Student services and amenities in TAFE

This paper examines the importance and effectiveness of student services and amenities in TAFE from a student perspective and addresses their inter-relationship with educational and social outcomes. The role and development of student services and amenities in TAFE are first analysed in the context of historical and contemporary policy documents. Key terms are then defined and the main findings of a national study of student satisfaction with services and amenities in TAFE are summarised. This research suggests that there is a need to increase the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of student services and amenities in TAFE if the full range of student needs and preferences is to be met. Following a discussion of policy implications arising from the research study, the paper concludes by arguing that unless student services and amenities in TAFE attract higher priority and increased government funding, efficiency and equity are likely to decline. Failure to upgrade the general amenity of TAFE is also likely to fuel persistent community perceptions of TAFE as a second class educational destination. Show less