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GHANA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE & SEMINARY
P. O. BOX DD 48 -- DODOWA
tel.: 028-250219 e-mail: gcu@ghanacu.org
(Accredited by National Accreditation Board of the Ministry of Education)
January 10, 2005
Dear Student,
I wish that this note had your name after the Dear. It would let you know how much we want you to feel a part of our campus family. Our desire at Ghana Christian College is for an atmosphere that fosters a lifestyle that pleases our Father and promotes unity among His children.
As you read through this student handbook, you will note a simple guideline--the concept of living and working together to extend the kingdom. We want to keep policies at a minimum and standards at a maximum.
Some of you will find that college life offers a great deal of freedom in comparison to the home you left while others will experience just the opposite. We want to create a balance of freedom and responsibility. You will find parameters, but they are there to help you.
I pray that God will sustain you during your educational pursuit at G.C.U.
Yours in Christ,
Nelson Ahlijah
Dean of Students
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND VISION
Philosophy
Ghana Christian College and Seminary was established as an open Bible School to train leadership for any church that wanted to send its leaders for training. Its purpose was to allow any person who felt God’s call to be trained for leadership in His Church to be able to achieve an excellent preparation for Christian Leadership. The Mission of Ghana Christian College and Seminary is to educate Christian Leaders for church and society who are committed to excellence in transforming service.
Vision
The vision of Ghana Christian College & Seminary is to become the Premier Christian University in West Africa.
GRADUATE PROFILE
The graduates of Ghana Christian College and Seminary will:
1. Possess a higher degree of insight into the knowledge and the disciplines of their
profession along with a continuing commitment to further education and study.
2. Possess a high degree of proficiency in the skill necessary to their profession.
3. Possess an ability of critical thought and analysis while using their knowledge and skills.
4. Possess an awareness of, commitment to, and an appropriation of the ethical values and
virtues that will promote excellence and progress in the practice of their profession.
5. Possess a spirituality of holiness and servanthood as continual commitment to deepen
their relationship with God.
6. Possess a vision of the power of the Kingdom of God in order to transform society through
renewed hearts minds and lives.
WHO TO CONTACT
For questions about your school bill, see Mr. John Dadzie in the Accounts Office.
In all matters pertaining to Residence Hall life, go to the residence Hall Overseers.
For questions about transcripts, registration, graduation requirements, see Prof. Manuel Adjei, in the Vice President, Academic’s Office.
Your Advisor is available to help you evaluate your personal academic progress, to answer questions about classes, and to discuss any personal or career issues.
With a question about the Library, see any of the Student Librarians.
STUDENT SERVICES STAFF
Dean of Students - Prof. Nelson Ahlijah
Dean of Men : Prof. James Yamoah
Dean of Women - Prof. Afua Wiafe
S.R.C. President: Ebenezer Tuffour
S.R.C. Vice President: Francis Antwi
Girl’s S.P.: Juliana Lartey
Chaplain : Francis Andoh Blay
Assistant Chaplain: Sam Awuni Aduku
Student Librarian: Kwaku Osei-Apeagyei
CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION
All students must observe the channels of communication to have their academic and non-academic requests, notifications, and complaints resolved. No students or group of students shall deal directly with the President or Vice President Academic Affairs without passing through the appropriate channels.
Academic Matters
President
Vice President
Academic Board
Academic Counsellors
Class Representatives
Non-Academic Matters
President
Vice President
Academic Board
Student Affairs Committee
Dean of Students
Dean of Men/ Women
SRC
Class Representatives
ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
CLASS ATTENDANCE:
1. Everyone is to be in his or her place and ready to begin work at the scheduled time. Continued tardiness will be reflected in his or her class grade.
2. Attendance at all class periods is essential. Excessive absence from classes will affect your grade.
3. All students must be in Chapel.
CLASS WORK:
1. All assignments must be completed and submitted on the date required unless PREVIOUS arrangements have been made with the instructor.
