UEW Welcomes 2025/26 Sandwich Students, Encourages Responsible Learning with AI

Prof. Mitchual described the matriculation as an important milestone in the academic and professional journey of the students, many of whom were returning to formal education while managing careers, families and other responsibilities. He said their decision to pursue further education despite these demands demonstrated commitment, ambition and an appreciation of the value of lifelong learning. “Your decision to return to the university is therefore not a step backwards. It is an investment in your capacity to move forward,” he said.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, 598 qualified applicants were offered admission for the Sandwich academic year with 345 formally accepting their offers and registering. At the undergraduate level, 280 applicants were offered admission while 101 successfully registered. At the postgraduate level, 318 applicants were offered admission with 244 enrolling.

Prof. Mitchual noted that the changing world of work, driven by technology, artificial intelligence and emerging forms of employment, required professionals to continually update their knowledge and skills. He encouraged students to take advantage of UEW’s blended learning arrangements while recognising that the flexibility of in-person and online learning came with responsibility.

“Whether you are learning in a lecture hall or participating online, the standard expected of you remains the same,” he stressed, urging the students to attend lectures, participate actively, read widely, meet deadlines and take ownership of their learning.

He further challenged the Sandwich students to draw on their professional and life experiences in the classroom and apply the knowledge acquired at the university to improve their workplaces and communities.

Prof. Mitchual also urged the students to use emerging artificial intelligence tools intelligently as part of their learning. He cautioned them against surrendering their intellectual responsibility to technology. “Question information, verify evidence and think critically,” he advised, emphasising that academic dishonesty, plagiarism and examination malpractice had no place at UEW.

The Vice-Chancellor said the students were joining the University at an important stage of its transformation under the 2025 to 2030 Corporate Strategic Plan which emphasises innovation, digitalisation, research, teaching and community engagement. He reminded them not to be mere beneficiaries of the transformation but to participate in it. He also encouraged them to make their education count by developing knowledge, professional competence, confidence and a commitment to service.

Mrs. Ekua Abedi Boafo, the Registrar of UEW, formally welcomed the matriculants and explained that the ceremony marked their official admission into the University as junior members.

She warned students that providing false or misleading information during the admission process could lead to termination of their studentship. Additionally, unsatisfactory academic performance or conduct might result in restrictions on their ability to continue studies.

The Registrar urged the matriculants to study the Student Handbook and other relevant policy documents, work diligently and uphold the image of the University throughout their stay.

Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo encouraged the students to take advantage of the facilities and opportunities available at UEW, saying their individual and collective efforts could contribute to the advancement of the University and the nation.