Christian Service University (CSU) has taken a significant step in expanding access to quality education with the formal establishment of its Weekend School. Officially instituted on August 2024, at the start of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, the Weekend School serves as a vital avenue for professionals and individuals with tight weekday schedules to pursue higher education without compromising their work commitments.
Purpose and Operations
CSU established the Weekend School to bridge service gaps for weekend students, ensuring they receive the same level of support as their weekday counterparts. The initiative addresses key concerns such as financial transactions, IT support, and library access, ensuring that weekend students experience the same rigorous academic structure, semester duration, and certification process as regular students.
The Weekend School operates under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Twumasi-Ankrah, an experienced educationist with 27 years of teaching experience. As a biblical studies scholar specialized in Old Testament Exegesis with an African focus, Rev. Dr. Ankrah has been a lecturer at CSU since 2015. He is supported by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, an Administrator, IT Support, and Finance teams to ensure smooth academic and administrative operations.
Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning
Several activities and programmes have been introduced to foster an engaging academic environment:
- Weekend School Community Gathering – Held every Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., providing students with a platform to interact, discuss academic matters, and engage with senior management.
- Monthly Church Service – Designed for weekend students, mirroring the institutionalized Wednesday Church Service for the general university community. The next Weekend School Church Service is scheduled for March 8, 2025.
- Academic Seminars and Workshops – Previous sessions have included an Examination Summit and a workshop on achieving academic success.
Library Resource Utilization Seminar – Scheduled for March 15, 2025, this seminar will guide students on effective utilization of both physical and virtual library resources. Additionally, weekend students are actively participating in CSU’s maiden Library Month activities.
Enhanced Student Support Services
Key support systems have been implemented to improve the experience of weekend students:
- Extended Banking Services – On-campus banking operations are available on Saturdays for convenient fee payments and registration.
- Weekend IT and Finance Support – Dedicated officers are present on weekends to assist students with technical and financial concerns.
- Active SRC Presence – The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is actively involved in addressing student concerns and fostering a supportive environment.
- Timetable Optimization – Class schedules have been restructured to eliminate clashes and enhance convenience for students.
The success of these initiatives has been made possible through collaborative efforts between Heads of Departments, Deans of Faculties, student leadership, and the university’s administrative bodies.
A Call for Continued Support
As the Weekend School continues to thrive, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Twumasi-Ankrah expresses gratitude to all stakeholders for their support. He calls for ongoing collaboration to sustain and enhance the academic experience for weekend students. Through these strategic efforts, CSU reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence, expanding educational opportunities for all learners.
Story By
Anastasia C. Afenu
(Institutional Advancement Office)
