LATEST UPDATE ON DISTURBANCES BY STUDENTS OF
CASELY HAYFORD HALL

1. It will be recalled that on April 2, 2008 the University of Cape Coast issued a notice announcing the closure of Casely Hayford Hall for the rest of the Second Semester of the 2007/2008 academic year.
   Among the reasons given for that decision were:
   1. The need to restore law and order following students general violent behaviour.
   2. The admission by the Casely Hayford Hall JCRC Executives of their inability to control students of the Hall, and
   3. The need to safeguard life and property in Casely Hayford Hall and the University campus in general.


2. On 8th April, 2008 the University followed up this notice with a more detailed background explanation and also the situation report on the campus. In that update, it was indicated that the University had set-up a Committee of Enquiry to investigate, among others matters:
   1. the circumstances leading to the damage caused to life and property in Atlantic Hall in the morning of March 31, 2008;
   2. to identify the students who were involved in the violent behaviour and destruction of property, and
   3. to make recommendations on any issues of relevance that may come to attention.
3. On Friday, April 25, 2008 the Executive Committee of the Academic Board held an emergency meeting to deliberate on the report of the Investigation Committee. The Executive Committee observed that some form of follow-up action should be done on the findings and recommendations of the report.

   However, in situations where the Investigation Committee identified clear cases of misconduct, the following decisions were taken by the Executive Committee:

   1. That students of Casely Hayford and Atlantic Halls should jointly pay for the camera of a female student which was damaged during the confrontation
   2. That students of Atlantic Hall should pay for a digital camera of a staff of Eagle F.M. which was damaged during the confrontation.
   3. That students of Casely Hayford Hall should pay for the cost of damage caused to property at Atlantic Hall.
   4. That Casely Hayford Hall should be banned with immediate effect for two (2) years from holding Hall Week celebrations, for breaking the rules on Demonstrations, Rallies, Assemblies and Processions (DRAP).
   5. That Atlantic Hall should be banned for one year with immediate effect from holding Hall Week celebrations, for initiating the stone throwing during the confrontation with Casely Hayford Hall.
   6. That Casely Hayford Hall JCRC should write and present letters of apology for indiscipline towards some senior officials of the University during the procession.
   
   
4. Disciplinary Committee
   Based on the findings and recommendations of the Investigation Committee the Executive Committee decided to set up a Disciplinary Committee with the following terms of reference to handle cases which border on indiscipline:
   
   
   1. To determine the extent of involvement of some students in the organisation of the Casely Hayford Hall processions held in the early hours of 31st March, 2008 and 1 April, 2008, as well as their association with the Casely Hayford Hall Supreme Council
   2. To examine the role played by a Level 400 (B.Sc Tourism) student, in the assault of a Level 100 (B.Ed Management) student and recommend appropriate sanctions if found culpable.
   3. To consider any other related issues on misconduct and make appropriate recommendations.
      
5. Committee on Re-organisation of Student Halls of Residence
   The Executive Committee noted with concern the existence of a parallel student authority in Casely Hayford Hall and in other Halls which makes it difficult for the JCRC Executives to control the student body in the Halls. Consequently, the Executive Committee appointed a second Committee on Re-Organisation of Student Halls of Residence. The Committee was given the following terms of reference:
   1. To consider reviewing the existing form of governance in all Halls of Residence, in the light of the new Residential Policy (Freshers First-In-Out-Out-Out).
   2. To examine the existence of some shadowy but influential groups in the Students Halls of Residence, indicate how they affect the Administration of the Halls and to advise on how to manage these bodies and make appropriate recommendations.
   3. To consider arrangements for the re-opening of Casely Hayford Hall,and how the Hall could be reorganized with a view to ensuring discipline and compliance with of University rules and regulations.
   4. To consider any other related issues and make appropriate recommendations
   5. The two Committees are expected to submit their reports to the Vice-Chancellor by 31 May, 2008.
      
6. Continued Closure of Casely Hayford Hall
   The Executive Committee decided that Casely Hayford Hall should remain closed for the rest of the Second Semester of 2007/2008 for the following reasons:
   1. To give the Disciplinary Committee the chance to complete its work.
   2. To give the University time to re-organise the administration of the hall.
      
7. It is the view of the Executive Committee that the effective handling of this issue at this time and the re-organization of the administration of the entire hall system will ensure the peaceful atmosphere required for teaching and learning on UCC campus. We therefore appeal to the University Community and the general public to exercise patience while the administration works towards a lasting solution to what appears to be a perennial student problem.