MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Associate Prof. Dr. Josephus Gbala-hinnih Moses Gray, Dean of the Amos C Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Liberia has admonished students of the nation’s flagship university to promote conducive academic environment for the greater good of the Liberian society.
He urged the students to contribute to creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all students, and not a place of persistent protests and violence which ruin the positive image of the nation’s flagship university. Dr. Gray frowned on persistent protests and violence at the University of Liberia, which he said ruined the good image of the institution and the nation. He said too many positive things were happening at the flagship university, but other ugly situations are pinning down the positive happenings.
In his keynote address at Wednesday’s donation ceremony of 9000 BTU Air Conditioner to the Social Work Unit, Amos C. Sawyer College, Dr. Gray praised the Social Work Student Association headed by Mr. Eddie Yanzan for the donation and exemplified leadership role. The occasion took placed at the Thelma E Duncan Sawyer Faculty Lounge, UL Fendall Campus.
In appreciation of the students’ positive undertaking, Dr. Gray promised to make available LD50,000 to the Social Work Student Association towards their projects. This is the second time in succession that Dr. Gray has made available LD50,000 to the students of the Social Work Unit.
Besides the Social Work students, the ACS College Dean on several occasions has rendered several student groups including the University of Liberia Student Association with Disability, Political Science Student Association, Sociology Student Association and the Proposed ACS College Student Association.
Speaking further, Prof. Gray admonished the students to foster positive academic environment that enhances quality learning and teaching, and promotes institution’s image globally. He emphasized the need for effective interaction, collaboration and positive leadership in promoting conducive academic environment for the greater good of the Liberian society. Also, he reminded the students of the pivotal role student leadership play in offering learners the opportunity to develop their skills and contribute positively to their academic communities.
Dr. Gray used the Wednesday’s occasion to urge the students to take on responsibilities that provide everyone with unique learning experiences and personal growth and challenged the students to change the current narrative by initiating positive changes, driving academic spirit, and fostering an environment of collaboration and interaction for the greater good of everyone.He informed the students that through initiatives that promote positive conduct and academic spirit, student leaders have the power to foster a sense of positive community, inclusivity, and pride at the University of Liberia.
Associate Prof. Dr. Josephus Gray, Dean of the Amos C Sawyer College of Social Sciences and humanities, University of Liberia has disclosed that the College has successfully integrated educational debate as a core part of its extra-curriculum. The debate will serve as a cornerstone for students to clearly and convincingly think and exchange ideas on a particular subject will reawaken the academic spirit among learners and faculty members. According to Dr. Gray, the College has put into action plans to organize academic debate among the various departments in the College to help molds the way students think and communicate. He indicated that the debate will further assistance students how to present their thoughts clearly and convincingly on a particular subject.
Dr. Gray reminded the students that “debate as an educational exercise is a crucial method for fostering critical thinking skills, communication and research, while at the same time its help students explore ideas, build persuasive arguments, and overall enhance students’ oral presentation.”
Regarding the benefits of debate, Dr. Gray explained that the unique academic exercise provides an exceptional opportunity for learners to engage one another in a positive exchange of ideas on various topics impacting human development and growth. “It’s so contribute significantly and offer a spectrum of benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.”
According to Dr. Gray, the Office of the Dean will establish a panel of professors who to determine the topic, format, venue, number of participants and procedures for the success of the exercise. “The inaugural debate will take place before the end of April 2015″, Dr. Gray noted.
He further reminded the students that it’s their responsibility to guide other students and serve as a role mode. “Student leadership embodies the role and influence among their peers.” Dr. Gray urged them to inspire the entire student’s population at the University of Liberia undertake positive engagement, unique actions and show commitment to academic excellence and conducive environment.
Speaking further, Dr. Gray encouraged students to focus on adopting effective information sharing, demonstrate good deportment and positive learning environment. “You have to engage the administration in the most positive ways to address your concerns not a violence means. “He challenged the students of the Amos C. Sawyer College to work collectively with their colleagues from other colleges to support the ACS College’s presidency of the 105th graduating class. “I strongly encouraged you to vie for the graduating class leadership, go all out to seek your colleagues support for the presidency.”
Regarding thesis defense, he encouraged the students to brace and participate in thesis defense, which is one of the major requirements for a successful completion of BA and BSW studies. Dr. Gray appealed to the students to embark on a meaningful campaign to seek none violent approach in resolving grievances and concerns.
“Your college is on a new trajectory of quality teaching and learning backed by academic excellence and continue progress at the College depends on the effort and action of each student.”
