Background
The Teaching and Examination Section is one of the seven (7) Sections under the Directorateof Academic Affairs. It is located in the Emmanuel Addow Obeng Administration Block (New Administration Block) at the North Campus (Science) of the University. It can be located on the ground floor of the first phase of the administration block (Block A).
The Section is headed by an Assistant Registrar/Senior Assistant Registrar, who is responsible to the Registrar through the Director of Academic Affairs. The Assistant/Senior Assistant Registrar provides strategic leadership for the smooth running of the Section and is currently supported by 7 other staff; two Principal Administrative Assistants, two Senior Administrative Assistants, one Clerk and one Conservancy Labourer. Periodically, the Section welcomes National Service Personnel who beef up the staff strength at the Office.
The Section plays a key role in the growth and development of the University by partnering with academic Departments, Faculties/Schools, Colleges and other key stakeholders to ensure that the strategic vision and mission are achieved.
Objectives of the Teaching and Examination Section
- To ensure that quality effective teaching and learning take place in the University
- To ensure conducive teaching and learning environment
- To ensure the credible conduct of examinations
- To draw up schedules for time and venue for lectures and examinations
- To provide Departments with needed materials for the conduct of examinations
Core Values
- Reliability: To be trusted and dependable in the Conduct of examinations
- Integrity: To demonstrate professionalism in every undertaking
- Honesty: To be sincere and ethical in our dealings with students and staff
- Teamwork: To work collectively to accomplish established goals
Functions of the Section
The Teaching and Examinations Section serves as a secretariat to the University’s Timetable Committee which is responsible for the allocation of lecture venues for all courses in the University. It works to ensure that lecture theatres are well kept and there are enough lecture venues for all courses. To this end, before the beginning of each Semester or Academic Year, the Section invites inputs from Departments for the development of the University’s Teaching Timetable.
The Teaching and Examination Section, as part of its mandate, is responsible for the coordination of all University official examinations for regular and sandwich students. The Timetable Committee together with the Section prepares the Examination Timetable. It works closely with Departments to ensure that all omissions, corrections and clashes are effected to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations.
Recently, the Teaching and Examinations Section has worked closely with the Management Information Systems Section (MISS) to deploy the Examination Timetable online for both students and staff to see at their convenience. The links could be assessed as follows:
As part of the preparation for the conduct of examinations, the Section develops a composite schedule for materials needed by Departments and Faculties and forward the same to the Procurement Section for purchase. The appointment of Chief Invigilators, Invigilation Assistants and other auxiliary staff is done by the Teaching and Examinations Section. The Section provides the attendance sheets for signing for all the courses during the examinations. During examinations, the Section handles emergency cases with the assistance of University Health Services.
The Academic Programmes, Policies and Regulations for Undergraduate Studies stipulate that special supplementary examinations shall be organized for levels 100 and 400 students. As part of its mandates, the Teaching and Examinations Section organizes two supplementary examinations (re-sits) for level 100’s going to level 200. It also organizes supplementary examinations (re-sit) for level 400 students who may have failed any of their level 400 papers.
These re-sits are crucial and important in the calendar of the University. For the level 100s, they are to pass all courses (especially any course which is core to their programme) before progressing to level 200. For level 400s who may have failed any level 400 courses, the level 400 re-sit afford them the opportunity to write the supplementary examinations in order to graduate with their cohorts. Unlike the level 100s supplementary examinations, the level 400s supplementary examinations are organized once every academic year.
This is mostly done at the beginning of the academic year. Currently, the cost of special examinations (re-sits) is Gh¢120. Candidates/Students who have such re-sits are required to pay their re-sits fees at the Consolidated Bank of Ghana (CBG) and present the Pay-In Slip at the Examination Centre.
As part of the preparation for End of Semester Examinations, Departments and Faculties are requested to submit input for their examination materials. These materials are compiled and purchased for onward distribution to the beneficiary Departments and Schools. Materials such as A4 sheets, bag envelopes, twine, answer booklets and supplementary sheets, etc. are purchased by the Teaching and the Examinations Section with the support of the Procurement Section and distributed at the Central Stores.
All records relating to the conduct of examinations are kept by the Teaching and Examinations Section. The records include signed attendance sheets for candidates. Periodically, such records are recalled for reference in taking important decisions.
The APMC is one of the sub-committees of the Academic Board. It is responsible for vetting all new undergraduate programmes before being considered by Academic Board. Over the years, the APMC has helped with the introduction of novelty programmes in the University. The Committee is Chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor and made up of the Director of Academic Affairs, Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Librarian, all Vice Deans of Schools/Faculties and representatives from each of the Faculties.