How do Student Services Enhance Student Learning and Success? Evidence from Cambodian Higher Education Institutions
Abstract
Students are considered a potentially powerful economic force and sometimes make significant contributions to nation-building. However, the high rate of students in higher education poses a significant threat to both students and society. The purpose of the study, therefore, is to explore the role of student services in supporting student learning and success. The study utilized a qualitative design, engaging 96 purposively sampled participants, with one-on-one semi-structured interviews conducted with key informants, while Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) were used with students. The study employed thematic analysis with an abductive method, combining deductive and inductive coding, to uncover new and emerging themes and subthemes from the data. The findings reveal that student services fulfill three major interconnected roles in promoting student success: (1) Academic and skills development. These critical services provide student learning skills and professional development. (2) Psychosocial and retention support. This service provides students with concise soft skills and strong interpersonal engagement. (3) Social responsibility and global citizenship development. The student services lead the student to engage in community services in order to gain both practical knowledge and insight experience, which motivates them to focus on their responsibility as human capital. These critical roles extend beyond traditional administrative functions, positioning student services as essential mediators between academic programs and students’ personal, professional, and civic growth. These findings provide valuable implications for policymakers, higher education institutions’ leaders, and student affairs practitioners seeking to strengthen student support systems in Cambodia and similar emerging higher education contexts. Specifically, the study serves as a strategic catalyst for modernizing institutional governance and optimizing educational outcomes for Cambodia’s Vision 2050.