Following the release of the 2024 WASSCE results of the Senior High Schools in Ghana, all universities in Ghana have engaged in a selective process to admit students into various programmes. The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) is one university specialised in communication, arts and media for Ghana and beyond.
This unique nature of UniMAC has provided a platform for most WASSCE graduates to apply and undertake various programmes at both the diploma and bachelor’s level. With the passion and expectations of students as to what UniMAC holds for their academic journey, an orientation programme was organised for students to introduce them to the school – vision, mission, core values and brand, their responsibilities as students, expectations from the school and key headships, for a smooth take-off of academic work.
Welcoming freshers to UniMAC, the Pro. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Winston Abroampah, entreated the students to attach discipline and all seriousness to their studies to become the celebrated journalists, communicators, and artists in the world today. He emphasized that, “your journey at UniMAC is what you make it, so make it count”.
The Director of Public Affairs, Ms. Nana Efua Rockson, also took the new students through the vision, mission, core values as well as the logo usage for UniMAC. She indicated that, as communication students, it is important that they abide by the communication rules when it comes to using the UniMAC logo. She advised the freshers to be good ambassadors of the UniMAC brand with the remarks that, “live, breath, and be the UniMAC brand; be the storytellers of UniMAC to the public explaining its true meaning and identity.”
The Dean of Students, Mrs. Rhodalyn Amartey, explained important sections of the UniMAC handbook to the students. She entreated them to enjoy themselves as much as they can by participating in activities organised by the University as well as the SRC, whilst focusing on their primary objective as students. This is, to acquire knowledge and a certificate at the end of the stipulated time frame spent at UniMAC.
She emphasized that, “know that now you are a university student so behave and act like one. Drop the SHS mannerism, be professional and allow the University to pass through you; don’t pass through the University. Importantly, don’t leave this University without a certificate.”
The students were further taken through every facet of the University by being given important information with regards to academic policies, timetabling and registration procedures by the Academic Affairs Directorate.
Further, an Academic Affairs staff took students through registration of courses online and how to select courses of study for their offered programmes.
Leaving no stone unturned, the Information Communication Technology Directorate guided students on how to access the internet for online studies and research as well as support for all ICT-related issues.
Buttressing the need for online studies and research, the Library Services assured students of both physical books and resources as well as digital online resources available at all the libraries across UniMAC’s campuses.
Next to assure the students of a supportive and secure students’ experience were the Counselling Unit and Security Unit. The University Counsellor advised the students to always seek support and discuss issues bothering their personal and academic work early rather than waiting until things get worse or challenging; the earlier the better.
The popular security awareness maxim, “if you see something; say something” became an impetus for the students on security. Mr. Edmund Ohene, Head of Security, took students through essential steps on personal safety, fire prevention and protection of assets for a secured student life whilst on campus or at the hostels.
The last but not least presentation was from the Finance Directorate. Mr. Augustine Boahene implored the students not to hold or delay payment of fees and must settle all their financial obligations to enjoy a smooth academic semester. He proceeded to guide students through how to seek financial aid, where need be, to support their studies.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) Members set the room ablaze with excitement and shouts when they recalled their first-year experiences at UniMAC to the freshers. They also advised the students to be law-abiding and inquisitive for information at all times, to guide their planning personally and academically. The SRC re-echoed some of the key information shared by the presenters emphasizing their importance for a less stressful student experience.
It is worthy to note that UniMAC is committed to academic excellence and nurturing the next generation of communication, arts and media professionals for the 21st century. This orientation programme was essential to help freshers feel more comfortable within their new environment whilst also making them aware of UniMAC’s expectations and policies as they begin tertiary education.