated costs must be borne by the participants.
Workshop Moderators
The event will be moderated by experienced professionals in student affairs and higher education.
Kwesi Acquah Sam
Workshop Moderator
Augustine Amokwanoh
Workshop Moderator
This annual event is positioned as a key initiative for driving professional excellence and strategic management in student affairs across African higher education institutions.
Ready to Transform Student Affairs in Africa?
Join us for this transformative workshop and be part of the movement to professionalize student affairs across African universities.