Technology Engagement and Decision Making in University Governance

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT
Name
Course
Professor
University
City (State)

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Contents
1. Introduction
2. Project Summary
3. Data Sets
4. Student Leadership Framework
5. Digital Engagement Platform
6. Information Architecture
7. Supporting Research
8. Implementation Strategy
9. Outcomes

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Technology Engagement and Decision Making in University Governance
Introduction
Student engagement within institutions is a two-way process that is primarily
informed by the institutional policies, culture and other conditions that enable and encourage
integration in the activities within the learning environment. Involving the students in
decision making processes within institutions of higher learning is an effort that requires time
investment as well as other resources that aim to increase their experiences through their
involvement in decision making in institutional management and governance, quality
assurance as well as in their learning curriculum. Furthermore, it enhances learning outcomes
besides developing their aptitude, performance and character. Institutions engage students
based on two perspectives that are driven by the market model of consumerism as well as the
developmental model. The consumer assumption gives the student the benefits of external
users outside the institution who are regarded as purchasers of a service. Conversely, the
developmental model views the student as a partner who stands to gain mutually through
acquired knowledge with full rights and responsibilities as co-creators in their learning.
Three perspectives drive student engagement in institutions of learning, including
democratic citizenship, learning communities and critical institutions. Students engage in
decision making at different levels within three significant domains that involve learners,
teachers and institution managers through international, national caucuses, institutionally
through their faculties, departments and courses. Principally students are engaged as partners,
to enhance democracy, inclusivity, transparency, and collegiality and promote
professionalism (Bryson, 2016 p.160). The framework through which student engagement
occurs ensures that students are made comfortable as part of a supportive institution,
enhancement of learning, collaborating with their institution in shaping their learning

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trajectory as well as improving the quality of governance which largely influences their
national experiences. This paper discusses the benefits and strategies of employing the use of
Information technology in institutions of higher learning as a subset of institutional
governance that enhances management. Using a fingerprint attendance system will automate
the procedures of attendance in the institutions of higher education by using modern
technology called biometric technology (Rocha & Serrhini,2018 p362). The system is time
efficient and makes institutional governance seamless and real-time.
Project Summary
This ICT project is digital platform which enhances student engagement in institutions
of higher learning, improve governance and decision making. The project is made up of two
components with the first one being a framework for student leadership within their
respective institutions and the second being a digital platform in form of a web portal which
is informed by the first component and aims to increase integration within the university by
enhancing student engagement as well as improve governance through the use of technology.
The proposed student framework is intended to unite the student leadership positions
throughout the institution of higher learning by them forming a student leadership forum
which will entail students’ leaders’ inclusion in the university council, the board of
academics, faculty boards, the student representative council and at the same time creating
networks with academic societies and students from other universities. This move will
address the need for both strategy and operations to have the support required to forge for a
digital platform which will be used to further integration and engagement. The portal will be
given a suitable name after the domain registration details have been confirmed.
Data Sets

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These include the list of data guidelines that will be used by students in accessing the
digital portal which is a live website to retrieve information that will be beneficial to the
current student leaders and the ones aspiring to become leaders as well as the broader
community in understanding the university’s system of administration and governance as
well as its structure which will contribute towards positive engagement with the students as
well as increase collaboration (Rowlands, 2017 p. 80). Student leadership positions eg.
University Council, Academic Board, Faculty Boards, Student Representative Council,
Academic Societies. Each of these contains data sets which include position title, terms of
reference (description) and duration of term. Information on student elections eg. when they
are held, what positions, how to apply. University governance meetings eg. information on
attending open sessions of Council, Academic Board and their subcommittees. Additional
data sets include terms of reference, along with dates, times and locations of meetings.
Database of student resources, relating to personal and professional development in a Higher
Education governance context eg. TEQSA student compliance guidelines.
Student Leadership Positions
Student Leadership Positions within the university is as below:
The following is a list of official student leadership positions within university governance.
● University Council (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
● Academic Board (Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
● Faculty Boards (FAD, BGL, STEM, Health - Undergraduate, Postgraduate)
● SRC (Student Representative Council - Executive and Officer positions)
Affiliated (official) Academic Clubs - Executive Members
● Approximately 20 clubs/ societies relating to specific fields of study.

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● Four executive positions - President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer.
● Clubs/ societies are welcome to create additional non-executive positions (eg. officer
role of events coordinator, marketing membership etc.) These will not be included.
University Council
# Title Role
Undergraduate Student Representative University Council
Postgraduate Student Representative University Council
Academic Board
# Title Role
4 Undergraduate Student Representative Academic Board
5 Postgraduate Student Representative Academic Board
# Title Role
5 Undergraduate Student Representative Faculty Arts and Design
6 Postgraduate Student Representative Faculty Arts and Design
7 Undergraduate Student Representative Faculty of Business,
Government and Law
8 Postgraduate Student Representative Faculty of Business,
Government and Law
9 Undergraduate Student Representative Education, Science,
Technology and Maths