The University of Ghana’s College of Education officially recently welcomed its newly admitted undergraduate students with a virtual orientation ceremony. The ceremony, organised in accordance with the University’s directive for college-based orientations, provided freshers with an overview of the University as well as the College’s academic environment, initiatives and support systems.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar, extended a warm welcome to the students, explaining that the virtual session was designed to be concise, as each department would host a more detailed in-person orientation. He encouraged students to actively participate in these departmental sessions and to take full advantage of the opportunity to ask questions.
Delivering the official welcome address, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College, provided a brief history of the College, its constituent schools and departments. He urged students to prioritise their studies and to regularly check their University email accounts and the University as well as College websites for updates on academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Professor Codjoe highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience, including the Vice-Chancellor’s ‘One Student, One Laptop’ initiative, the College’s newly launched postgraduate scholarship scheme, with plans to extend similar opportunities to undergraduates and the annual College of Education Awards and Dinner Dance. He also spoke about the with six Colleges of Education affiliated to the University and the success of the first ever Provost’s Tournament, which promoted interaction between students of the College and those from affiliated College’s of Education. Assuring students of his accessibility, he encouraged them to reach out to his office with any concerns.
The Deans of the College’s three constituent schools; Professor Gordon S.K. Adika (School of Education and Leadership), Professor Olivia A.T.F. Kwapong (School of Continuing and Distance Education) and Professor Akosua K. Darkwah (School of Information and Communication Studies), also addressed the students. They underscored their commitment to delivering a transformative studentl experience and provided guidance on the locations of their respective schools. The Deans encouraged freshers to attend the forthcoming in-person departmental orientations for a deeper understanding of their academic journey and to seek support from faculty and staff whenever needed.
Heads of Departments welcomed their students, offering insights into their respective programmes, career prospects and the significance of attending the in-person orientations. They stressed the value of academic dedication and engagement with departmental activities, urging students to take advantage of networking and mentorship opportunities.
The orientation also featured sessions led by the Equal Opportunity Board, Academic Affairs Office and Students’ Accounts Office and the College’s Academic Office covering crucial topics such as financial management, online registration, and examination processes. A representative from the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) encouraged students to embrace University life and make the most of the resources available to them.
A question-and-answer session, moderated by Mrs. Rodarling Neequaye, provided students with the opportunity to seek clarifications on various academic and administrative matters. Officials from the College responded comprehensively, ensuring that freshers were well-informed about their transition into University life.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Oduro Nkansah expressed gratitude to all participants and reiterated the importance of attending departmental in-person orientations. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to promoting a supportive and enriching academic environment and once again extended a warm welcome to the new cohort.