On 15th July, 2015, the Dean of School of Languages put together this remarkable event which brought together faculty, staff and students of the School of Languages to a get-together dubbed School of Languages Durbar. This event, the first of its kind in the University, provided a platform where staff and students in the school would get to know each other, and be apprised with the programs and activities of the school in the past and coming academic years.
This durbar was held at the Maison Francaise Conference Room and was fully patronized. In attendance were the Dean of the School of Languages, Professor Nana Aba Amfo Appiah, and the Heads of the departments of French, Linguistics and Modern Languages. A large number of senior members, administrative staff and graduate students were also present for this social gathering.
At exactly 3.00pm., Mr. W. N Torvinyo - the School Administrator - introduced the Dean who welcomed all in attendance in a brief opening remark. She introduced the various Heads of departments and units. The Dean then gave a highlight of the School’s administrative structure and the various committees which help in implementing the School’s programs.
Some of the notable activities that the School introduced during the previous academic year were Writeshop 1, the School Seminar Series, and the School of Languages Sports Gala. According to the Dean, Writeshop 1, which took place between 21st to 24th January 2015, was the first in series of writing workshops she introduced to assist faculty members to progress in their personal research activities. She was impressed by the participation and research output from the first workshop and urged faculty members to take advantage of subsequent writeshop and improve on their publication portfolios. She announced that the second writing workshop, Writeshop II, would take place in the first week of August, 2015.
On the School Seminar Series, which started in the 2014/2015 academic year, the Dean reported that was introduced to promote intra and inter disciplinary research in the School and provide a platform for faculty to present their research works.
The Dean also presented a statistical breakdown of the staff strength and student enrolment in the School. She commended the growing number of graduate students, including sandwich students, in the various departments. The Dean also seized the opportunity to inform the graduate students present about the Dean’s Thesis Grant; an award given to deserving graduate students whose theses are adjudged to stand out. She encouraged all graduate students to be motivated by the Thesis Grant to work hard and submit high quality thesis within the stipulated time. The winners of the Dean’s Thesis Grant for the 2014/2015 academic year were announced and awarded.

After the Dean’s presentation, opportunity was given to the audience for comments, questions and suggestions. The excitement of all in attendance about this new platform was evident in the numerous questions and comments that came. In all, everyone left with insightful information about the School.

One important aspect of this durbar, which the Dean took care to promote, is the informal interaction between students and staff. The interaction that took place in the cocktail party after the Dean’s official address was a joy to behold. It was the first time, since the inception of the School of Languages, that staff and students from the four cognate departments within the School feel part of one family. All members in attendance - students, staff and lecturers - eat, drink and chat freely with one another.

Indeed, the durbar has brought something new to the student lecturer interface. It is a relationship that the Dean hoped would enhance cooperation and performance in the School.