The Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) has organised a two-day administrative and leadership workshop for newly appointed Deans, Vice-Deans, and Heads of the Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The two-day workshop was held at the Gardiner Conference Room on Wednesday, 16th, and Thursday, 17th March 2022.
The workshop sought to improve the participants’ administrative knowledge in managerial roles to balance their teaching and leadership responsibilities.
The College Registrar of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mr. Ebenezer Tettey Otieku stated that the higher education industry is changing rapidly with its status quo being challenged. He, thus, stressed the need for higher educational institutions to think globally and develop a strong student and wider stakeholder value proposition that differentiates them from their competitors. ‘This will impact how universities operate in the medium and longer-term,’ he added.
Mr. Otieku intimated that the University Management recognises the critical role the participants play in the management process of the University. He further encouraged them to work together for the common good of the Institution. ‘Individually, not much can be achieved, however collectively, with collegiality and mutual trust, the University can move ahead,’ he said.
He took the participants through their leadership roles, teaching and research, people management, financial and resource management, quality assurance and promotion of staff.
Mr. Yaw Owusu Asamoah, the Deputy Registrar of the Human Resource Development Division, indicated that promotion at KNUST is based on the principle of equal opportunity and merit following a thorough and fair process. He further addressed key issues regarding appointments and promotions.
Speaking on ‘Effective Conduct of Examinations and Managing Non-Performing Students,’ Professor William Gariba Akanwariwiak, mentioned that, to ensure smooth processing of examination results, students must be properly registered for a cluster of courses at the beginning of each semester. He also addressed the conduct of semester examinations, misconduct of candidates during examinations, and remarking. In managing weak students, he advised the participants to identify courses students have difficulty in passing and assign National Service Personnel to assist them. He also suggested that weak students should be made to register for courses they could handle instead of studying the same number of courses as all others in the class.
The Deans and HoDs were taken through budgeting, IT tools for successful administration, procurement of goods and services, academic-industry synergy, and effective mentorship for academic staff by heads of various offices. They also learned how to improve faculty reputation and visibility, as well as how to prepare for accreditation and re-accreditation.