Story By: Christina Acquah-Thompson & Prosper Adiku; Photos: Christina Acquah-Thompson
The Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) organised an orientation on January 19 for its 2021/2022 intake of students.
In welcoming and congratulating the new students on their admission to the IESS, the Director of the Institute, Prof. Kwasi Appeaning Addo, noted that 63 students were recommended for admission into the respective Postgraduate Programmes including PhD Environmental Science, MPhil Environmental Science, MPhil Environmental Sanitation and MPhil Sustainability Science.
The Coordinator of Graduate Programmes at the Institute, Dr Adelina Mensah, provided an overview of the structure of the respective Programmes and encouraged the students to do their best and seek information and support if they find difficulties concerning their academic work. In commenting about Institute-specific and University-wide facilities at their disposal to aid academic activities, she indicated that the Institute has a well-stocked reference library, an ecological laboratory (EcoLab) and other supports such as the Sakai LMS for conducive studies. The Academic Calendar was highlighted to remind the students of important deadlines in the semester. Other lecturers present made remarks encouraging the students to take all aspects of their academic work seriously, Dr Ted Annan indicated that continuous assessments form a critical determinant of academic progress hence must be taken seriously.
Senior Assistant Registrar for the Institute, Mr. Peter K. Osei-Fosu, advised the students to demonstrate seriousness and commitment to their studies, noting that, graduate studies is for the serious and committed individuals. He also advised them to make good use of the social media for studies and information dissemination. He also encouraged the students to always resort to the Secretariat anytime they facing challenges, though in-person visits are to be minimised.
An opportunity was created for the students to raise any administrative and registration issues they face for further instructions and quick resolution.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, lectures, conferences and seminars at the Institute would be largely online.