Social Treatment of Graduate Students in Kenya: A Case of One University

Abstract

There is intensive enrolment of postgraduate students in order to sustain national capacity for university teaching and research. However, this development is no challenge-free for the graduate students face a number of problems which varies from economic to social. This research investigated the social treatment of Graduate Students in one university in Kenya. The researcher used informal interviews and discussion to get the opinions of the respondents, that is, the graduate student at that university. The researcher also collected data through observation for she is one of the graduate students at that university. Data was analyzed qualitatively and findings revealed that graduate students were from different countries of Africa including Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda. The respondents were happy with the library and classrooms services. However, they were staying in pairs in small rooms and facilities meant for one. They were also affected by noise from the undergraduate students for they shared the same premises. Again, the respondents complained of long queues at the single food outlet of the university and academic offices for they are given same treatment with the many undergraduate students on first-come-first serve basis. The study recommends separate residential places for graduate and undergraduate students; separate food collection points for graduate and undergraduate students and different student cards for undergraduate and graduate students so that graduate students are recognized and are given due respect. It also recommends adjustment on the part of the graduate students.

Keywords: higher education; graduate students; social treatment