Proceedings of First Annual Postgraduate Seminar Held on May 25, 2017 at University of Embu

Abstract

The First Annual Postgraduate Seminar of the University of Embu was held at the University’s Charter Hall on 25th May 2017. The one day seminar brought together thirty-five members of academic staff, one external supervisor and sixty-three postgraduate students. The Seminar was an opportunity for postgraduate students to share the progress made in their research work. In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor affirmed that importance placed by University Management on postgraduate studies. The management has established the Board of Postgraduate Studies, appointed a Director of postgraduate studies, recruited of qualified and experienced staff as well as provided supervisors among others. The Vice Chancellor further noted that only 20% of the postgraduate students presented their research findings. He called upon Deans, Chairmen of Departments, Supervisors and Students to do more to ensure that students are progressing as expected. To improve the quality of postgraduate research output, the University of Embu has put several measures in place including; publications requirements for all postgraduate students, antiplagiarism check, training and sensitization of supervisors on effective supervision, recruitment of competent staff with excellent research, publications and student supervision experience. Impressive presentations were made by the students. Some of presentations indicate that the students may produce results that could be published in high impact journals, patented or commercialized. The importance of choosing the correct research design and data analysis tools was observed in several presentations. The need to improve the quality of slides and style of presentation was echoed throughout out the seminar. Supervisors were requested to do a bit more in helping the postgraduate students master scientific communication and the art of public speaking. This was the first seminar its kind at university level. It is envisaged that the University Postgraduate Seminar will become an annual event.