The Role of Pastoral Care in Strengthening Student-Faculty Relationship in Christian Higher Education
Abstract
The concept of effective pastoral care especially in Christian higher education cannot be a gainsay. Pastoral care in any higher education plays a pivotal role in fostering holistic student development and enhances the quality of student-faculty relationships. Basically, pastoral care relates to an educator’s commitment and proactiveness in demonstration of support and concern for the students with whom they interact. By addressing students’ emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being, pastoral care creates a supportive academic environment that extends beyond traditional teaching and learning. This approach encourages faculty to engage with students as whole individuals, promoting empathy, trust, and open communication. Moreover, pastoral engagement enables faculty to develop a deeper understanding of diverse student needs, strengthening institutional culture and inclusivity. This paper argues that pastoral care has an indispensable role in higher education that allows students navigate personal and academic challenges. It employs a descriptive method of research. Key Terms: Pastoral care, Student-Faculty Relationship, Strengthening, holistic, educators.
References
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