The CSIR College has engaged with the newly appointed Dean of the University of Cape Coast School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwah, as part of her familiarization tour to affiliate institutions, under the University of Cape Coast that run postgraduate programmes. The aim of the visit was to discuss issues of mutual benefits to the two institutions and also to share with the College some of the new things the School of Graduate Studies has introduced to enhance postgraduate studies. The meeting was also used to gather the challenges being faced by the College and also deliberate on ways of addressing those challenges.
Speaking at the meeting, the College President, Prof. Mark Appiah, expressed his profound appreciation to the Affiliation Office in particular and the University of Cape Coast as whole for the support the College received during its First Congregation in July, 2020, which was graced by the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah. Prof. Appiah used the occasion to introduce the two campuses of the College and the programmes being run at these campuses to the UCC Team. The College President reported that the College has been receiving the needed support from the Affiliation Office.
He indicated the College has campuses in Accra and Kumasi with the Registry in Accra. He added that the Accra campus run practical and industry focused programmes like Master of Philosophy in Food Science and Technology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Science and Industrial Animal Nutrition and Feed Production. Other programmes like Master of Philosophy in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Soil Health and Environmental Resources Management and Master of Science and Philosophy programmes in Climate Change and Integrated Natural Resources Management in Kumasi campus.
The College President informed the Team that all the Academic Departments were situated within the various CSIR Institute across the two Campuses and so students have access to the well-established facilities, research stations and seasoned research scientists of the research institutes that enhance academic work. He also added that there were a lot of areas both institutions could explore for their mutual benefits as both institutions advanced in its relationship.
The College President also mentioned to the Team that plans were underway to run practical and industry-focused doctoral programmes in areas such as Food Science and Technology, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Soil Health and Environmental Resources Management and Climate Change and Integrated Natural Resources Management.
Issues on pre and post examination moderation exercises were also raised and the College was assured efforts would be made address them.
On her part, Prof. Darkwah, indicated that all the issues raised had been noted and would be discussed further with the Affiliation Office and get them resolved. She informed the College that as part of efforts to enhance postgraduate studies in the University and its affiliate institution, the School of Graduate Studies now requires all students to submit thesis and dissertation with their similarity index report before the work would be passed. The Dean and leader of the delegation encouraged the College to develop new programmes even as the College works toward the status of becoming a chartered institution.
Present at the meeting, were the Vice Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Rev. Prof. Kankam Boadu, a member of the School of Graduate Studies Board, Prof. Mohammed Anokye Adams, Mr. Peter Fosu, Affiliation Office and the Assistant Registrar of CCST, Mr. D. Baah-Koranteng.