The College of Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has held an orientation for newly admitted students, with management urging freshers to uphold academic excellence, discipline and responsible conduct throughout their stay at the University.
Welcoming freshers at the College of Science orientation, Prof. Antwi-Agyei outlined the history, faculties, mission and vision of the College, as well as its facilities, research centres and student associations.
“I want you to take along with you the vision and mission of the College. You cannot belong to the College without knowing its mission and vision,” he said.
The Provost emphasised the importance of mentorship, skills development and information sharing, encouraging students to take advantage of available academic and welfare support systems, including bursary and scholarship opportunities.
He particularly urged female students to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Women in STEM (WiSTEM) initiatives, while also encouraging all students to attend seminars and workshops organised by the College.
Prof. Antwi-Agyei further advised freshers to familiarise themselves with key facilities such as laboratories, lecture halls and the College library, describing it as one of the best learning environments on campus.
He also highlighted the Provost Excellence Awards, encouraging students to excel academically and take advantage of extracurricular activities to develop leadership and soft skills.
“The University and the College have a mandate to groom students into well-rounded personalities with versatile potential for all facets of life,” he said, urging students to build networks, join leadership groups and participate in student organisations, particularly the Science Students’ Association (SCISA).
He also advised students to rely on official information channels, including the College, faculty and departmental websites, for accurate and timely communication.
The Registrar of the College, Mrs. Vanessa Appiah Castel, took students through the University and College administrative structures and highlighted issues of discipline and student conduct. She stressed the importance of the Student Guide, which outlines university rules, regulations and sanctions.
“The Student Guide should be your greatest friend. Everything you need to know to make your life meaningful here is contained in it and should be taken seriously,” she said, advising students to familiarise themselves with university regulations to avoid sanctions.
The College Examinations Officer, Prof. Isaac Nkrumah, also addressed students on assessment and examination procedures, stressing the need for course and biometric registration to qualify for examinations.
“Students are permitted to write examinations only in courses they have registered for, and there shall be no registration by proxy,” he cautioned.
Mr. Nkrumah further highlighted common examination malpractices and the associated sanctions, noting that the University does not tolerate any form of examination misconduct.
Presentations were also made by various support units, including the University Library Services, KNUST E-Learning Centre, Information Technology Office, KNUST AI Coordinating Office, College Counsellor, UTAG-KNUST, Career Services Centre, Gender Inclusion and Vulnerability Office, College Finance Office, KNUST Security Services, Student Loan Trust Fund, University Relations Office and the Science Students’ Association.
