The GIJ Student Handbook (now integrated under the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)) is the essential regulatory guide for every student enrolled at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. It outlines the academic standards, disciplinary codes, and administrative procedures required to navigate your journey as a communications professional. 1. Academic Standards and Classifications
The handbook provides the framework for measuring academic success. Students are graded on a Grade Point Average (GPA) system that determines their final certificate classification: Degree Classification CGPA Range First Class 3.50 – 4.00 Second Class (Upper Division) 3.00 – 3.49 Second Class (Lower Division) 2.50 – 2.99 Third Class 2.00 – 2.49 1.10 – 1.99
Diploma Programs: Use a similar scale, where a CGPA of 3.50+ results in a Distinction.
Credit Definitions: One course credit is typically defined as one hour of lecture or tutorial per week for a semester. 2. Registration and Financial Policies
Students are responsible for managing their registration through the GIJ Student Portal.
Course Registration: Must be completed at the start of each semester. Freshmen must pass all courses to progress to the next level. gij student handbook
Fee Deadlines: The institution strictly enforces fee payment dates. In past academic years, students who failed to pay fees by the deadline were directed to defer their academic year.
Retakes and Repeats: Continuing students may carry up to two referred courses into the next level, provided they are cleared during the next available window. 3. Examination Rules and Regulations
The handbook emphasizes academic integrity. "Examination offences" include any attempt to gain an unfair advantage.
Prohibited Actions: Bringing unauthorized written information into the hall, communicating with other candidates, or refusing to follow an invigilator's instructions.
Preparation: Students are usually granted a three-week revision period before examinations begin to catch up on materials and clarify issues. The GIJ Student Handbook (now integrated under the
Plagiarism: All final products must be the student's own work. Submitting work with significant similarities to a peer's can result in cancellation of the paper. 4. Code of Conduct and Ethics
Beyond academics, the handbook mandates a standard of professional behavior aligned with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics.
GIST operates on a credit-bank system unique among Korean institutes of advanced science. The handbook clarifies:
The GGSIPU Student Handbook isn't just a rulebook; it is your contract with the university. You are expected to follow the rules, but you can only do that if you know them.
So, here is your homework for tonight:
Your seniors learned this the hard way. You don't have to.
Have a horror story about missing a deadline because you didn't read the handbook? Drop it in the comments below so freshers can learn from our mistakes!
Stay tuned for next week’s post: “How to survive the IPU Winter Internship Drought.”
As a media trainee, you have access to:
⚠️ Lab Rule #1: No food or drink near editing decks. Course Registration & Grading: Specifics on the absolute
