On August 23rd Ashesi welcomed 142 members of the Class of 2014 to campus for the beginning of orientation week. The 2014 Class is a diverse group with international students from Nigeria, Benin, Togo, USA and Cameroon. The number of senior secondary schools represented among this incoming class is also diverse with graduates from 66 different schools. Through our financial aid program, nearly $150,000 in grants was given out this year to the freshman class, with an average of $3,486 of aid awarded per financial aid recipient. Of those students awarded financial aid, 44% were women.
During orientation members of the Class of 2014 attended interactive workshops on the university's academic policies, took courses on basic computer use, listened to presentations by members of student government, and simply took time to meet and talk with one another. For the second year in a row, incoming freshman also participated in a seminar entitled "Mind set." The seminar, which draws on the academic work of Dr. Carol Dweck, emphasizes the importance of having a positive outlook and working hard in order to increase academic performance.
On opening day President Awuah welcomed the Class of 2014 and spoke about Ashesi’s commitment to educating a new generation of ethical leaders for Africa. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a culture of honesty and integrity on campus.