It is a widely known fact among Educators that the atmosphere within a school contributes as much to the success of the student. It has a great bearing on the attitude an individual will approach school activities with. In view of this, the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs has begun what it terms ‘Meet the Dean Sessions’. During the “Meet the Dean Sessions” the Dean of Students’ Affairs, together with his deputies, pay informal visits to students during off-lecture hours to interact with them. This allows students to have direct access to the Dean and other officials to discuss issues affecting their lives on the various campuses.

The very first informal “Meet the Dean Session” came off on Friday, 3rd February, 2023, when the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Alhassan Musah paid a surprise visit to some students in their hostels. The students were extremely excited to see the Dean and speak to him on one-on-one basis.

Dr. Alhassan Musah and Dr. Haruna Umar interacting with some students on the Tamale Campus

In an exclusive Interview with UDS Media’s Salma Abdul Rashid, the Dean of Students’ Affairs Dr. Alhassan Musah and the Vice Dean, in charge of the Tamale Campus, Dr Haruna Umar, explained that the “Meet the Dean Sessions” are designed to strengthen the relationship between students and academic, and administrative staff, as well help to improve quality service delivery.

Dr. Musah explained that beyond the informal meetings, his office has also instituted measures to engage representatives of the various students’ associations as well as all course representatives on all of the university’s campuses.

The Dean of Students' Affairs, Dr. Musah (left) interacting with some students

The Vice Dean, Dr Umar, also intimated that through the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs interaction with students, the issue of inadequate furniture for use in some lecture halls came to the fore. He explained that, the office took the issue up and with the blessing of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor,  instituted a comprehensive audit of the university’s furniture. After the audit, the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs made a proposal for the provision of more that three thousand pieces of furniture to all campuses of the University. He assured that soon the furniture will be ready for use by students.

Connect with Students
Dr. Musah is of the view that students need not only to be connected to their school, but with the Dean. He says it is his belief that by informing and involving students, his office will be able to establish such a connection with them.

When asked how the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs intends to sustain these interactions. Dr. Musah said his office is more likely to connect with students if they understand what it means to be modern students. He said “such a realization comes both from formal and informal interactions with students. Today's students are faced with significant demands and expectations placed upon them by their professors, lecturers, their colleagues, their families, and the extremely large debt loads that so many have undertaken to finance their education. To hear from students on such topics makes it more likely that our office can truly connect with them, as opposed to simply seeing students as another constituency with which we must deal."

The Dean of Students' Affairs, Dr. Musah (left) interacting with some students

According to Dr. Musah, not only is it important for the Dean to connect with students, but the Office of the Dean of Students has the rare responsibility to connect students with each other. He says, one of the important functions he considers a priority, is to facilitate positive connections, and connecting students and student groups with each other.

Dr. Musah said beyond working to connect students with each other, his office has also been working behind the scenes to connect students with alumni.

Story by 
Salma Abdul Rashid (University Relations)