We will hold your hands through this journey, HoD assures freshers
Faculty members with some of the freshers at the orientation
Story: By Novire Kuuyizie Francis
The Head of Department, Language and Communication Sciences, Dr Victoria O. Faleke has assured newly admitted students that faculty members will support them in their academic pursuits.
Addressing the freshers at the formal orientation programme organized by the Department for freshers, she noted that although the students would face challenges, faculty members would be on hand to help them overcome their challenges.
“You have chosen the right career path; life is in phases and you have come into another phase of your lives in the pursuance of your academic career. There are going to be obstacles in this journey, but when you play your role right as a student, your reward will be worth the effort,” she admonished.
““You are here for a purpose, commit your ways to God, and you shall reap the benefits of your toil”, she offered. Always know that you belong to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, your faculty is Social Sciences, and your department, which I refer to as a family house, is Language and Communication Sciences,” she stressed.
Dr. Faleke urged the students to consider themselves lucky to have gained admission into KNUST, and advised them to prioritize their academic lives and work hard to attain their goals. She stressed the need for meaningful and impactful personal relationships that would endure the pressures that come with achieving their dreams.
“Know that whenever you feel good, that means you are doing the right thing in KNUST. In this new phase of your lives, I hope you will set your priorities right, by setting a goal, and working towards it. Make sure you choose the right mentors and good friends who will help you actualize your dreams,” she counseled.
The event, which was held last month at the Faculty of Social Sciences Complex, was designed to formally welcome and introduce the 2024/2025 batch of new students to the department’s programmes, faculty, and facilities. Students were provided information on issues related to student assessment and academic progress.
Lecturers and patrons of various associations and sections of the department, who were present at the ceremony, took turns and offered details of an overview of the various program options available the department, the resources and career options at students’ disposal after completing their studies.
As examinations form an integral part of the university, the students were furnished with information related to the conduct of examinations, the rules that students must adhere to during examinations, the penalty for getting caught engaging in an examination malpractice or failing to register one’s courses for a particular semester, and the appropriate channels through which all examination related issues should be sent.
“Examination is a very big deal here, whatever you do here, you are always going to write exams at some point, the university will pass a judgement on you at the end of every semester, to determine your academic health, whether you are fit to be here. The University only award degrees to deserving students, students who have earned them and your academic performance will determine the class category that will appear on your certificate”, the Department’s Examinations Officer, Dr. Obed Broohm highlighted.
In finding the best motivation for the new students as they begin their journey, some alumni of the department were invited to share their experience and offer encouragement to the students as they prepare to embark on this journey.
“To you first years of our department, you have just entered into a world of boundless opportunities. This department is not just a place to earn a degree; it is a training ground for greatness.
“Whether you want to become a journalist, a public relations expert, a linguist, a translator, or whatever your future aspirations are, I want you to know that the foundations you build here will serve you a lifetime”, said Issah Zakariah Jnr, an alumnus of the department currently pursuing his postgraduate studies in the United States.
Mr. Zakariah further admonished the students to above all things, stay grounded in their academic pursuits, as balancing academic and social life in the university could be a challenging task.
“Set clear goals and aspirations for yourself and stay focused on them. The university can be a very exciting place, but could be very distracting. Your ability to define your academic, personal, and professional goals as early as possible will help you stay focused in all you do”, he advised.
This orientation marks a significant milestone in the academic journey of the newly admitted students as they are reminded to make the most of their time at KNUST, guided by the principles of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth to explore their passion, develop their skills, and become the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.