Save the "Key Dates" page from the handbook as a screenshot on your phone. This will save you from the last-minute panic of "When is the add/drop deadline?"
According to the handbook, the following offenses lead to immediate disciplinary hearing and possible expulsion:
Unlike traditional universities, most GIST students are Research Assistants (RAs) or Teaching Assistants (TAs).
Navigating university life can be overwhelming. From understanding course registration deadlines to knowing the exact protocol for academic appeals, students face a labyrinth of rules and regulations. For students of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ)—now officially known as the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC)—one document stands as the definitive source of truth: The GIJ Student Handbook.
Whether you are a fresher stepping onto the Ringway Estates campus for the first time or a returning senior student looking to clarify examination policies, the Student Handbook is your indispensable companion. This article serves as a detailed walkthrough of the handbook, explaining why it matters, what critical information it contains, and how to use it to avoid common academic pitfalls.
Students often ask, “Do I really need to read the whole thing?”
Yes. Because ignorance of the GIST Handbook is not a defense.
The Bottom Line The GIST Student Handbook is your contract with the institute. It empowers you to demand your full stipend, defend your intellectual property rights, and seek help when experiments—and life—don’t go as planned.
Read it once when you arrive. Consult it every semester. And remember: at GIST, the smartest student isn't just the one with the highest citation index, but the one who knows the rules of the game.
The student handbook for the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), which includes the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), details academic regulations, registration procedures, and grading, including a CGPA scale from 1.1 to 4.0. Key guidelines on examination conduct and policy, including rules regarding academic integrity, are also strictly enforced. For full policy details, see the UniMAC-GIJ Undergraduate Policies and Procedures.
This post outlines the essential components of a student handbook for the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) —now part of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)
—designed to help students navigate their academic journey effectively. 📜 Navigating the GIJ Student Handbook: A Quick Guide
The student handbook is your primary resource for understanding the rules, expectations, and resources available at GIJ. Whether you are a fresh-faced undergraduate or a returning student, keep this post bookmarked for a breakdown of what you need to know. 🎓 1. Academic Guidelines & Assessment
The handbook provides a clear picture of all assessment processes. Key sections to look for include: Attendance Policies:
Understand how many classes you can miss before it affects your grades. Grading & GPA:
Familiarize yourself with the grading system and how to calculate your GPA to maintain good academic standing. Grade Appeals:
If you believe a grade is unfair, follow the specific appeal process outlined in the manual, which usually starts with contacting your faculty. ⚖️ 2. Student Conduct & Discipline
To maintain a professional environment, GIJ enforces specific behavioral standards: Dress Codes:
Guidelines for appropriate attire during lectures and formal school events. Anti-Harassment Rules:
Clear policies against bullying, discrimination, and harassment to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone. Disciplinary Procedures:
A roadmap of what happens if rules are broken and the rights you have during an inquiry. 🤝 3. Student Affairs & Support
The handbook isn't just about rules; it’s about support. It details principles for Student Engagement and services like: Counseling Services:
Information on where to go for mental health or personal support. Extracurriculars:
Guidance on joining student clubs or the Student Representative Council (SRC). Complaints:
The best communication strategy for addressing concerns with administration or parents. 🛡️ 4. Safety & Emergency Procedures
Knowing what to do in an emergency is critical for your safety. Emergency Contacts: Lists for campus security and medical services. Reporting Violations:
How to report disability rights violations or other illegal activities. 💡 Pro-Tip for GIJ Students If you are pursuing investigative stories, check out the GIJN Academy
for extra training and networking opportunities that complement your classroom learning. Maximize Classroom Organization with the Notes App: A
Gij Student Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide gij student handbook
As a student at Gij, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the Gij Student Handbook. This comprehensive guide outlines the policies, procedures, and expectations for students, ensuring a smooth and successful academic journey.
Academic Policies
Student Life
Code of Conduct
Health and Wellbeing
Career Development
Getting Involved
Conclusion
The Gij Student Handbook is an essential resource for all students. By familiarizing yourself with its contents, you'll be better equipped to navigate university life, make the most of your time at Gij, and achieve your academic and personal goals.
Additional Resources
By following the guidelines and policies outlined in the Gij Student Handbook, you'll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable university experience.
The GIJ Student Handbook serves as the primary guide for navigating academic expectations, attendance policies, and code of conduct standards within the Ghana Institute of Journalism. It provides essential information on disciplinary procedures, academic excellence, and student responsibilities to foster a successful academic experience. For more information, read the GIJ Student Handbook
What Should a Student Handbook Contain? - Success By Design, Inc.