2. In cases of emergency a student may request an "Incomplete" instead of a grade in a class. One term will then be granted for the work to be completed and the "Incomplete" removed. If the work is not made up, the grade becomes an "F".
CLASS EXAMINATIONS:
1. Examinations will be taken only at the appointed time. Failure to take an examination will result in an "F" for the examination.
2. In case of an emergency, permission must be obtained from the instructor to take the examination at a different time.
3. A student who is not satisfied with the results of an examination affecting him/her may appeal to the lecturer involved for review. If still
unsatisfied he/she may request a review by submission of an application to the Academic Dean’s office. A review fee to be determined by the Business office on the recommendation of the Academic Board shall be paid by the aggrieved student.
CLASS GRADING:
1. All grading is done on the following system:
A --- SUPERIOR
B --- ABOVE AVERAGE
C --- AVERAGE
D --- BELOW AVERAGE
F --- FAILURE
W --- WITHDRAWN while doing passing work
I --- INCOMPLETE
2. While the grading is left to the individual instructor, the following are usually figured into the grades:
a. DAILY WORK
b. EXAMINATIONS
c. ATTITUDE IN CLASS
d. ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken at each class session.
The following absences will lower the student's final grade by one letter:
Two weeks of absences (6) in a three hour class
Two weeks of absences (4) in a two hour class
Two weeks of absences (2) in a one hour class
REGISTRATION FOR ACADEMIC WORK
Students who are accepted will need to pay a deposit to hold their place if they are accepted into the College.
All the students are expected to register for their selected courses as specified by the Administration. Registration should be done on the official form designed for the purpose. Students shall have to register in person under the guidance and supervision of Deans of Divisions, Heads of Department and Counsellors.
A student who fails to register a course shall be disqualified from taking the course.
A student who does not register within the first 14 days from the commencement of registration of the semester is precluded from beginning the semester programme.
The Academic Board will fix registration dates.
Students have a period to register for a higher course unless s/he has passed the pre-requisite for that course.
Withdrawal Policy
Compulsory Withdrawal
New students who do not report to school before the third week of the semester will be considered withdrawn from the College.
Voluntary Withdrawal
A student who voluntarily withdraws from the College will not have his fees refunded to him / her. In addition, he / she is to submit to the Administrative Office all loaner textbooks, library books and other College property in his / her possession before leaving the College campus.
Grade for Courses
The following items contribute to computing the final grade of a course in percentages as will be explained by a teacher in his / her syllabus for the semester. A grade of “F” in a class will require the student to retake that class at a letter time.
Class Work ………………….. 25%
Mid-Semester Exams ……… 30%
Final Exams ………………… 45%
LIBRARY
1. (a) During library hours silence must be maintained in the library.
(b) Food and drink are not to be brought into the library.
2. Bags and briefcases are to be given to the Librarian on duty for safe-keeping. The librarian is
privileged to check the books of anyone leaving the library.
3. Each student will be allowed two books in his or her possession at a time. This is the
purpose of the two book pockets given to each student.
4. Books may be checked out for a period of one week. This may be extended after consultation
with the librarian. A fine of ¢1000 per day will be assessed for overdue books.
5. On no account should a student, staff member, or a faculty member take a book out of the
library without properly checking it out.
6. Reference books should not be removed from the library under any circumstances without
the permission of the Faculty Librarian or Library Clerk.
7. Students should not return books to the shelves. This is the responsibility of the student
librarians. Students and staff should give books that have been checked out directly to the
librarian on duty. Books that have been used only in the library may be left on the tables or
placed on the top of the bookcase to the right of the main door.
8. RESERVE BOOKS:
a. Books on RESERVE are for use ONLY in the library. They are not to be removed except for
overnight use.
b. Students should see the librarian, who will sign the book out for the student.
c. Books may be checked out for overnight use after 9.25 p.m. (five minutes before the final
closing of the library for the day).
