Management of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) in conjunction with the College of Distance Education (CoDE), have interacted with postgraduate students on distance programmes at some selected study centres in the country.
The Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, led the team that visited Ho and Koforidua study centres.
Other members were, Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes, CoDE Dr. Felix Kwame Kumedzro, Assistant Registrar, SGS, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful, and Financial Secretary, Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG)-UCC Alfred Nana Kissi Andoh and Principal Journalist, Documentation and Information Section, Louis Mensah.
The Vice-Dean, SGS, Prof. Ruphino Zugle led another team to Sunyani and Kumasi Study Centres.
The Vice-Dean’s team comprised, Head, Business Programmes, CoDE, Prof. Siaw Frimpong; Senior Prof. Ruphino Zugle, Science Education, Dr. Kofi Acheaw Owusu; Senior Assistant Registrar, SGS, Mr. Eugene Hesse; Accountant, Mrs. Mavis Opoku Boadu; President,GRASAG-UCC, Mr. Kwabena Adjepong and Photographer, Documentation and Information Section, Mr. Emmanuel Cobbinah.
Some participants listening to the Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa through via virtual mode
Addressing the students via virtual mode, Prof. Darkwa explained that the visit was to interact and brief postgraduate students of CoDE about the activities of the School of Graduate Studies and also to provide them with the necessary support to help them with their studies.
She noted that the School of Graduate Studies was responsible for coordinating all postgraduate programmes in the University.
“Our mission here is to inform you about the activities of SGS, interact with you so you can seek clarification, discuss your academic progress and also address any concern you may have.”
She added that “though, you have not been attending lectures on our main campus, you are still an integral part of the University of Cape Coast Community and we are committed to your success as our students. The lecturers who teach you are the same people who teach the regular and sandwich postgraduate students”.
Prof. Darkwa urged the students to take their studies serious to excel in the programmes they were pursuing.
At Sunyani and Kumasi Centres, the Vice-Dean explained the structure and functions of the School of Graduate Studies.
Prof. Ruphino Zugle speaking to CoDE postgraduate students at Sunyani Centre.
He mentioned that the school collaborates with Colleges/Faculties/Schools/Departments to admit fresh postgraduate students, approve results and theses as well as recommending students for certification of their respective degrees.
Prof. Zugle advised the postgraduate students to set aside dedicated study hours, minimise distractions, irrespective of their busy schedules at work and home.
“Always participate in discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification whenever needed. The University is working hard to provide you with the best learning experience, and your active engagement will contribute to your academic growth.,” he entreated them.
Members of the delegation took the distance postgraduate students through the Academic Policies and Regulations for Graduate Studies. They responded to questions from students on issues affecting their studies.
The representatives of GRASAG-UCC spoke about the functions of the association and indicated mechanisms the executives were putting in place to ensure that postgraduate students on distance programmes of the University benefit from activities of GRASAG.
Similar interaction sessions have been scheduled to take place at the remaining postgraduate study centres across the country before the year ends.