Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, held a Breakfast Meeting with heads of unit on Friday 19th August 2016, in the Great Hall from 8.30 to 11.00 a.m. There were almost 170 officials at the meeting. This was Professor Owusu’s maiden Breakfast Meeting with heads of unit since assuming office on 1st August, 2016. With him at the head table were Professor S. Kwame Offei, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA), Professor John Gyapong, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (RID), Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar, and College Provosts.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor reminded the heads of the central role that they play in achieving the University’s mission. He solicited their support in the efficient and effective management of the University. He emphasized the need for heads to lead by example and by respectful engagement with colleagues and students in order to realize the university’s strategic goals and objectives.
The Registrar spoke on expectations on institutional ownership and performance management. She started by reminding colleagues about the aims of the university as stated in the University of Ghana Act, 2010 (Act 806), which are: providing higher education, undertaking research, disseminating knowledge and, collaboration with individuals and institutions. She was of the view that, in order to stay ahead of the almost 200 competitors in the higher education sector, there was the need to manage the performance of employees. She gave a brief description of the performance management process and promised to hold another meeting to discuss further details. She urged heads of unit to acquire and use performance management skills as part of their leadership competencies.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (RID) spoke on Research and UG rankings. He provided a graphic report of the University’s research profile and development, as well as the University’s international image as captured through the criteria for the ranking of universities. He explained that the University of Ghana had scored highest in the criteria for the rankings in the two areas of international outlook and research and, scored least in the area of teaching and learning. It was agreed that in addition to improving on teaching and learning activities, the university would also consolidate the gains in its areas of competitive advantage. UG is currently ranked as the best in the sub region but would need to improve its rankings on the global stage. He also drew attention to the policies that had been approved by the University Council in support of research and protection of intellectual property. He advocated for academics to take steps to protect their intellectual property before they publish, so that they would prosper.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA) spoke on Academic processes and code of conduct for senior members. He announced, among others, the introduction or year-round online application for admission; the decoupling of main examinations and re-sits; the simultaneous publication of teaching and examination time tables to minimize clashes in examination time tabling; and, the approval of the updated handbook for heads of department. He reminded heads of the key aspects of the University’s Code of Conduct for senior members and encouraged them to enforce the code.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (ASA) giving his address during the meeting
A number of comments and suggestions from the floor were noted for further discussion. It was clarified that the new policy on promotion of senior members, academic, came into force on 1st August, 2016. Any applications received from that date would be processed under the new policy but, for the initial applications, there would be only one semester's worth of teaching assessment.
A section of Unit Heads at the meeting
The Vice-Chancellor ended by inviting the various heads to continue the discussion at the level of department, school, and the college. Unresolved issues could be channelled through the Registrar for the attention of senior management.
