Preservation strategies for student affairs records at the University of Venda in South Africa

Abstract

Student affairs records are essential components in addressing basic functionalities in the university environment as they serve diverse purposes such as the life of a student on the campus. However, these records are often not preserved properly especially at universities in rural settings.   This study assessed student affairs records, with consideration to preservation strategy at the University of Venda in South Africa. Data were collected through interviews with ten purposively selected staff members from student affairs division. The key findings reveal that while the university has an archive service within the library, the responsibility of preserving student records lies with records management division that resides within the registrar’s office. However, there is no preservation strategy for student affairs records. It is concluded that collaboration between student affairs and records and archives department enhance to collect the student affairs records. A comprehensive study on the management of student affairs records in South African universities is recommended.