ZOU Student Advisors Master Modern Support Skills: A Holistic Vision for Student Success
ZOU is making a significant investment in its student support services by empowering its advisors with the skills needed for a rapidly changing educational landscape. The university recently hosted a two-day professional development workshop for student advisors, support officers, and administrators. The workshop, held on August 4th and 5th, 2025, at the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management (ZIPAM), focused on equipping staff to provide inclusive, strategic, and student-centered support.
Student Advisors pose for a photo with the Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Professor Ermson Zuva Nyakatawa at ZIPAM for the two-day coaching program for its Student Advisors, Support Officers, and Administrators
Titled “Empowering Advisors for Inclusive, Strategic and Student-Centered Support,” the intensive training went beyond traditional advising skills. Participants learned to integrate artificial intelligence into their workflows and mastered advanced communication techniques. The curriculum also addressed crucial topics like emotional intelligence, diversity, mental health, and conflict resolution, preparing staff to handle the complexities of modern student needs. By investing in this forward-looking initiative, ZOU is ensuring its advisors can deliver cutting-edge support while fostering strong, personal relationships with students.
The initiative was opened with remarks from Professor E. Z. Nyakatawa, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, who emphasized the critical role of advisors as the primary link between students and the university.
Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Professor Ermson Zuva Nyakatawa addresses delegates during his opening remarks at the Student Advisors, Support Officers, and Administrators workshop at ZIPAM on Monday 4 August 2025
“Advisors are the central point of contact between our diverse student body and the broader world of academia,” said Professor Nyakatawa. “They help learners navigate their studies, guide their development, and help them overcome adversities—whether academic, personal, or socio-economic.”
Day One: Building Strong Foundations for Student Relationships
The first day’s agenda centered on Personal Effectiveness & Student Relationship Building. Dr. B. Duri led the morning sessions, guiding staff through crucial topics like talent spotting and development pathways for students and establishing robust mentorship structures. He challenged participants to move beyond traditional academic metrics and actively identify the unique strengths and passions of their students.
“Talent isn’t always found on a transcript,” he noted. “It’s your job to see the potential in every student and help them find a path to cultivate it.”
Dr. Blessing Duri coaches delegates on building foundations for student relationshps at the professional development workshop for Student Advisors, Administraotrs and Officers at ZIPAM.
The conversation then shifted to the cornerstone of any successful relationship: communication. Advisors were trained in active listening and sophisticated questioning techniques to ensure they truly understood student needs. The workshop also addressed the often uncomfortable but necessary skill of giving constructive feedback and navigating difficult conversations with grace and professionalism. The message was clear: effective communication builds trust, and trust is the foundation of meaningful support.
Participants also explored the importance of emotional intelligence for effective student support, learning how to develop self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation. The session explained how these skills are crucial for building trust-based advisor-student relationships. The day continued with practical training in conflict resolution and problem-solving, providing staff with tools to mediate disputes and make risk-informed decisions.
The afternoon session, “Well-Being, Leadership & Quality Service,” shifted focus to the holistic needs of both staff and students. Facilitator Dr. B. Duri led discussions on stress management, understanding mental health, and implementing effective self-care strategies. A vital session on Mental Health Information and Student Referrals equipped staff with the knowledge to recognize student distress and follow proper referral protocols. The role of Student Affairs in student retention was also explored, with Dr. Chiparange and Professor Rupande highlighting the importance of soft skills in handling student queries.
Professor Rupande (above) explores the role of Student Affairs in student retention, with Dr. Chiparange below highlighting the importance of soft skills in handling student queries.
Day Two: Strategic Systems and Modern Solutions
The second day, titled “Strategic Systems, Innovation, Policy & Culture,” looked toward the future of student support. After a morning reflection circle, Dr. B. Duri began with a deep dive into leadership skills for student management success, exploring various leadership styles and their impact on student development.
The Technology & Policy Block introduced staff to cutting-edge tools and essential university frameworks. Mr. R. Chitiga presented on harnessing technology and AI in advisement and counseling, including AI-driven student profiling and the ethical considerations of automation. He also demonstrated how technology can be leveraged to improve efficiency and the overall student experience through e-advisement systems and automated feedback.
ICT Engineer, Educational Technologist Mr. Rugare Chitiga presents on harnessing technology and AI in advisement and counseling
The final sessions brought a focus on policy and inclusion. Dr. M. Chiwodza and Mr. E. Maendaenda clarified key university and academic registry policies, ensuring staff understood their roles in compliance and student rights. The program concluded with a powerful session on diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence, facilitated by Dr. B. Duri, which addressed the importance of serving students from all backgrounds and designing bias-aware, inclusive services. Other topics covered were enhancing student engagement, service-oriented management skills, and even establishing income-generating projects for student empowerment.
Acting Director, Quality Assurance Dr. Maxwell Chiwodza (Standing above) and Manager, Admissions Mr. Emmanuel Maendaenda (below) clarifies key university and academic registry policies to delegates.
As the session drew to a close, it was evident that the advisors were leaving with more than just new information. They were equipped with a new philosophy for their role—one that positions them not just as guides, but as mentors, confidantes, and catalysts for student success. This shift toward a more holistic, empathetic, and skilled approach to advising is more critical than ever.
The workshop concluded with remarks from the
who highlighted that the investment in professional development of the staff was a clear commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative environment for ZOU students. Dr. Agrippa Zhou then gave a vote of thanks to all who contributed to the success of the workshop.
Manager, Centre for Student Management, Mr Elias Mberi (above) and Dr. Agrippa Zhou (below) 
Workshop in pictures
