The Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan has reiterated his vision to create a culture that promotes research, teaching and learning, effective and efficient administrative processes to maximize the potential of faculty and learners for academic excellence and community service at the University for Development Studies (UDS).

He said this at the opening of a two-day strategic retreat for Deans and Directors of the University for Development Studies at the Yakam Hotel in Kintampo in the Bono East Region. The event, which started on 17th January 2023, under the theme “Reconnecting to Maximize the Potential of Faculty and Learners for Academic Excellence and Community Service”, had in attendance, Deans and Directors or their representatives from all Faculties, Directorates, Schools and Centers.

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan Addressing Participants at the Retreat

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan being supported by Prof. Felix K. Abagale to make a point

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan encouraged the Deans and Directors to engage in discussions that will bring more vibrancy to the University, creating a performance-driven culture, and demonstration of a student-focused, accountable, inclusive and transparent leadership. He intimated that the discussions at the retreat had been captured under ten (10) thematic areas including; Dependable ICT Infrastructure, Excellent Students Experiences, with a Focus on Student Centeredness, Sports, etc.

The other thematic areas are Quality Community Services and Engagement, IGF and Stable Funding coupled with Financial Discipline, Physical Infrastructure, Graduate Programmes, International Student Enrolment, Ethics, Gender Inclusive Community, Empowered Faculty and Staff especially, Women, and a Vibrant Website and Digital Transformation.

The Vice-Chancellor with a section of the Participants

In his welcome address, the Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar said it was his expectation that everybody would depart from the retreat with a solutions-oriented approach to every situation. He emphasised the changing dynamics in higher education which, according to him, is a major reason why universities ought to pay attention to lifelong learning. He said one of the main aims of the retreat was for the Deans and Directors to brainstorm and come out with multidisciplinary and multifocal recommendations to help UDS become a world class University.

The Registrar addressing the participants

The Deans and Directors then broke into groups to discuss the various thematic areas after which detailed presentations were made by the groups that focused the themes “Dependable ICT Infrastructure” and “Excellent Students Experiences, with a focus on student centeredness, Sports, etc. respectively.

The other presentations and discussions will take place on the second day of the retreat.

More soon………

Story by Abdul Hayi Moomen
(University Relations)