The voice of students at The DaVinci Institute is a key priority. Through the Student Representative Council (SRC), the students at DaVinci can voice their issues and make contributions to the development of the institute. The mandate of the committee is clear, to advocate for students’ rights and to remain their voice throughout their academic journey.
Speaking to SRC President, Partrick Mugumo, he indicated that when their term started in 2024, their mandate was clear and ambitious: to advocate for students’ rights, foster a culture of inclusivity and transparency, and enhance the overall student experience at The DaVinci Institute.
“We were tasked with bridging the gap between students and institutional leadership, ensuring effective communication, and addressing concerns promptly and constructively,” stated the SRC President.
Challenges SRC Faced
Mugumo stated that there have been challenges managed by the SRC office since their term started. Students faced several challenges, notably financial constraints, academic pressures, mental health concerns, and limited access to resources.
“Our office addressed these issues by reaching out to the institution to prioritise accessible channels for academic support,” stated Mugumo.
The DaVinci’s SRC is in the process of strategic development to transition from a reactive to an initiative-taking approach, including finding ways to provide financial support to students and implementing a mental health awareness programme. This is a positive direction to prioritise the needs of the students at DaVinci.
Mugumo’s Reflection on the Term
Reflecting on his term thus far, serving as the SRC President has been profoundly rewarding and insightful for Mugumo. It is not easy to be the voice of a diverse student community; however, this experience has taught him the importance of empathy, active listening, and decisive action. It has also underscored the crucial role of collaboration and open dialogue in fostering positive change.
Before concluding their term, as SRC, they aim to enhance student wellness programmes, implement comprehensive financial aid structures and advocate for policy improvements to support academic excellence and inclusivity.
“We aim to strengthen alumni-student networks to foster long-term engagement and mentorship,” stated Mugumo.
Policies Driven By Current SRC
Reflecting on the policies driven by the current SRC team, since the election, they have advocated for and influenced several policies, including enhanced learning and teaching, expanded mental health services, and improved guidelines for online and hybrid learning environments.
“These policies are designed to address student needs and directly improve academic outcomes,” stated SRC President.
Mugumo indicated that student well-being remains a top priority in our efforts. As SRC, they are planning regular feedback loops, including surveys, focus groups, and Class rap meetings, to ensure that students’ voices inform their actions. In addition, he elaborated that feedback indicates significant improvements in support services, although continuous efforts are still needed to address persistent challenges, such as financial stress and academic workload pressures.
Message for 20th Anniversary
In closing remarks, President Mugumo has wished the institute a happy 20 years of remarkable work.
“We commend the bold visionaries who laid the foundation for this journey, the resolute academics who guided it with passion and wisdom, and the inspiring students whose commitment and curiosity continue to drive meaningful change in our society,” he stated.
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