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annual Orientation programme signals the start of a new academic
year. The progam facilitates the necessary adjustment process
that all new students must go through as they make that transition
from high school to university (traditional students); from
a situation of work and maybe being in charge, to the status
of a student (mature students); from ones native land to a new
country (non-Jamaican students) and to an institution with a
different approach to learning and development from that encountered
at the high school level. With the above in mind each year,
the Office of Student Services, in collaboration with Faculty,
Student Affairs, Student Leaders and the Public Relations Office
develop and implement an orientation programme based on the
following objectives: |
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To welcome students and to make them feel
comfortable, relaxed and trusting. |
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Through academic advising and career counselling,
to help new students choose appropriate course options
relevant to their career choice. |
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To help students understand the structure
of the institution – Halls, Faculties, Departments,
Guild of Students, Campus, University. |
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To acquaint students with the layout of
the Campus. |
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To acquaint students with the regulations
governing Campus facilities and activities e.g. Halls
of residence, health centre, libraries, examinations,
faculty offices, use of the shuttle bus and registration. |
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To inform students of their rights and
responsibilities as students of the Mona Campus. |
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To sensitize students to the Campus safety
measures and the need for taking responsibility for their
personal safety. |
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To introduce students to the structures
and activities that will facilitate their total development
eg.
– Cultural Programmes
– Personal Development Programmes
– Opportunities for achieving excellence
and the Campus’ method of recognizing students’
involvement |
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To inform students about sources of help
for problems that may arise during their Campus life. |
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To help students cope with any stress
or distress resulting from:
–
separation from families and friends
–
adjusting to a new environment
–
managing a newly acquired independence |
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Hall
Orientation
The objectives of the orientation which were identified earlier
were to be met in the Halls through Hall specific programmes.
The Hall orientation programmes were planned by the Student
Services Managers in collaboration with the members of the
Hall committees. Despite the presentation of outlines of very
positive programmes to the Director of Student Services and
a commitment by student leaders to honour the Campus statement
against ragging, there were reports of elements of ragging
in some Halls of residence.
The Hall Orientation programme was highly successful in teaching
the traditions of the Hall; in encouraging Hall loyalty; in
motivating students to participate in Campus activities and
in helping them make friends quickly. It also help students
to understand the functions of the Hall Committee and the
Student Services Managers; in introducing students to sources
of help if need arises and in encouraging Campus loyalty.
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