Overnight books must be returned to the library by 1:15 p.m. the library next day.
d. Day students may check out one reserve book when classes close for the day if the
librarian deems it feasible based on the number of students who use them. Books must
be returned to the library by 1:15 p.m. the next day.
e. When returning RESERVE books, give them to the librarian.
f. Failure to return reserve books when they are due will result in a fine of ¢5, 000 for each day
the book is overdue.
9. Library books cost a lot of money. They often go out of print quickly and are difficult or
impossible to replace. Treat them carefully so that they will last as long as possible for the
benefit of future students. Students who fail to take good care of the books in their
possession will lose their privilege of using the library for some time. In cases where books
are damaged or lost, the student in question will be required to pay.
STOLEN BOOKS BRING REPROACH UPON CHRIST.
10. Former students and visitors will be allowed to make use of the library facilities but will not
be allowed to check out books.
11. Students’ book pockets are to be returned at the end of the school year, or at the
termination of a student’s enrolment at the college.
12. Complaints and suggestions about the library should be given to the student librarians or
to the library clerk who pass them on to the faculty librarian. If the matter concerns the
student librarians, the comments can be given directly to the Faculty Librarian, Afua Wiafe.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US MAINTAIN OUR LIBRARY BY FOLLOWING THESE REGULATIONS.
LIBRARY HOURS, 2004-2005
MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.
SATURDAY 9.00 - 12.00 noon
3.00 - 5.00 p.m.
TRANSCRIPTS
Requests for academic transcripts and records must be given in writing to the Academic Dean. Transcripts will be sent directly to the school or business you request. The first transcript sent is free, with the equivalent of a $10 charge for each one after that.
FEES
At the discretion of the Board of Directors, regular tuition and various fees are assessed per semester. Fees are charged for the use of the library, for textbooks, for stationery, and for health and sanitation. Housing fees are required from students living in the dormitory. There is also a student fund assessed each year by the Student Representative Council. All charges are subject to review without notice. Students remaining in the dormitory during the vacation times will be assessed a per diem fee.
Students who are accepted will need to pay a deposit to hold their places if they are accepted into the College.
The following fees are due before the close of registration:
TEXTBOOKS 300,000
TUITION 500,000
SANITATION 200,000
LIBRARY 100,000
STATIONERY 150,000
UTILITIES 100,000
HOSTEL 200,000
STUDENT FUND 70,000
PROGRAMMES & GRADUATION 80,000
REGISTRATION 50,000
IT 50,000
TOTAL 1,800,000
REFUND
All tuition and other fees, once paid upon registration, are non-refundable under any circumstances if a student withdraws from the College.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Because GCCS is above all a Christian College, the spiritual growth of students is our highest priority. Several regular opportunities are offered for your involvement and development.
WORSHIP
PERSONAL WORSHIP
No program or group experience can substitute for your personal time with God. We encourage each student to spend daily time in prayer and scripture reading to build a strong relationship with the Father. The rest of the items discussed in this section end when you leave this campus. Your own face-to-face meetings with God last a lifetime.
CHAPEL
Chapel meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.00 a.m. in the Chapel auditorium. This is the time when our entire campus family comes together for uplifting worship, and quality preaching. Chapel attendance is required for all students.
The Hymn books used in Chapel services are not to be taken from the Chapel except for Music class and the chapel song leading.
ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS
In addition to large group celebration, every believer needs time in a small group for devotion, discussion, and accountability. Advisory Groups meet that need. Meetings are every other Thursday of the month at 10.00 a.m. Groups are led by faculty. Attendance is required of all students.
MORNING AND EVENING DEVOTIONS
There will be morning and evening devotions daily.
Morning devotions are from Tuesdays to Fridays, 6.05 - 6.15 a.m.
Evening devotions are from Tuesdays to Thursdays at 6.15 p.m.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE ON THE LORD’S DAY
Church attendance and participation on the Lord's Day is expected of all students.
Students will be required to fill a Ministry Update Form periodically to check on their ministry involvement.
SERVICE: One of the marks of Christian character is a desire and willingness to serve others. Because all students are uniquely gifted by God, a variety of service opportunities are available.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS: Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and organizations to enhance their relational and leadership skills. A variety interests and levels of involvement are represented in these organizations.
