Welcoming the first batch of freshmen in 2019

UTAR Sungai Long Campus orientation committee with freshmen
(Courtesy pictures from Editorial Team Orientation January 2019)

UTAR welcomed its first batch of freshmen for the year 2019 at both Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses on 6 January 2019. The orientation aimed to facilitate the registration of new students and their smooth transition into the university life. Many activities were organised by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), Student Representatives Council (SRC) and Registration, Campus Tour and Mass Call (RCM) Committee to help the new students to meet UTAR President, their seniors, faculty members, senior university officials and other freshmen during the orientation.

Meet up session with SRC members of Sungai Long Campus
(Courtesy pictures from Editorial Team Orientation January 2019)

During the meet-up session with the SRC members, SRC Kampar Chairperson and Sungai Long Chairperson 2018/2019 briefed and explained to the new students about the roles and functions of SRC, how to look for the SRC through the Facebook page, the information they can obtain from the Facebook page and the events that SRC has organised so far. They also invited the freshmen to join in the upcoming events like the CNY Carnival 2019 “Let's get 亥 (Hai)”, held on 20 January 2019 at Sungai Long Campus. 

Orientation Confession Board for students to express their thoughts about the orientation

An induction programme which included Campus Adjustment Talks, Campus Tour around UTAR, New Village Tour and also City Tour surrounding the Campus were organised to help the students to familiarise themselves with the surroundings and visit some significant places.

The freshmen were also exposed to the university’s rules and regulation and also the facilities and services available for the students. On top of it, the new students were also taught to explore the world by participating in activities like student exchange programme, internship programme, study tour and the buddies programme. Besides, they also learnt the method of gaining certificates for certain schemes such as UTAR Undergraduate Research Scheme (URS) Certificate and also how to apply for financial aids such as PTPTN and scholarships.

A new briefing was given to freshmen on the use of social wallet application to make payment for UTAR bus, UTAR gym, registration for soft-skill courses, library fines and society registration, to name a few. They were taught to install and register using the authorisation code “009UTAR1819”. The freshmen also learned how to cash in, make payment and look for assistance or support using the application.

Talk and demonstration on fire safety

Other than that, some hands-on activities were conducted to lighten up the orientation programme. Activities organised included ice-breaking and tele-match activities, peer mentoring programme, fire extinguisher demonstration, group games, campus hunt, drama performance by committee members and talent time performed by the freshmen. 

 Students actively participating in the peer mentoring programme

 Campus hunting activity 

 Some engaging ice breaking and tele-match activities at Kampar Campus
(Courtesy pictures from DSA Kampar Campus)

When asked, Orientation Programme Vice Chairperson Loh Jing Heng and Human Resources Vice Chairperson Ling Jia Er said, “The ‘Orientation Confession Board’ is one of the new things that we have introduced to the freshmen this year. This time, we chose ‘Marvel’ as the theme of our orientation. So, the drama performance that we came up with, as well as other activities such as station games and talent time programme were prepared in a way that it matches with our theme. Orientation is important for the freshmen to begin their university life, hence why we worked hard to prepare all these activities for them. Orientation is about making new friends and helping the freshmen to adapt to university life. We want them to think of the University as their second home. We hope to see more freshmen participating as the mentors and facilitators for the orientations in the future. We also hope that their relationship will continue and last long even after the orientation ends.”

Benny

Benny Hinn Zerubbabel, a new student from Kajang, who is about to pursue his Foundation in Science said, “I had a relative who graduated from UTAR previously. She recommended me to further my studies here because of the various courses offered, the facilities provided and, most importantly, the affordable tuition fees. Overall, I had a great time participating in the orientation activity. It was really fun and I got to know more about UTAR from the briefing and talks provided by staff from different departments. The most interesting part of the orientation was the station games. We had to complete different tasks at different stations to find the clue for the drama performance. During the orientation, I also managed to meet new friends. They were very nice and easy to get along with. The facilitators and mentors were also very helpful. I hope to gain knowledge and at the same time have fun while learning at UTAR. I wish to experience an enjoyable campus life.” 

Drama performance by the orientation committee
(Courtesy pictures from Editorial Team Orientation January 2019)

Last but not least, activities such as promotion and recruitment from clubs and societies, blood donation, and awareness campaign await the freshmen to participate as well. Students may also stay tuned for the upcoming green campaign and community service project, namely “Go Green- For a better tomorrow”. 

 Students enjoying themselves on the stage during talent time
(Courtesy pictures from Editorial Team Orientation January 2019)

A nostalgic pathway created by the orientation committee members 

Decorations and photo booth during talent time
(Clockwise second pictures courtesy from Editorial Team Orientation January 2019)

A set-up by SRC for orientation in conjunction with Chinese New Year

Kudos to the Sungai Long Campus orientation committee for the hard work
(Courtesy pictures from Editorial Team Orientation January 2019)