The University of Cape Coast has held its annual matriculation ceremony to admit fresh students to pursue various undergraduate and postgraduate programmmes for the 2017/18 academic year. The ceremony, which grants them full rights and responsiblities as students of the University, also provides students with the opportunity to pledge their unalloyed allegiance to the University. Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, said the University admitted 5785 out of a total of 13,188 applicants.He said 5230 out of the number were undergraduate and 555 post graduate students respectively. Prof. Ampiah further pointed out that 3086, representing 59 per cent, of those admitted were males, whilst the females were 2144 (41 per cent). On post graduate students, he revealed that 361 ( 65 per cent) were males, while 194 (35 per cent) were females. The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to abide by the rules and regulations of the University, as well as appreciate and cherish its objectives and goals. He noted that the University was committed to helping them to achieve their dreams and advised them to eschew all forms of acts that would jeopardize their dreams on campus. " You have come to this institution to study and obtain a degree and it is not our desire to send any of you home without achieving this dream. We, as an institution are committed to helping you to achieve your dream. Do your part by studying hard," Prof. Ampiah said. He enjoined the students to tap into the wealth of knowledge of their lecturers and desist from all manner of examination malpractices. He challenged the students to exude the values of hard work, discipline, commitment and sacrifice since that would enable them to achieve academic excellence in the University. Prof. Ampiah entreated the students to exhibit positive attitudes in life and always believe in themselves. " I entreat you all to have positive attitude in life and always believe in yourself ", he concluded.