Student Choir and Music Club
Debate Club
Prison Visitation Group
Prayer Group
Evangelism Group
FORMING NEW GROUPS
Students who want to form new groups or organizations must bring a written proposal to the Dean of Student’s office through the S.R.C.
SCHEDULING GROUP EVENTS
All events and guest speakers must be approved and scheduled through the S.R.C. and Dean of Student’s office.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
The Student Representative Council gives students a chance to be involved in the leadership of the college. It provides a forum for student needs and concerns.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
When you become a part of the College, you become a part of a community of believers. Being a part of the community means that you commit yourself to a covenant. Our part of the covenant is to care for you as a valued member of this community. Your part of the covenant is to commit yourself to the goals and guidelines we hold as a college community. In light of this covenant or promise relationship we hold, GCCS has adopted a set of standards to guide our life together. These standards have been designed to promote an environment, which will assist every student’s growth and development. Because GCCS students come from a variety of home backgrounds, some will find our standards more strict than home, while others will find more freedom than they have experienced before. Whatever your situation, please remember that when you enrol as a GCCS student, you agree to live by our standards.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Each member of the campus community is expected to conduct him/herself with honesty, integrity, responsibility, and love as taught in God’s Word.
All are expected to obey the laws of the campus, community, and nation.
Individuals are highly valued in the image of God, but where group welfare is in jeopardy the value of the group will prevail over the individual.
Some college guidelines are not absolute standards for all Christians, but are in the best interests of a community of Christian leaders in training.
LIFESTYLE EXPECTATIONS
All students who attend Ghana Christian College commit themselves to live by the standards set by the College. These standards apply whether the student is full or part time, and are to be followed whether students are on or off the college campus.
PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES
Possession, sale, delivery, or use of any illegal drugs is prohibited and will be turned over to the police for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Possession, sale, delivery, or use of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited.
Possession, sale, delivery, or use of any tobacco product is prohibited.
SEXUAL IMMORALITY
Sexual immorality is prohibited by God’s Word, and therefore by this college. This includes premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, and any other sexual activity outside the bounds of a man and a woman married to each other.
OTHER UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICES
All GCCS students are expected to conduct themselves by the guidelines of God’s Word. However, some issues that are common temptations among college students deserve special attention. Among them are stealing, all forms of dishonesty (including cheating), occult practices, threat or use of physical force, unauthorized after-hours entry into college buildings, and damage to college or personal property.
DRESS CODE: Our dress and grooming communicate a great deal to others about our personal values and attitudes. Accurately or not, others form first impressions about our character by the way we dress and present ourselves. GCCS students are expected to wear appropriate and inoffensive clothing featuring modesty, cleanliness, and consideration of the sensitivities of others. To further help your clothing choices, the following are never appropriate: bare feet, clothing with questionable advertising or slogans, suggestive clothing, and dirty, smelly, or torn/ragged clothing.
USE OF ACADEMIC DRESS
All students are to observe the dress code prescribed in the Students’ Handbook.
COUNSEL AND DISCIPLINE
COUNSELLING
Difficult situations arise in everyone’s life. When they come your way, you may need to seek out wise counsel. While all faculty and staff are willing to help you with personal needs, your advisor is available specifically to assist you.
DISCIPLINE
It’s the desire of the college that students exercise self-discipline in all situations. At times, however, students need assistance in leading a disciplined life. As outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, responsibility for discipline is shared by every member of the campus community - each person is responsible for the well-being of all. Therefore, we have high expectations of each other, showing our care for one another through encouragement of responsible choices, and confronting and correcting those choices, which are irresponsible and undermine not only our purpose for being at G.C.C.S., but possibly our future Kingdom service. In serious or repeated cases, the Dean of Students’ office will step in to provide needed disciplinary action. His representatives include Hall Overseers and their assistants, Deans of Men and Women, and the Students Affairs Committee (Dean of Students, Dean of Men, Dean of Women, and the President of the Student Cabinet).
