UEW Empowers Academic Heads with Refreshing Training
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) recently held an intensive training workshop aimed at empowering its academic heads.
This initiative, designed to bolster the competencies of deans, directors, and heads of department (HoDs), was organised at the Students Centre Seminar Room III, North Campus, Winneba.
The training workshop emphasised the importance of a unified understanding of UEW’s vision, mission, and strategic plan with facilitators leading sessions that were both informative and interactive, allowing participants to actively engage with the issues.
Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo, Deputy Registrar at the Division of Human Resource, UEW, discussed key administrative practices essential for deans, directors and HoDs to effectively manage their roles. She delved into the nuances of administrative responsibilities at the departmental and faculty levels. Stressing the importance of adhering to best practices, she highlighted small, often overlooked details that significantly impact operational efficiency.
Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo outlined expectations for deans, directors and HoDs, drawn from university statutes. She underscored the value of administrative support structures, including faculty officers, advising leaders to maintain a systematic approach to resolving challenges before escalating issues. She indicated, “Let us focus on creating subject files to ensure smooth transitions when leadership changes hands.”
Mr. Prince Asiedu, Acting Planning Officer at UEW, emphasised the vital role of strategic planning in fostering institutional growth, urging academic heads to align departmental goals with the university's overarching vision. He detailed the five thematic areas of the university’s upcoming strategic plan: teaching and learning standards, administrative systems, equity and inclusion, sustainability, and infrastructure development. He urged deans, directors and HoDs to lead operational planning within their units.
Mr. Raymond Bentum Boison, Head of Student Records at UEW, demonstrated the effective use of the Online Student Information System (OSIS) to enhance records management and support the university's operational goals. He delved into the roles of deans, directors and HoDs in ensuring compliance with the system's workflows. He emphasised proactive monitoring of student registration, results entry, and academic progress. Citing examples, he demonstrated how OSIS could identify students at risk and streamline communication for interventions.
Mr. Elijah Otis Awuni, Head of Transport at UEW, provided participants with guidelines on the prudent use of university-owned vehicles. He walked the academic heads through the policies governing transportation resources, ensuring compliance and promoting responsible usage. This topic not only highlighted logistical efficiency but also interlinked with broader discussions on fiscal responsibility within the administration.
As UEW continues its commitment to excellence in education, initiatives like this training workshop underscore the university's dedication to nurturing effective leadership among its academic heads.
