The Department of Distance Education's Student Support Unit held its maiden student forum for the 2024/2025 academic year on March 7th, 2025, via Microsoft Teams. The virtual event attracted over 1,000 participants, including students and faculty. Aligned with the University of Ghana's strategic plan, the forum aimed to enhance student engagement and address concerns about examinations and academic integrity.
Faculty members delivered key presentations on departmental policies and exam strategies, while an interactive session allowed students to seek clarifications. The event underscored the importance of structured forums in improving distance education outcomes.
Dr. Odame, the forum's convener, welcomed participants and highlighted the event's objectives. He emphasised the role of student forums in improving communication between students and faculty, reaffirming the university's commitment to supporting distance education students with guidance similar to that of on-campus students.
Professor Samuel Amponsah, the Head of Department, outlined the department’s mission and vision, highlighting efforts to enhance education quality through technology and student-focused policies. He encouraged students to leverage resources like the Sakai LMS, tutorials, and academic counselling, emphasising the department's commitment to a supportive learning environment.
Madam Adebona's presentation covered effective exam preparation strategies, emphasising time management, structured revision schedules and active learning. She recommended familiarising themselves with past exam formats and utilising university study materials. She also highlighted the importance of academic integrity and warned against last-minute cramming, which can negatively impact students’ performance.
Mr. Odame Darkwah, Head of Material Development, addressed the important issue of examination malpractice, highlighting its consequences for both students and the university. He presented statistics on past cases and discussed the measures that have been implemented to address these practices. He emphasised that malpractice undermines academic credibility and can lead to severe penalties, including suspension or expulsion. Students were encouraged to maintain ethical academic standards and seek assistance when they encountered difficulties.
Dr. Yvette Ussher, the Examination Officer, delivered a thorough discussion on the end-of-semester examination process. She explained the rules and regulations regarding the examination format. Additionally, she encouraged students to report any cases of delayed results to prevent issues with delayed graduation. Her session clarified the examination process and eased many common concerns among students.
Mrs. Ruby Kodom, a member of the Student Support Unit and moderator for the forum, conducted a Q&A session for students, addressing concerns about examination requirements, student ID cards, and eligibility for supplementary exams. Faculty members and resource persons answered questions, helping students better understand academic policies and expectations.
- The forum addressed important student concerns related to examination policies, preparation strategies and academic integrity.
- Faculty members reiterated the university's commitment to assisting distance learners by providing enhanced resources and guidance.
- The interactive format of the forum allowed students to engage directly with faculty members and received immediate responses to their questions.
The success of this student forum highlights the significance of structured academic engagement initiatives. By addressing student concerns and fostering a supportive academic environment, the Department of Distance Education is committed to improving the overall learning experience for its students. We thank all our students for their encouraging participation and looking forward to a successful examination period!
