Orientation review underway
The Committee will look into strengthening the orientation framework for the benefit of all freshmen
An Orientation Review Committee (ORC) set up by the Office of the Provost has begun the process of rethinking freshman orientation at NUS.
“Orientation is intended to welcome and introduce freshmen to the university community,” said Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost. “As part of the review, we’ve asked the Committee to consider new approaches to freshman orientation as well as positive current practices that should be extended and preserved.”
The Review Committee was established in late August following reports of instances of inappropriate and unauthorised student-organised activities during the university orientation period. It has been asked to provide recommendations on:
- Key principles that underpin freshman orientation, with reference to the NUS Code of Student Conduct;
- Measures that would enable students, particularly student leaders, to understand and embrace these principles, and build a positive and respectful student culture;
- New approaches to freshman orientation at NUS, and whether there are aspects of past orientations that should be preserved;
- Checks against unacceptable student behaviour in orientation activities; and
- Safeguards for students inadvertently placed in potentially vulnerable situations.
The 13-member ORC comprises a diverse mix of representatives from the student body, faculty, as well as alumni. The Committee is chaired by Professor Tan Tai Yong, Executive Vice President (Academic Affairs) of Yale-NUS College.
A historian by training, Prof Tan is a former Nominated Member of Parliament, and also the first Vice Provost (Student Life) at NUS, where he oversaw student matters, University Town and the Residential Colleges. Prof Tan was also Dean of NUS Arts and Social Sciences from 2004 to 2009.
The ORC, he said, has an important task at hand.
“Many of us in the ORC are alumni of NUS, and we understand how a well-conducted orientation can be a crucial and defining experience for all NUS students. The ORC is doing a thorough review of current practices, and will consult extensively with stakeholders, and gather different perspectives, inputs and suggestions,” explained Prof Tan Tai Yong.
The Committee has held three meetings with student representatives from NUS Science, NUS Business School, and Halls of Residence in the last month. Prof Tan said that the meetings have been lively and productive, with students sharing their candid views.
Prof Tan said, “Understandably, many students expressed disappointment that some of the student-organised Orientation Week team-bonding activities were cancelled in August. Notwithstanding, there was unanimous support and enthusiasm for orientation; many students have fond and vivid memories of orientation, and hope to pass on the fine tradition to their juniors. Students recognise the merits of strengthening the framework for orientation with clear objectives, guidelines and safeguards, so that all freshmen can benefit from this wonderful and uniting experience.”
He said that there has been overwhelming agreement so far that orientation programmes should make freshmen feel welcomed as valued new members of the university community.
Prof Tan elaborated, “Students have said that they regard orientation as a critical and valued part of the university experience. Orientation plays many important roles — at a broad level, it serves to welcome and induct freshmen into the culture of the university, to build bonds between students that would foster a sense of belonging and pride for NUS, and to create a network of support and care for students who are new to university life.”
He noted that as NUS has a large student population, many faculties, schools, halls, residential colleges, student clubs and groups organise orientation activities for their freshmen before the start of the Academic Year. It was vital, he said, that all student leaders and student organisers be made aware of and embrace the objectives of orientation, and that they are trained and equipped to conduct orientation activities in meaningful ways that align with the spirit of orientation.
“At all times, freshmen should feel welcomed, assured and supported,” said Prof Tan.
The Committee has lined up more student and faculty engagement sessions in the weeks ahead. It aims to submit its final report to university management by the middle of October. Their recommendations will also be shared with the NUS community.
If you have any thoughts, feedback and suggestions on freshman orientation at NUS, please email them to the Orientation Review Committee at orientation_ideas@nus.edu.sg.