Disciplinary action can take, but is not limited, to the following forms:
Disciplinary Warning - Written or verbal, this statement serves as a warning concerning future behaviour.
Work Assignment - A number of hours of “campus service” may be imposed.
Fines - Monetary fines may be levied. These may be paid in cash or added to the student’s bill. If added to the bill, they will be noted as Disciplinary Fines.
Loss of Privilege - Loss of privilege includes such things as sports, musical groups, etc.
Disciplinary Probation - The student is allowed to remain in the college, but with loss of privileges and the knowledge that s/he is in danger of suspension or dismissal.
Suspension - The student is removed from the college for a period of time. While on suspension, students may not attend classes or be physically present on campus (including Residence Halls). They also forfeit any activities that occur while they are suspended.
Dismissal - Any student who does not conform to the lifestyle expectations of the College, who continues to repeat prohibited actions, or whose character is not in keeping with Biblical standards may be dismissed from Ghana Christian College at any time. If the student’s action
warrants, police will be called and the student prosecuted. Parents or Guardians will be contacted.
DUE PROCESS: Every student has the right to appeal disciplinary action. In cases where the Students Affairs Committee has not been involved, the appeals process proceeds this way:
Written appeal to and personal interview with the Dean of Students.
Written appeal to and personal interview with the Student Affairs Committee.
Written appeal to and personal interview with the Academic Dean.
In cases where the case has been heard and acted upon by the Student Affairs Committee, appeal is made in writing and through personal interview with the Academic Dean.
RESIDENCE HALL LIVING
Accommodation in the halls of residence shall not be automatic. All students admitted to the University shall be assigned to a hall of residence either as a residential or non-residential student.
Living in one of the College’s Residence Halls provides an excellent opportunity for building relationships and moulding character. More than anywhere else, a sense of community is built in the Halls. Within that community, each student is expected to exercise care and respect toward Residence Hall and roommates. Crucial areas are personal property, privacy, use of space in the room, and sensitivity with noise. This is your home during the school year. With everyone co-operating, the Residence Hall will be a very pleasant place to live.
RESIDENCE LEADERS
Residence Hall Overseers
Residence Hall Overseers are responsible for their hall, and have been granted authority for leadership, supervision, and discipline. The Overseers are chosen by the Student Services leadership, and are responsible to assist the S. R. C. President's Office in their duties. They enjoy the full support not only of the S. R. C. President but also of the Student Affairs Committee.
RESIDENT STUDENT POLICY
RESIDENCE HALL HOURS
MONDAY - THURSDAY 12:00 midnight Doors locked
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 1:00 am Doors locked
Each resident is expected to be in his or her Hall before closing hours unless participating in a college sponsored activity, or signed out for a late night. Students caught sneaking into the Residence Halls after hours or helping others sneak in will be subject to disciplinary action.
COURTESY
Our Christian character and common courtesy demand that we conduct ourselves in a way that shows respect to all students. That includes the volume of stereos and televisions, general voice volume, etc. It also includes not appropriating anyone else’s property without permission and refraining from demeaning pranks. Individuals who refuse to live within those bounds will face serious consequences.
VACATION RESIDENCE
During vacations students need permission from the Dean of Students to stay on Campus. When permission is granted, the student is expected to pay a fee of c10, 000.00 per week spent on campus. Such students are expected to help keep the campus clean. During vacations all belongings must be packed into a box and placed in the designated room. Students owing fees will not be allowed in the hall of residence during the vacation.
ARRANGEMENTS AT THE END OF SEMESTER
During vacations students need permission from the Dean of Students to stay on Campus. When permission is granted, the student is expected to pay a weekly fee for staying on campus. Such students are expected to help keep the campus clean. During vacations all belongings must be packed into a box and placed in the designated room. Students owing fees will not be allowed in the hall of residence during the vacation.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR FINAL DEPARTURE FROM THE COLLEGE
A student must obtain a clearance note duly endorsed by the College Librarian, Hall Overseer, Dean of Men, and the Business Office prior to departure from the College, either on completion of studies or for any other reason.
