Nkumba University’s School of Business Administration (SBA) has concluded its Distance Students’ Semester General Assembly with a renewed commitment to strengthening student support through regular engagement and closer collaboration between academic leaders and learners.
Addressing students during the assembly, the Dean School of Business Administration, Dr. Racheal Kabuye, announced a new initiative dubbed “The Dean’s Open Hour”, a monthly virtual forum aimed at creating an open and accessible platform for students to raise academic concerns and receive timely feedback.
Dr. Kabuye said the initiative is intended to bridge the communication gap between the Dean’s office and distance students while promoting transparency and collaborative problem-solving. “We recognize that distance students require consistent engagement beyond the physical classroom. Through the Dean’s Open Hour, we shall meet virtually every month to discuss pressing academic matters, listen to students’ concerns, and jointly identify practical solutions,” she said.
Adding that, “This platform will foster open dialogue, encourage free communication and strengthen the relationship between the School leadership and our students. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels heard, supported, and connected to the University.”
She further called upon members of staff to remain responsive to the needs of distance learners, noting that quality student support is fundamental to academic success and the University’s commitment to excellence.
Dr. Racheal Kabuye, Dean School of Business Administration
The general assembly also exposed students to the realities of the professional world through interactive career sessions facilitated by industry practitioners from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), and the Human Resource Management profession.
The experts guided students on emerging career opportunities, industry expectations, professional certification pathways, and the competencies employers increasingly seek in today’s competitive labour market.
Students welcomed the engagement, describing it as an opportunity to interact directly with the School leadership and industry professionals while gaining valuable insights into career development and professional growth.
The semester assembly forms part of the School’s ongoing efforts to enhance the learning experience for students pursuing their studies through the distance learning programme. Over the years, Nkumba University has continued to expand flexible learning options, integrating digital technologies and student-centred approaches to make higher education more accessible to working professionals and learners across Uganda and beyond.
The introduction of the Dean’s Open Hour marks another step in the University’s broader strategy to strengthen learner support, improve communication and ensure that distance education delivers the same quality academic experience enjoyed by on-campus students.