PERCEPTION OF FRESHMEN STUDENTS ON THE STUDENTS' SERVICES OFFERED AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES: BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION

Abstract

This study examined first-year students' perceptions of the student services provided by Bestlink College of the Philippines in order to make recommendations. The institution's dedication to provide high-quality education in spite of obstacles served as the impetus for the study. Admissions, cashier services, safety and security, registrar, and the Student Management System (SMS) and Learning Management System (LMS) were some of the major service areas that were looked at. Using a standardized questionnaire, 375 freshman students participated in the study, which used a descriptive quantitative research approach. In order to guarantee representation across various segments, stratified sampling was employed. The findings showed that first-year students had generally favorable opinions about admissions, cashier services, registrar services, and safety and security. However, issues with the SMS and LMS were brought up, especially with reference to malfunctions and system outages. With an overall weighted mean of 4.12, freshmen students pinpoint certain issues within each service area. Outdated security equipment and a lack of emergency response training for employees are among the safety and security issues. Issues with online payments and lengthy wait periods impede cashier services. Staffing shortages and drawn-out document retrieval procedures plague registrar services. Inadequate staffing and sluggish response times are problems for admission services. Technical issues and irregular updates plague SMS and LMS platforms. With a p-value of.00001, statistical analysis showed substantial disparities in the assessment of various student services, highlighting the necessity of focused interventions. Addressing the perceptions and challenges faced by freshmen students within the student services at Bestlink College is essential for fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. Implementing the recommended solutions can lead to a safer, more efficient educational setting that enhances student success and satisfaction. Continuous evaluation and refinement of these strategies demonstrate a commitment to improving the overall educational experience for students, staff, and stakeholders.​  Research indicates that student engagement significantly influences academic resilience and success. Encouraging active participation in educational activities, setting and achieving goals, and providing collaborative opportunities can enhance engagement. Institutions that promote student autonomy and create learning communities: groups of students co-enrolled in multiple courses together, have observed improvements in academic performance and collaborative skills. ​