Communication Design holds Orientation Ceremony for Freshers

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The Department of Communication Design of the Faculty of Art, KNUST held a successful fresher's orientation programme on January 17, 2025. The ceremony which was held at the New Block for the Faculty of Social Science brought together new students admitted into the B.A Communication Design programme, Teaching and non-teaching staff, of the department student leaders and well as some senior members of the faculty. Moderating the ceremony was Mr. Benjamin Prempeh (Lecturer), who called on a participant to open the gathering with a prayer. Over 180 students were in attendance, eager to absorb valuable information from the faculty members.

The Head of Department, Dr. Adam Rahman welcomed the newly admitted students and introduced members of staff present. He further gave a brief history of the Department from its inception as Design and General Art Studies to Communication Design. He noted that the department has become the best and top department of choice for many applicants and students. This position was affirmed by through reports from University statistics which show a high interest in the design programme with the cut off point for admission moving from 18 to 10 over the past few years. This year, the admission record stands at 250 students, to be selected out of thousands of applications from Visual Art students with WASSCE certifications, top up applicants with HND certificates and mature applicants.

Dr. Rahman also explained the aim and structure of the programme. The 1st year, which serves as a foundation year would prepare students with a broad field to choose from in the continuing years. He noted how competitive the programme has become, requiring students to be dedicated to their studies. He mentioned that staff members are ready to assist all students professionally to ensure they achieve their goals. With ubiquitous digital tools available for learning, students were admonished to make use of them.

He exposed some career pathways which span across a large field of work from agribusiness, health, mining, insurance, finance, radio and television stations, and academia. The department has a record of providing large numbers of students for these fields of work for national service, internship, attachments and work opportunities. With the programme structure, students would have the chance to enrol in internship programmes that provide practical industrial training and opportunities for work in the future. He further spoke on some guidelines that students in the department should adhere to, such as being respectful, obedient and decently dressed since they represent the department wherever they are.

"Your strength is your scholarship; it’s in your academics - Dr. Adam Rahman"

The Dean of the Faculty of Art, Prof. kari kacha siedu welcomed students into the faculty. He introduced the faculty team in the persons of Ms. Marian Opoku Appiah (Registrar), Mr. Gilbert Langu (College Counselor), Mr. Albert Essuman (Faculty Exams Officer) and some administrative staff.

Prof. kari kacha siedu spoke about the how current technological advances have provided the platform for maximized education. He admonished students to work with new technologies to ensure better learning experiences, but also to employ their creative and critical thinking skills to emerge successfully. The Dean noted that the motto of the university, "Nyansapo, wo sane no badwemma", is there to remind them on what to do.

Ms. Marian Opoku Appiah encouraged students to access information from the University website and make the effort to read them. “The Dean's office is always open to you for the needed help”, she assured. She charged students to reflect on these two questions; "Why are you here? and What do you intend to achieve at the end of the 4-year journey?".

Mr. Gilbert Langu spoke on support services available for students and staff in the university. He encouraged students to seek help as they pursue their academic journey. Students facing any psychological problems should feel free to visit the counsellor’s officer on First Floor, K. K. Adarkwa Building. Students with disabilities were encouraged to access help from the services of the counselling unit.

Mr. Albert Benjamin Essuman, the Faculty Exams Officer spoke about the Students Guide which stipulate how students should live on campus. He reiterated how important the guide is for student be informed about university rules and regulations regarding their academic work. He admonished students not to rely on second hand information from their peers, but instead seek out original sources of information. They are encouraged to feel at ease to ask questions. This was followed by a question-and-answer session.

Addressing the students, Dr. Ginn Bonsu Assibey, the Departmental Examinations Officer explained the requirements of studentship in the department. Students were reminded to complete online course and biometric registrations each semester in order to be deemed in good standing. He explained the university policies regarding examinations procedures, registration and lectures. Students were to refer to final timetables and plan their time and seek information and help where needed.

Mr. Anthony Kofi Badu, Senior Lecturer and Patron for the Graphic Arts Students' Association (GASA) congratulated the Freshers on their admission to the University and department. He introduced many social activities available for students to engage in from sports, entertainment, health and fitness, music and dance groups. They are admonished to manage and balance their time to ensure they fulfill their academic goals. He noted that their social life activities should help them to build social capital or networks that would shape their future positively. He also encouraged the students to understand their temperaments and make the best out of it.

Dr. John Opuni Amankwa encouraged students to show courtesy wherever they find themselves. They were to be mindful of their cultural values in the department. He further emphasized the importance of discipline, stating that, as professionals to be, “discipline is pivotal in your pursuit of academic excellence”. He finally charged students to do two things. “Learn something new every day, and be better every day than the day before”. Other members of staff in attendance were Prof. Eric Francis Eshun and Dr. Ismaila Moro.

Executives of the Art Society and GASA introduced themselves and spoke about various activities for students in the academic year. An interactive question-and-answer session addressed queries on registration, timetables, class placements and project submissions.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Rahman acknowledged the teaching assistants and post-graduate students present. He assured student of the department’s open-door policy, where students can freely engage members of staff to receive the needed help. Students should therefore be eager to consult the right offices when they encounter challenges. He therefore encouraged the young students not to keep their problems to themselves. He advised them to adhere to the rules regarding these activities to avoid the consequences that come with it.

Beyond their academic engagements, students were advised to balance their lives with other areas of human development. Such as relationships, spirituality, finances, and work opportunities and as such exercise temperance and modesty in their pursuit of life in higher education.

"Let wisdom remain your potion. Success is not an event; it's an accumulation of decisions and choices that you make - Dr. Adam Rahman"

He charged them to lift the name of the department high and to be assured that the department will support them throughout their journey.

The programme concluded with a closing prayer by one of the freshers, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students; awaiting their Matriculation ceremony to formally admit them as Junior Members of the University Community.

Story by: Nana Aba Godsaye Antwi (GASA Secretary / 3rd Year)