VISITATION
Women are not allowed in the men's dormitory without permission.
Men are not allowed in the women's dormitory.
All men and women visitors should be off campus by 9.00 p.m.
No student is allowed to leave the Hostel after 11.00 p.m. Students should be in their respective sections after this time.
FOOD
A. All food must be eaten in the Cafeteria. No eating will be allowed in the dormitory.
B. Cooking in the dormitory is not allowed.
C. No electric appliance with a heating element is permitted in the students’ rooms. Ironing may be done in the designated place.
CLEANLINESS
A. The campus must be kept clean at all times to allow for unexpected inspection by any authority.
B. All trash must be properly placed in the waste bin provided.
C. The Hostel must be swept daily. The students in each room must be responsible for their own rooms.
D. Work will be assigned weekly and harder jobs will be rotated so that no one student will be treated unfairly.
E. Students are expected to do the work assigned them without arguing or complaining.
F. The bathrooms and W. Cs. must be cleaned each week. Each House will be responsible for this one week at a time.
G. Failure to perform these house duties should be reported immediately to the Dean of Men. Each student must be responsible for keeping the Hostel clean.
FACILITIES REGULATIONS: It is the responsibility of all- Faculty, Students and Staff- to help take the utmost care of the College’s facilities.
CHALK BOARDS: These are to be cleaned at the end of every class and after use at other times.
FURNITURE: These are as much as possible to be used at their respective places, and when taken out must be returned by the last person who used them.
Furniture taken out-of-doors should be returned promptly. All four legs of chairs and tables must be on the floor when in use. The tilting of chairs backwards is prohibited. Writing and scratching on furniture is not allowed.
ELECTRICITY: Lights and other appliances must be switched off immediately when not in use.
WATER: The watering of flowers must be done at most twice a week and with water from the Baptistery. This must also be used for general cleaning purposes. Cleaning of the Baptistery must be timed to coincide with the general cleaning and watering of the flowers so that the water is not drained out uselessly.
All the taps must be seen to be shut, especially during periods when the flow of water is cut off. This is to ensure that water is not wasted when the flow is restored.
All leaks and faults with the pipes and Water Closets must be reported to Prof. Nelson Ahlijah at once. Students are not to attempt repairing these faults when qualified personnel can be found. Good care must be taken of water hoses. When not in use these must be coiled nicely and kept at a safe place.
TELEVISION: The entertainment prefect is to supervise the use of the students' Television. From Mondays to Thursdays, the television must be
put off after the late news. When in use, the volume must be regulated so as not to disturb other students.
TELEPHONE:
A. Incoming calls for students must be timed between the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 to 4 p.m. They must be around to receive such calls.
B. In certain cases students may be allowed to make calls, and they must be prepared to pay for the costs involved.
C. Students are not to make or receive calls on Tuesdays and Fridays between the hours of 10 to 10:45 a.m.
D. These privileges are limited to students only and do not extend to friends and relations.
E. Faculty/ Staff are not under any obligation to accept requests, but may do so at their convenience.
F. CELL PHONES: Cell phones are to be turned off in the library, classes, chapel services and devotions.
DAMAGE: Students are responsible for damage to their room and contents. All damage must be reported to Prof. Nelson Ahlijah immediately.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
HEALTH SERVICES
ILLNESS/ACCIDENT:
All illnesses and/or accidents should be reported to the S.R.C. President’s office. They can assist you with simple medication from the Student’s First Aid box. If you must see a doctor, a hospital form may be obtained from the Administration Office.
FIRST AID:
The First Aid Officer appointed by the Students Office administers first aid upon request.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Should you test positive for any contagious disease, you must notify the Dean of Students immediately. Your right to privacy will be respected, and only those needing to know will be notified. If your disease poses a clear and present danger to the campus family, the Faculty will decide whether you can remain a student at GCCS, and if so, under what conditions you may stay. |
