The College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) hosted a delegation from the Central Connecticut University, USA to hold discussions with representatives from all four colleges of the University of Ghana.
During the meeting, representatives from both universities discussed their mutual interests in research and opportunities for faculty and student exchanges. They also explored potential collaborations with various units including the School of Languages, School of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Performing Arts, School of Engineering Sciences and the College of Education.
Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, chaired the meeting and invited representatives from all four colleges in the University to give an overview of their colleges, the challenges they face and the impact they have on the university community.
Dr. Kimberly Kostelis, Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Central Connecticut State University provided an overview of the University and explained that in addition to the School of Education and Professional Studies, other programmes such as Special Education, Social Work in Nursing, the School of Business and Dance Education will soon be introduced.
She noted that Central Connecticut State University is the only university in the United States that currently certifies dance teachers. Dr. Kostelis also suggested collaboration between the two universities, that will involve virtual scholarly presentations, for faculty and students.
Furthermore, Dr. Kostelis recommended an innovative idea for the School of Nursing and Midwifery: the Student Clinic, which will allow students to apply the theoretical knowledge learned in their classes on campus without the need for off-campus placements.
Dr. Kostelis concluded her speech by expressing her university's interest in other areas including engineering, languages, performing arts and education.
Prof. Peter Lemaire, Chair and Professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics at Central Connecticut State University, reiterated the importance of the partnership with the University of Ghana's School of Languages. According to him, the exchange of students and faculty will benefit the large community of Ghanaians in Central Connecticut State who do not speak or understand Ghanaian languages.
Ms. Oluwatoyin Awoderu, Associate Director/PDSO International Students & Scholar Service, Central Connecticut State University, in response to her colleagues' remarks, stated that collaborations between universities do not only have to be academic but also progressive, with the aim of improving the lives of students and members of the university community in general.
Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman thanked the team from Central Connecticut State University for their visit and hoped for the signing of an MOU to officially start any initiatives.
Present at the meeting were Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education; Prof. Julius Fobil, Provost of the College of Health Sciences; Prof. Florence Naab, Dean of the School of Nursing; Prof. Irene Egyir, Dean of the School of Agriculture; Prof. Elvis Tiburu, Coordinator of International Programmes at CBAS; Dr. Adwoa Arhine, Head of the Department of Music; Dr. Jennies Darko, Head of the Department of Dance Studies; Mr. Daniel Hormeku, Academic Officer for CBAS and Ms. Victoria Anim, Public Affairs Officer for CBAS.