The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. D. D. Kuupole has advised fresh students of the College of Distance Education (CoDE) to attach seriousness to their academic work since the University does not compromise on its academic standard.
“UCC prides itself on the fact that her products are always the preferred choice in the field of work both within and outside Ghana,” he pointed out.
The Vice-Chancellor gave this advice at the Third Session of the 14th Matriculation Ceremony of fresh students admitted to the College in the Southern Zone for the 2014/2015 academic year at the UCC Congregation Grounds, North Campus. The Southern Zone comprises students from the Central, Western, Greater Accra and Volta Regions.
Prof. Kuupole noted that as a result of these time tested facts, there was pressure on staff and students to maintain a high level of discipline and vigilance in teaching and learning at all times. He acknowledged the several responsibilities of distance students both at work and home but encouraged them to make effort to achieve excellence in their academic life.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that the University in its quest to provide demand-driven, cost-effective distance education in Ghana has introduced two academic programmes into the distance curriculum. The programmes are 3-Year Diploma in Tourism Management and 3-Year Diploma in Hospitality Management. He explained that the introduction of the two programmes was to broaden employment opportunities to the numerous youth who may want to upgrade themselves in the hospitality industry.
Further touching on some changes in the UCC Distance academic programmes, Prof. Kuupole indicated that the University has reviewed the duration of some of the post diploma programmes from three to two years. He explained that the purpose of the review was to enable the holders of diploma certificates who have already gone through a three year programme to have a shorter study time while at work.
In all a total of 16, 770 students comprising 9,376 males and 7,394 females were admitted to pursue various diploma and degree programmes via distance education at UCC. Out of the total number, 13,839 students were pursuing various programmes in Education and 2, 931 were also pursuing Business related programmes.
The 2014 Matriculation Ceremony for CoDE students was organised at the three newly created zones of the College namely, Northern, Middle and Southern Zones. The Northern Zone Matriculation was held at the Tamale Sports Stadium which brought together students from Upper East Region, Upper West Region and the Northern Region. The Middle Zone comprising Ashanti Region, Brong Ahafo Region and the Eastern Region held their matriculation ceremony at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.
