Student engagement efforts in a new university in Rwanda

Providing education to students is a significant investment in which universities must intentionally optimize the student experience in order to enhance their development. Despite the fact that interest in student engagement is increasing globally, there is a shortage of studies on student engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa. To maximise student engagement, activities prior to admission are key to ensuring the applicants become familiar and identify with the university’s mission and vision. Acknowledging the importance of engagement in students’ academic and professional success, this chapter will present a case study to illustrate how a new university in Rwanda set up various microsystems to engage students beyond classroom settings to promote their life-long learning and professional development - from the mission and vision, institutional policies, physical infrastructure, teaching methodologies, to going beyond the campus perimeter. Some of the impacts related to academic output and alumni career paths as well as some implementation challenges are also discussed.