The Student Support Unit of the University of Ghana's Department of Distance Education (UGDE), in collaboration with the UGDE-JCR Executives, organised a second e-forum for interactions with junior members. On April 10, 2024, the "All You Need to Know as You Prepare for Your Exams" forum was held. The objective of this session was to provide clear guidance to level 100 students regarding the protocols and prohibitions associated with examinations within the university. This was important since this was the first time these students were sitting for examinations at the university.
A panel of experienced speakers included the Head of the Department for Distance Education, Prof. Samuel Amponsah, the College Academic Officers, Mr Moses M. Bawa and Ms Matilda Appiah, the Head of the Student Support Unit at DE, Dr Jonathan Odame, and the Examinations Officer, Dr Yvette Ussher. Mrs. Ruby V. Kodom, a member of the Student Support Unit, moderated the proceedings.
Dr. Jonathan Odame chaired the event and introduced the purpose of the session as efforts by the Department and Student leaders to ensure that fresh students enjoyed a smooth examination period. Prof. Samuel Amponsah welcomed participants and shared with the students the importance of adhering to timelines, accessing reliable sources of information, and abstaining from examination malpractice. Prof. Amponsah also cautioned that students be security conscious. He encouraged students to take steps to safeguard their belongings while writing exams.
Mr. Bawa then detailed the conditions for examinations. He began by emphasising the need for students to have appropriately registered courses and always have valid student identification. He then explained the academic requirements for successful progression in the university, including credit hour allocations and cumulative grade point average (GPA) considerations. He also read the rules governing student conduct during examinations at the University of Ghana.
The Examination officer entreated students to visit notice boards and rely on the daily timetables to avoid missing exam dates and times. She advised students to prepare adequately and do independent work. Dr Ussher also stressed that students should not be anxious about examinations. She stated that university lecturers, as teachers, are there to assess student understanding and not to fail them arbitrarily. Lastly, she encouraged students to maintain hydration and adequately prepare by studying hard.
When it was his turn, Mr. Seth Asare, the UGDE-JCR President, urged his fellow students to confidently approach examinations and cautioned them against acts of malpractice. He commended level 100 students for their active engagement in academic pursuits and extracurricular activities and extended well-wishes to them for their exams.
The forum ended after a very interactive Q&A segment. Students were happy to have had the opportunity to express their concerns and obtain the needed responses. Dr. Odame delivered the closing remarks to bring the programme to an end.