GIJ Student Handbook (now under the University of Media, Arts and Communication - UniMAC
) is the essential rulebook for all students at the Ghana Institute of Journalism campus. It covers academic policies, registration procedures, and behavioral standards required to maintain good standing at the university. Key Sections of the Handbook Academic Policies & Registration
: Detailed procedures for semester registration, course scheduling, and maintaining academic records. Grading & GPA Calculation : A guide on how to calculate your GPA and CGPA
, with specific credit hour values for Diploma (2 hours) and Degree (3 hours) levels. Examination Regulations : Strict guidelines on exam conduct and definitions of examination offences Student Governance
: Information on the student body structure, including the Guild President and various ministries (Finance, Education, Information, etc.). Code of Conduct
: Rules regarding attendance, dress codes, and anti-harassment policies designed to foster a respectful campus environment. Essential Resources Access Link Official Undergraduate Policies UniMAC Undergraduate Policies Student Portal UniMAC-GIJ Portal Academic Calendar 2025/2026 Calendar GPA Calculation Guide Step-by-step Calculation Important Reminders Responsibility
: Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all policies; "ignorance of the law" is not an excuse for violations. Academic Probation
: The handbook outlines the criteria for being placed on probation and the requirements for repeating failed courses. Graduation Requirements
: Lists specific CGPA thresholds for certificate classifications, such as a 3.5 minimum for a First Class or more details on specific course requirements for your program?
What Should a Student Handbook Contain? - Success By Design, Inc.
At the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC)—formerly the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ)—preparing academic or journalistic pieces requires strict adherence to institutional standards for originality and formatting. 1. Maintain Academic Integrity
Originality Declaration: You must declare that all work is the result of your own research and has not been submitted for any other degree.
Avoiding Plagiarism: Every piece must duly acknowledge external sources. Failure to do so is considered a serious academic transgression.
Signal Phrases: When citing multiple authors (e.g., three), you must name all authors every time the work is cited. 2. Formatting & Citation Style
In-Text Citations: Direct quotes require the author's name, publication year, and specific page number. Save the "Key Dates" page from the handbook
Long Quotations: Any quote over 40 words must be indented and formatted as a block quote.
Paraphrasing: While page numbers are not strictly required for paraphrased ideas, you must still include the author and year. 3. Submission Standards
Abstracts: Most formal pieces, such as dissertations or scholarly articles, require a concise abstract summarizing the work.
Coursework Requirements: For practical assignments, ensure you include a proper cover page. Standard formatting often accounts for up to 25% of your final coursework mark.
Electronic Submission: Soft copies are typically required to be emailed to specific departmental portals (e.g., for assessment or plagiarism checks). 4. Degree Classification (GPA)
Your performance on prepared pieces directly impacts your final classification. As of 2026, the standard grading at UniMAC-GIJ is: First Class: 3.5 – 4.0 CGPA. Second Class (Upper): 3.0 – 3.49 CGPA. Second Class (Lower): 2.5 – 2.99 CGPA. Home - University of Media, Arts and Communication
Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) , now a constituent institute of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)
, provides a comprehensive student handbook that outlines the institutional rules, academic policies, and campus expectations.
The primary purpose of this content is to ensure students understand their rights and responsibilities throughout their tenure at the institute. Core Content of the GIJ Student Handbook 1. Academic Policies & Regulations Registration Procedures
: Detailed steps for semester course registration and handling academic records. Grading System
: Information on credit hour requirements, maintaining a minimum CGPA (often 2.00), and degree completion timeframes. Examination Conduct
: Strict guidelines on examination offenses, including attempts to cheat or improper behavior during assessments. Academic Probation
: Explanations of what happens when performance falls below standard, including the potential for repeating courses. 2. Campus Life & Student Conduct General Rules
: Prohibitions on gambling, unauthorized substances, and weapons on campus grounds. Disciplinary Actions
: Clear definitions of violations that may lead to suspension or expulsion. Freedom of Expression
: Policies regarding student advocacy, harassment, and the appropriate use of campus signage. Student Services
: Resources for mental health, wellbeing, and academic guidance. 3. Administrative & Financial Information School Handbooks | The Maryland People's Law Library
Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) , which is now a constituent institute of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)
following a merger with NAFTI and GIL, provides essential guidelines for its students through official manuals and handbooks. Core Student Resources UniMAC Right to Information (RTI) Manual
: This document outlines the university's structure, describing the activities of various directorates and providing the official organogram. It also details the procedure for students to apply for and process information requests or amend personal records. Academic Submission Guidelines
: Students preparing scholarly work must follow specific formatting, such as using the Harvard referencing style
for all citations and including high-resolution original figures or charts. Library and Research Support : The UniMAC Library provides an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
for discovering books and journals, an institutional repository for scholarly works, and a Research Commons equipped with high-speed internet. Academic Requirements Mature Student Entry
: Applicants must be at least 25 years old and provide proof of age at least 5 years old at the time of application. They are required to pass entrance examinations in English, Mathematics, and an Aptitude Test. Essential Values
: Students are encouraged to adhere to shared Ghanaian values, including integrity, equity, self-directed learning, and responsible citizenship, which are integrated into the broader educational curriculum. Student Services Mental Health Support
: While not exclusive to GIJ, modern student resources increasingly emphasize mental health, directing those in need to seek support from trusted adults or crisis lines. Practical Training
: The institute emphasizes practical workshops and industry partnerships to provide students with internships and job opportunities in fields like journalism, film production, and screenwriting. or information on specific degree programs offered by the institute?
