Fresh students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi have been urged to communicate effectively, build meaningful connections and take personal responsibility for shaping their future as they begin their academic journey.
The advice was delivered by the Director of the Directorate of Student Affairs (DOSA), Prof. Marian Asantewah Nkansah, at the University’s Freshers’ Orientation programme.
Congratulating the students on gaining admission, Prof. Nkansah acknowledged the competitive nature of the admissions process and encouraged those who may not have been placed in their first-choice programmes to focus on the opportunities available to them.
She urged freshers to make the most of campus life and approach their studies with a positive mindset.
She introduced what she described as the “Three Cs for Success”: Communication, Connection and Creation as guiding principles for navigating both academic and personal life at KNUST.
According to her, effective communication with lecturers, academic tutors, residential tutors, counsellors and peer counsellors is critical to resolving challenges that may arise.
“If you don’t talk to the right people, you will be led astray. Go to the right offices and talk to the right officials,” she advised.
Prof. Nkansah also encouraged students to build strong academic and social networks, noting that university life extends beyond lectures and examinations.
She urged freshers to actively engage in old students’ associations, departmental and faculty groups, college associations and extracurricular clubs to enrich their campus experience.
She further challenged students to take ownership of their personal development through discipline and cooperation with university authorities.
“Create the future you envision for yourself. There is so much you can do, but you need to cooperate with the faculty and the administrators,” she said.
Issues of discipline and student conduct were addressed by the Deputy Director of DOSA in charge of Conduct and Discipline, Prof. Akwasi Acheampong Aning. He reminded students that university life comes with clearly defined rights and responsibilities governed by the KNUST Code of Conduct.
Prof. Aning cautioned against academic dishonesty, including examination malpractice, warning that such offences attract severe sanctions.
He added that disruptive behaviour in lecture halls, as well as serious misconduct such as fraud, destruction of university property and sexual misconduct, could result in harsh penalties, including possible dismissal and, in some cases, police involvement alongside internal disciplinary procedures.
