School of Graduate Studies Interacts with Academic Heads
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS), has held four-day separate interactive sessions with Deans, Heads of Department, and Graduate Coordinators of the various Schools and Faculties at Winneba and Ajumako campuses to deliberate on issues of concern relating to the quality of graduate studies at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
The interaction touched on issues of enhancing the quality of postgraduate research and thesis, conducting research capacity workshops for graduate students, assessing thesis/dissertation, and other administrative procedures at the School.
In addressing the sessions, the Dean of SGS, Prof. Samuel Kwesi Asiedu-Addo, expressed the readiness of the Graduate School to collaborate with the various faculties and departments to promote graduate studies and research to international best standards, as indicated in the mission and vision statements of the University.
On enhancing the quality of postgraduate research and thesis, Prof. Samuel Kwesi Asiedu-Addo, entreated all heads of departments to ensure that only competent and knowledgeable lecturers in the field of research are recommended to Graduate School for appointment to supervise thesis/dissertation and that preferably Graduate Coordinators must be PhD holders.
He advised departments to hold PhD mock vivas frequently to identify and address problems prior to the major vivas. He also entreated supervisors to help students adapt to the house style of the University and highlighted the revised criteria for assessment of thesis/dissertation, oral examination of the thesis, and template for effecting viva corrections.
Dr. Akwasi Amoako-Gyampah, Vice-Dean of SGS, informed faculty members present that the School will begin research capacity workshops from the second semester of the 2022/2023 academic year to address specific issues and challenges usually faced by graduate students. “The workshop would cover four main strands namely, research design and methodology, research writing, research strategies, research communication, and presentation.”
Dr. Amoako-Gyampah also took the audience through a template developed by the School to assist students to write their research proposals.
Ms. Matilda Arko Mensah, Junior Assistant Registrar at the SGS, highlighted issues regarding administrative procedures such as guidelines for submission of recommended thesis supervisors and external/internal examiners to the Graduate School; format for submission of recommended applicants for admission; applications for programme extension/deferment, among others at the School.
Members of the various faculties and departments present commended the Graduate School for the forum provided for discourse on enhancing graduate studies at UEW. Among the observations made by them were the need for revision of the postgraduate student handbook and dissertation guidelines; increment and prompt payment of external and internal examiners; and the effectiveness of the Ethical Committee.
In all, a total of 83 participants from the various faculties, schools, and departments were present at the interactions.
