REPORT ON STUDENTS’ FORUM
The Student Support Unit of the Department of Distance Education, University of Ghana, organised two Students’ Forums during the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. The main goals were to connect with students, give academic advice, and fix key problems that affect distance learners. The forums took place on 27th March 2026 and 28th April 2026 on Microsoft Teams and Facebook Live. They brought together students, lecturers, and university staff to discuss important academic and personal development topics. A total of 1,003 students attended the first forum, while the second forum had 504 participants. The sessions started with a welcome from Dr. Jonathan Odame, Coordinator of the Student Support Unit. He explained the importance of the forums as tools for keeping communication open between students and the department, and he encouraged students to use the university's support systems. The Head of Department, Professor Samuel Amponsah, praised the students for working hard to balance their university lessons with their jobs and family responsibilities. He promised that the department will keep working to make distance learning better, and he told students to stay focused, disciplined, and quick to ask for help when they need it.
The forums featured several helpful presentations to give students practical tips for passing their courses. Mr. Moses Bawa, the College Academic Officer, explained the rules for course registration, re-sit exams and supplementary exams. He reminded students to check their registration details carefully and meet deadlines to avoid academic problems. Mr. Ebenezer Odame Darkwah, who is in charge of Course Material Development, gave a talk on effective learning and academic success. He advised students to build good study habits, manage their time well, and use the university's learning resources. He also highlighted the issue of exam cheating, warning students about the consequences of dishonest behaviour during exams. Ms. Cynthia Adeborna spoke about how to balance work, family and studies. She offered tips on how to prepare for exams. She told students to make personal study timetables, revise regularly, practice past questions, and rest adequately, so they do not experience too much stress or burnout. Dr. Yvette Usher, the School Examination Officer, also shared important information about the final exams. She explained exam rules, schedules and expectations. She ended her session by advising students to study well and follow all exam guidelines.The forums also included an encouraging message from the JRC President, Diana Nartey, who charged students to stay determined and help each other throughout their academic journey.
Both forums ended with a question-and-answer session led by Mrs. Ruby Victoria Kodom. These discussions gave students clear answers and helped them understand important academic processes better. The department’s Students’ Forums continue to be an important tool for helping students and sharing information. They did not just solve the immediate problems faced by distance learners, but they also gave students the practical knowledge and encouragement they need to do well in their studies.
