Challenges Facing Student Affairs Practitioners in Zimbabwean Universities: The Call for a Higher Education Meta-Normative Framework

Abstract

In this study, we have argued that it is not possible to talk of quality assurance in student affairs management without a clear articulation of the theoretical meta-normative framework for higher education that will enable student affairs practitioners to visualize, articulate and carry out their mandate. We have argued that before talking about quality assurance in student affairs management, it is critically important to define education, outline its aims and discuss its philosophical underpinnings. We have noted also that the reason why student affairs practitioners are facing challenges related to quality issues has more to do with the lack of a conceptual understanding of education and the “one-size-fits-all” model which most universities are using to manage student affairs.