Lancaster University Ghana (LUG) this week welcomed undergraduate class of 2018 and foundation class of 2019 to the new academic year 2015/2016. From admissions and student orientation sessions throughout the week to the move LUG’s freshmen have already started building their exciting and varied array of Lancaster experiences.
Since its inception in 2013, LUG has welcomed a unique set of students – both Ghanaian and international – to join its community every year. The university organises annual induction programmes to prepare the students for the next four years at university. This year’s induction provided valuable information about academic programmes and student support services; sessions by the Registrar Kuukua Nyarko, Student Affairs Manager Stanilaw Osei-Bonsu and Student Representative Committee (SRC) President John Ennin addressed academic progression requirements, career support and opportunities, the student council and its responsibilities and the various social and sports activities on the extra-curricular calendar. Another key presentation by Assistant Provost Dr Cynthia Forson emphasised academic expectations and issues of academic integrity, such as plagiarism.
In his welcome address, LUG Provost Prof. John Grainger, warmly welcomed the students, saying, “My team of education professionals is thrilled that you have joined our prestigious institution of higher education – the only one of its kind on the African continent officially accredited by the British Accreditation Council. We’re very pleased to have you join us and I hope that you have a very happy and productive time here.”
The students themselves have many expectations. Newman Kofi Osei, who is starting the LUG Foundation Programme in October, said, “I’m really thrilled about this opportunity to study at a top UK university. Orientation was great and we discussed some values that I hope I will learn during the next four years. I want to develop both my career and my character, embrace diversity and make friends. And, for once, I’m actually excited about starting school!”
Celebrating its second year in Ghana, LUG has enrolled over 300 students for the 2015/2016 academic year. LUG is the only branch campus of the highly ranked Lancaster University in the UK. All academic programmes in Ghana have the same validation and monitoring systems as the UK home campus, with the same examinations taken simultaneously in both campuses. At present, LUG offers a tailor made foundation programme; eight undergraduate courses in a range of areas, including the social sciences and business; and an Executive MBA programme. The school is the only one of its kind on the African continent officially accredited by the British Accreditation Council; it is also licensed locally by the National Accreditation Board, Ghana.
