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
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 gij student handbook
: 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.
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: At the University of Media, Arts, and Communication
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
Title: Don’t Sleep on It: Why the GGSIPU Student Handbook is Your Secret Weapon
Date: April 20, 2026 Author: The Campus Insider
Let’s be real for a second.
When you got your admission letter to IP University, you probably ripped open the envelope, glanced at the shiny logo, and tossed the rest of the paperwork into a drawer. And inside that pile of paperwork? The GGSIPU Student Handbook. Title: Don’t Sleep on It: Why the GGSIPU
I know what you’re thinking: “A handbook? Boring. I’ll just ask my friends if I have a question.”
Stop right there. Throwing away that handbook is like throwing away the cheat codes to the hardest video game you’ve ever played. Whether you are at USLLS, USCT, or any of the affiliated colleges, that little red and white book is gold.
Here is why you need to dig it out of your drawer today.
The handbook outlines the process:
Global Institute of Journalism (GIJ) Academic Year 2023/2024
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:
Dear Student,
On behalf of the faculty and administration, welcome to the Global Institute of Journalism. You have chosen to enter an institution dedicated to the pursuit of truth, the refinement of communication, and the advancement of media excellence.
This handbook is your guide to navigating academic and social life on campus. It outlines the privileges, rights, and responsibilities associated with being a GIJ student. We urge you to read it thoroughly and keep it as a reference throughout your tenure.
Prof. [Name] Rector/Principal
| Service | Office | Extension / Contact | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Academic Affairs | Admin Block, 1st Floor | academics@gij.edu.gh | | Dean of Students | Student Affairs Centre | deanofstudents@gij.edu.gh | | 24/7 Security Control | Main Gate | 054-XXX-XXXX | | GIJ Clinic | Behind Hostel A | (Open 8am–8pm weekdays) |
According to the handbook, the following offenses lead to immediate disciplinary hearing and possible expulsion:
The GIJ Student Handbook provides the "Rules of the Game" for exams.