Gij Student Handbook -

As aspiring journalists and communicators, integrity is your most valuable asset.

Plagiarism Policy: Presenting the work, words, or ideas of another as your own without proper citation is strictly prohibited. In journalism, plagiarism is a career-ending offense; at GIJ, it results in an automatic failure of the course and potential suspension.

AI Usage Policy: While AI tools may be used for research and brainstorming, submitting AI-generated content as original student work constitutes academic dishonesty.

Practical Work Ethics:

The institute updates the handbook every 2–3 years to reflect new laws and technology policies (e.g., AI usage, online exam proctoring). To access the official 2024/2025 edition:

Warning: Beware of third-party websites selling "summary notes." Only the official PDF or printed booklet from the Academic Affairs Office is legally valid.

The GIJ Student Handbook is not a bureaucratic nuisance; it is the operating system of your university life. Whether you are aiming for a First Class CWA, trying to navigate the politics of the SRC, or simply trying to avoid a fine for returning a library book late, the answer is always in the handbook.

Don't be the student who shows up to the exam hall without their ID. Don't be the student who registers late and pays a penalty equal to a month's rent. Read the handbook. Know the rules. Dominate your media career.

For more updates on UniMAC-GIJ academic regulations, consult your faculty advisor or visit the Academic Affairs office located next to the GIJ Conference Centre.

Disclaimer: This article reflects standard policies as described in typical editions of the GIJ/UniMAC Student Handbook. Specific dates, fees, and codes of conduct change annually. Always verify with the official 2024/2025 edition distributed by the university registrar.

Gij Student Handbook

Welcome to Gij, a vibrant and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. As a student at Gij, you are part of a long tradition of academic excellence, innovative research, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Our Mission

The mission of Gij is to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. We strive to empower our students to become active citizens, thoughtful leaders, and lifelong learners.

Academic Policies

Student Life

Campus Resources

Student Conduct

Health and Wellness

Campus Safety

Getting Involved

Important Dates

Contact Information

We are excited to have you join the Gij community! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Welcome to GIJ Student Handbook

Congratulations on being part of the GIJ community! As a student, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern our institution. This handbook aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your academic journey at GIJ.

Mission and Vision

At GIJ, our mission is to provide high-quality education that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and critical thinking. Our vision is to empower students to become responsible, innovative, and globally competitive individuals. gij student handbook

Academic Policies

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Code of Conduct

GIJ expects all students to conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner. The following behaviors are not acceptable:

Support Services

Campus Life

Health and Safety

Communication

GIJ uses various channels to communicate with students, including:

By reading and understanding the contents of this handbook, you will be well-equipped to navigate your academic journey at GIJ. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors, advisors, or school administrators. Welcome to GIJ!

Whether you are a fresh student navigating North Ridge or a final-year student finalizing your project, the Student Handbook (or the Undergraduate Policies and Procedures ) is your most important document. It is the definitive guide to surviving and thriving at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now part of UniMAC). 📍 Essential Highlights 1. Registration or Deferment

Missing the registration deadline is more than a minor slip-up.

The Rule: If you fail to register (in person or by proxy) during the official period, you forfeit your right to register for the entire semester.

The Consequence: In such cases, management typically directs students to defer their course for the year. 2. Examination Standards UniMAC-IJ takes "academic integrity" seriously.

Prohibited Items: Any book, paper, or written info not required by the exam is strictly banned.

ID Requirements: You must place your Student ID card face up on your desk throughout the session.

Group Work: While collaborative study is encouraged, your final exam script must be 100% your own. Sharing work that leads to similarities can result in paper cancellation. 3. Library Etiquette The library is a "silence zone" designed for focus.

Dress Code: No shorts, night dresses, or round-neck T-shirts; formal dress code often applies.

Banned Items: Bags, food, and mobile phone conversations are strictly prohibited inside.

ID Use: Your ID card is non-transferable and must be presented to borrow books or access digital resources. 💡 Quick Tips for New Students

Check the Portal: Use the UniMAC Student Portal to register courses and check results.

