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Challenges of involving students in campus SDGs-related practices in an ODeL context: the case of the University of South Africa (Unisa)

Albert Mawonde (College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa)
Muchaiteyi Togo (College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa)

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education

ISSN: 1467-6370

Article publication date: 6 May 2021

Issue publication date: 28 October 2021

630

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges faced by ODeL institutions to involve students in campus sustainable development goals (SDGs) related practices. Given that universities are mandated by several calls to participate in the implementation of SDGs, one way they can contribute to the SDGs paradigm is through the involvement of students.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through interviewing the Campus Operations Manager and the Students Representative Council (SRC) to determine the challenges of involving students’ in SDGs-related practices. The SRC completed the USAT (Part C) to determine SDGs practices students are involved in. An online survey was undertaken to determine how BSc Environmental Management students are participating in SDGs and the challenges faced towards their involvement. Thematic analysis analysed interview data and descriptive statistics analysed online survey data. Credibility and reliability were enhanced by data triangulation.

Findings

The research revealed that few students were involved in some campus SDGs-related practices. Few students were involved in off-campus SDG projects. This result is attributed to the distance between the University of South Africa (Unisa) and the students, lack of finance, the misconception around SDGs and a lack of interest in SDGs. The geographical distribution of ODeL students was concluded as the major barrier to student involvement in SDGs.

Originality/value

There are few studies, which investigated the involvement of students in campus-related SDGs in universities, let alone distance universities in Africa. The paper testifies that ODeL institutions have avenues to involve students in SDGs if such institutions become proactive through campus SDGs competitions and certification.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This paper forms part of a special section “Higher education and the acceleration of the sustainable development goals in Africa”, guest edited by Rudi Pretorius and Melanie Nicolau.

Citation

Mawonde, A. and Togo, M. (2021), "Challenges of involving students in campus SDGs-related practices in an ODeL context: the case of the University of South Africa (Unisa)", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 22 No. 7, pp. 1487-1502. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-05-2020-0160

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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