Admission Requirements - University of Media, Arts and ... - UniMAC According to the handbook, the following offenses lead
In the humid halls of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), formerly the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) , the Student Handbook
wasn't just a book; it was a survival guide. For Kofi, a fresh-faced Level 100 student, it was the only thing standing between him and the dreaded "Academic Probation". The Quest for the Handbook
Kofi’s journey began at the Registry, where he was told the handbook was "subject to change without prior notice". He clutched his admission receipt—the one he’d gotten after paying his 250 cedis at Fidelity Bank—like a golden ticket.
"Read Section 7.5," a passing senior whispered, eyes darting toward the Dean's office. "If you want to change your program from Public Relations to Journalism, you have exactly 28 days. Day 29? You’re stuck forever". The Mystery of the GPA
Kofi spent his first night in the library, illuminated by the glow of his laptop, deciphering the handbook's Guide on GPA Calculation. The math was more daunting than his "Introduction to Editing" course: Degree Level: 3 credit hours per course.
The Goal: A CGPA of 3.5 to 4.0 to secure that elusive First Class Honours.
The Risk: Anything below a 1.0 was a simple "Pass," or worse, the repeat of failed courses. The Final Warning
As he flipped to the final pages, a bolded section caught his eye: Examination Offences. The handbook warned that any "attempt" at an offence would be met with the full weight of the University's policies.
Kofi closed the book. He wasn't just a student anymore; he was a strategic communicator in training. He knew the rules, he knew the math, and most importantly, he knew the 28-day clock was ticking. university of media, arts and communication - UniMAC
The student handbook for the former Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), now a constituent institute of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), serves as the definitive guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students. It outlines the academic standards, professional conduct, and administrative procedures required to maintain the institute's status as a premier communications training body. Core Academic Regulations
The Undergraduate Policies and Procedures at UniMAC establish the framework for academic success and progression:
Course Registration: Students are responsible for their own registration, course scheduling, and ensuring they meet all prerequisites for their chosen modules.
Attendance Requirements: While specific percentages can vary by department, standard university regulations typically require at least 70% attendance for a student to be eligible for final examinations.
Grading and GPA: Academic standing is determined by the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Distinction/First Class: 3.5 – 4.0 Credit/Second Class Upper: 3.0 – 3.49 Pass: 1.0 – 2.49 (Lower divisions fall within this range) Fail: Below 1.0.
Academic Probation and Withdrawal: Students who fail three or more courses in a semester, or continuing students who fail 50% or more of their workload, may face academic withdrawal. Examination Guidelines
The GIJ Examination Guideline hosted on Scribd details strict protocols to ensure academic integrity:
Revision Period: A standard three-week revision time is usually allocated before the start of major examinations.
Examination Offences: Prohibited acts include any form of communication with other candidates, possession of unauthorized materials, or refusal to follow invigilator instructions.
Online Submissions: For digital assessments, students are typically required to report any technical challenges (such as upload issues) within a strictly defined window—often three hours—after the paper concludes. Professional Standards and Conduct
As a professional training institute, GIJ emphasizes a "corporate-ready" culture:
Professional Dress Code: Students are encouraged to dress in a manner befitting the "inky profession." This often excludes casual wear like T-shirts or faded jeans in formal academic settings.
Code of Conduct: Students must act with decorum. Any act of indiscipline can be referred to a Disciplinary Committee, with potential sanctions ranging from warnings to dismissal.
Civic Responsibility: Organizations like the National Youth Authority (NYA) highlight the role of journalism students as the "fourth estate," expected to uphold high ethical standards. university of media, arts and communication - UniMAC
Over the last decade, specific mistakes repeat themselves. Here is how the GIJ Student Handbook solves them:
Pitfall #1: The "Mysterious GPA" Panic
Pitfall #2: The Retake Fee Scandal
Pitfall #3: Industrial Attachment Validation