Medical Leave: If you are ill for more than 3 days, you must inform the Registrar in writing.

Academic Probation: Stay on top of your GPA; falling below the required threshold can lead to probation or withdrawal. university of media, arts and communication - UniMAC

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 As aspiring journalists and communicators, integrity is your

: 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.

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

The GIJ Student Handbook (now under the UniMAC – University of Media, Arts and Communication) serves as the definitive legal and academic roadmap for every student enrolled at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Whether you are a freshman navigating your first semester or a final-year student preparing for graduation, this document details the policies, ethics, and procedures that govern your time at the institution. 1. Academic Policies and Registration

The handbook provides specific guidelines for the administrative side of university life. Key areas include:

Registration Procedures: Students are responsible for completing their course registration within the notified timeframe. Often, access to registration portals is contingent upon fulfilling financial obligations, such as paying tuition and SRC dues.

Course Selection: Degree and diploma programs use alphanumerical codes (e.g., POLI 101). The third digit typically indicates the semester: odd numbers for the first semester and even for the second.

Attendance: Participation in lectures, tests, tutorials, and practicals is compulsory. Excessive unexcused absences can lead to a student being required to repeat the semester. 2. Grading and Academic Standing

Understanding your academic progress is a core part of the handbook's utility.

GPA and CGPA Calculation: The handbook defines critical terms like Credit Taken (CT), Grade Point (GP), and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Academic Probation: Students who fall below specific grade thresholds may be placed on academic probation, requiring them to repeat failed courses to make up their workload. The institute updates the handbook every 2–3 years

Graduation Requirements: To graduate, students must complete all required credit hours and meet the minimum CGPA standards set for their specific diploma or degree program. 3. Examination Regulations and Misconduct

Integrity is the cornerstone of journalism education. The handbook outlines strict examination guidelines to ensure fairness:

Offences: Misconduct includes impersonation, possessing unauthorized materials (leakage or "crib notes"), and communicating with other candidates during an exam.

Plagiarism: While group work is encouraged, final submissions must be the student's own work. Allowing others to copy your work is considered a punishable offence.

Identification: Students must carry their official University ID cards at all times, especially during examinations and when using library facilities. 4. Student Life and Rights

The handbook isn't just about rules; it’s about your rights and opportunities:

Student Unionism: UniMAC-GIJ encourages active and responsible student union activities through its Student Representative Council (SRC).

Prizes and Awards: Exceptional academic performance is recognized through various Institute prizes awarded during convocation ceremonies.

Facilities: Information on resources like the Digital Media Hub, e-libraries, and centers for audio-visual production is typically detailed to help students maximize their training. Why You Must Read It

The policies within the UniMAC Undergraduate Handbook are subject to change without prior notice, making it the student’s responsibility to stay updated. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines prevents "avoidable" errors, such as missing registration deadlines or unintentionally committing examination malpractice. Student Handbooks - International Programmes Office

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

While the specific pagination changes year to year, this article captures the spirit, utility, and critical sections of the handbook as it exists for current graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Since the merger of GIJ, GIL, and NAFTI to form the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) , the handbook has undergone revisions. Students should ensure they are using the UniMAC branded handbook, not the old standalone GIJ versions.

Key changes in the new handbook include:

Accra, Ghana – For every freshman stepping onto the Ring Road Central campus and every continuing student navigating academic policies, one document stands as the undisputed authority: The GIJ Student Handbook.

At the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now formally part of the University of Media, Arts and Communication - UniMAC), the student handbook is more than just a rulebook. It is a roadmap. It bridges the gap between admission and graduation, covering everything from course registration codes to examination ethics, hostel regulations, and grievance procedures.

Yet, every academic year, a surprising number of students fail to read this vital resource cover-to-cover. This article serves as your comprehensive companion to the GIJ Student Handbook—why it matters, what's inside, and how to use it to avoid academic pitfalls.