Governance frameworks and their impact on enrolment factors, academic performance, and emotional well-being in tertiary education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/jgi.9.1.2026.12411Keywords:
Governance, Tertiary Education, Academic Performance, Enrolment Factors, Emotional well-beingAbstract
The enrolment of students in tertiary education is influenced by multiple factors, including personal interest, career prospects, and social influences, which may affect academic performance and emotional well-being. Understanding these relationships is essential for higher education institutions to design governance frameworks that support student success and retention. This study investigates the relationship between enrolment factors, academic performance, and mental and emotional well-being among tertiary students. A quantitative research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to collect data from 40 tertiary-level students. Descriptive analysis, one-sample t-tests, and bivariate correlation analyses were conducted using PSPP. The findings indicate that career advancement opportunities were the most influential enrolment factor. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between enrolment factors and academic performance or mental and emotional well-being. Despite this, most students reported high levels of satisfaction with their programme and generally good mental health. These results suggest that while enrolment factors may not directly influence measurable academic outcomes, they play an important role in programme suitability, motivation, and long-term student engagement. Ultimately, this study contributes to the literature by highlighting the need for tertiary education governance frameworks that prioritise student-centred programme design and well-being support.
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