The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held an orientation programme for over 800 cadet officers who will be enrolling in the Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies.
The event took place at the Ghana Police Academy, Ghana Police Training School in Accra.
The cadet officers form the second cohort of the postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies run by the Department of Forensic Sciences at the University in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.
The orientation aims to introduce cadet officers to the University system and provide them with essential information on navigating their academic journey.
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, welcomed the students and noted that postgraduate programmes at UCC required students to be dedicated to their academic work to succeed.
She noted, for instance, that a student needed a 60 per cent to pass, unlike 50 per cent for undergraduates.
Prof. Darkwa said the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), which was responsible for coordinating graduate programmes in the University, had put in place measures to provide support to the cadet officers once their admission process was complete.
The Dean urged the cadet officers to carefully read the Academic Policies and Regulations for Graduate Studies to guide them in their academic journey at the University.
“We have distributed copies of this document so that you will read and be conversant with graduate studies at UCC even before you start your programme,” she noted.
The Dean of SGS further advised them to abide by the rules and regulations of the University and form group studies for the sharing of knowledge.
The Head of Department of Forensic Sciences, Prof. Christian Adokoh, noted that the Department was proud to host the Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies.
He explained that the Department runs a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences in addition to the Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies.
According to Dr. Adokoh, the two programmes aimed at supporting the security services to enhance criminal investigation and also equip learners with the needed expertise.
He disclosed that the Department would soon roll out a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Security and Forensic Sciences to create a strong career path for the Ghana Police Service in particular and the security services in Ghana and Africa in general.
“The goal of the Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies is to provide students with knowledge in the principles and practice of leadership, management, and administration as it relates to security services,” he elaborated.
He underscored the need for students to be responsible members of the University community by adhering to rules and regulations and following laid-down procedures in seeking redress for grievances.
The Vice-Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Samuel Essamuah Assabil, whose office is responsible for ensuring that students have the best experience during their studies at UCC, walked the students through the Students’ Handbook and other policies of the university.
Dr. Assabil reiterated the need for the students to abide by the rules and regulations that govern students' conduct and avoid activities that would not contribute positively to their future.
The Head of Students’ Records Section, Mr. Enoch Apori Ansah, took the students through the registration of courses and the processing of students' results.
For his part, the Commandant of the Ghana Police Academy in Accra, DCOP/ Dr Herbert Gustav Yankson, advised the officers to count themselves lucky to acquire an academic certificate as part of the Cadet Officers Course 51 at the Academy.
“Some of us didn’t get this opportunity when we were in the Academy, so do your best to grab the certificate from this prestigious university as part of your credentials. It would one day open avenues for you as you advance in your career,” he urged them.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
