Perceptions of the Work of Deans of Students in Selected Ghanaian Universities A dissertation presented to the faculty of The Patton College of Education of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy Michael Boakye-Yiadom December 2012 © 2012 Michael Boakye-Yiadom. All Rights Reserved. 2 This dissertation titled Perceptions of the Work of Deans of Students in Selected Ghanaian Universities by MICHAEL BOAKYE-YIADOM has been approved for the Department of Counseling and Higher Education and The Patton College of Education by Peter C. Mather Associate Professor of Counseling and Higher Education Renée A. Middleton Dean, The Patton College of Education 3 Abstract BOAKYE-YIADOM, MICHAEL, Ph.D., December 2012, Higher Education Perceptions of the Work of Deans of Students in Selected Ghanaian Universities Director of Dissertation: Peter C. Mather Available research and scholarship to serve as the basis for improving student services in Ghanaian universities are limited. The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of the work by deans of students at Ghanaian universities and to further understand the ways in which their experiences, values and philosophy influence their roles on campus. In particular, the deans of students’ understanding of their work in providing student services, promoting student learning, student engagement, student development and success is of special interest in this study. Available literature on traditional and innovative models of student affairs practices in the United States served as the theoretical framework of the study. Interviews, observations, and document analysis were used as sources of data collection in four selected Ghanaian universities. Research findings from the data analysis showed that the traditional leadership mindset of many Ghanaian university staff members conflicted with the more liberal orientation of many students, leading to student-staff tension on the university campuses. I also found out that many deans of students’ offices in Ghanaian universities use an administrative-centered model of student affairs practice which is often bureaucratic and less student-centered. 4 Again, the study revealed that many students were not satisfied with the services provided by the deans of students’ offices. While the deans of students perceive students as children who need parental care on campus, students are demanding more innovative and progressive approaches to providing student services on campus. Both students and staff acknowledged inadequate resources as a major challenge in the service delivery efforts of the deans of students. 5 I dedicate this work to my lovely wife, Becky Boakye-Yiadom, and my children, Kobby Boakye-Yiadom, Ama Boakye-Yiadom, Kwaku Boakye-Yiadom, and Afia Boakye-Yiadom. 6 Acknowledgments I am grateful to the Almighty God for His Amazing Grace! I am thankful for the support and guidance of my advisor and dissertation committee chair, Dr. Pete Mather, throughout my doctoral studies and this research. Dr. Mather has been a brother, a friend, a mentor, and a role model. I also wish to acknowledge with appreciation the commitment of my dissertation committee members, Dr. Bob Young, Dr. George Johanson, and Dr. Francis Godwyll. Their constructive feedback and suggestions contributed to the quality of this dissertation. Furthermore, I am thankful for the support and encouragement of Dr. Marc Cutright, Associate Professor at the University of North Texas, Judy Piercy and Barb Harrison of the Department of Residential Housing, Ohio University. Moreover, I would like to express my profound gratitude to my wife, Becky, and children, Kobby, Ama, Kwaku, and Afia for their unconditional love. I am grateful to my parents, Mrs. Elizabeth Boakye-Yiadom and Mr. Isaac Boakye-Yiadom (deceased); and my siblings Francis, Joe, Joycelyn, Ben, and Dan (deceased). Finally, I am grateful to all my friends and loved ones especially those at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and Ohio University, USA. 7 Table of Contents Page Abstract ..................................................................................................................... ……..3 Dedication…………………………………………………………………………………5 Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………………...6 List of Tables .................................................................................................................... 12 List of Figures ................................................................................................................... 13 Chapter One: Introduction……………………………………………………………….14 Background of the Study………………………………………………………...14 Globalization and Higher Education…………………………………….16 Higher Education, Wealth Creation and Poverty Reduction…………….19 Demand and Supply of Higher Education in Ghana……………………..19 Evolution of Student Affairs in the United States……………………….20 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................... ..22 Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................ 23 Research Questions .............................................................................................. 24 Significance of the Study ...................................................................................... 24 Delimitation and Limitation of the Study ......................... …………. ……… 25 Definition of Terms………………………………………………………………26 Chapter Summary………………………………………………………………..27 Chapter Two: Literature Review ...................................................................................... 28 Introduction………………………………………………………………………28 8 Chieftaincy and Traditional Leadership in Ghana……………………………….28 History and the State of Higher Education in Ghana……………………………30 Higher Education and Student Affairs in the United States……………………..34 Higher Education and Development……………………………………………..36 Challenges Facing Student Affairs Professionals………………………………..40 Theoretical Framework: Models of Student Affairs Practice…………………....43 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….48 Chapter Summary………………………………………………………………..48 Chapter Three: Methodology…………………………………………………………….49 Introduction………………………………………………………………………49 Research Design………………………………………………………………….49 Pilot Study………………………………………………………………………..51 Research Sites……………………………………………………………………52 Sampling…………………………………………………………………………54 Sampling Method………………………………………………………………..54 Data Collection Sources and Procedures……………….......................................55 The Researcher…………………………………………………………………...56 Data Recording…………………………………………………………………..56 Case Studies……………………………………………………………………...57 Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………….58 Credibility and Trustworthiness………………………………………………….61 Chapter Summary………………………………………………………………..62 9 Chapter Four: Findings…………………………………………………………………..64 Introduction…………………………………………..........................................64 Background of Sample…………………………………………………………..66 University of Cape Coast………………………………………………………..66 Dean of Students………………………………………………………...68 Staff at the Dean of Students' Office…………………………………....71 Faculty…………………………………………………………………..73 Students…………………………………………………………………74 Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology……………………....75 Vice Chancellor………………………………………………………….77 Dean of Students…………………………………………………...........79 Staff at the Dean of Students Office…………………………………….82 Faculty…………………………………………………………………..84 Students…………………………………………………………………85 Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration……………………88 Director of Student Affairs……………………………………………..90 Former Executive Secretary of Ghana's National Council for Tertiary Education……………………………………………………………….92 Staff at the Director of Student Affairs' Office…………………………95 Central University College……………………………………………………...96 Vice President……………………..........................................................97 Dean of Students…………………..........................................................98 10 Staff at the Dean of Students Office…………………………………....100 Students………………………................................................................101 Cross Case Analysis: Major Findings…………………………………………..102 Ghanaian Culture/Tradition…………………………………………….104 Traditional Leadership as Parenthood………………………….104 Communal Living………………………………………………107 Perceived Role of the Dean of Students………………………………..109 Representative of the Vice Chancellor…………………………110 The Dean of Students as Parent………………………………..112 Morality among Students and the Disciplinary Role…………..113 The Dean of Students as an Intercessor………………………..115 Time Commitment and Collaboration…………………………116 Student Needs and Services…………………………………………....119 Traditional Needs and Services………………………………...120 Non-Traditional Needs and Services…………………………..122 Customer Service………………………………………………124 The Success Story…………………………………………………......126 Challenges……………………………………………………………..128 Inadequate Resources………………………………………….128 Tension between Students and Staff………………………......129 Inadequate Institutional Support………………………………130 Conclusion……………………………………………………………...132 11 Chapter Summary……………………………………………………….133 Chapter Five: Summary, Discussion and Implication………………………………….134 Summary………………………………………………………………………..134 Discussion……………………………………………………………………....137 Research Questions……………………………………………………………..137 Desired Changes in Student Affairs Practice……………………………….......146 Implications for Practice………………………………………………………..150 Implications for Further Research……………………………………………...153 Personal Reflections……………………………………………………………154