The new on-campus learning (OCL) students at WOU were advised to stay focused on obtaining their university qualification, to exercise discipline, and to use the opportunity to acquire the needed valuable soft skills for the real world.
This advice was proffered by WOU’s Dean of the School of Business and Administration (SBA), Prakash V Arumugam, during the OCL orientation held at the scenic WOU main campus on 5 May 2023.
About 20 new students have enrolled in the May 2023 intake to pursue undergraduate programmes in such fields as software engineering, logistics and supply chain management, digital business, management, and psychology.
Prakash highlighted to the freshmen, “Your university learning experience is a training ground for learning and for improving your organisational, planning, leadership, time management, collaborative and negotiation skills.”
He suggested they follow the university rules and regulations, practise self-management in keeping to their assignment deadlines, and contribute fully in any group work. He advised them to carry this similar discipline into their real work-life too, adding, “Nobody appreciates a freeloader or free rider.”
He said the degree or diploma they earn from WOU will surely help them survive in the real world, and support their career trajectory.
Prakash was on hand to present certificates to the Dean’s List recipients. A total of 27 OCL students were named to the Dean’s List for their excellent results in the September 2022 semester.
Earlier, the new students listened to a video-recorded welcoming message from Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Lily Chan. She informed that all WOU programmes and courses are updated to align with the changes brought on by digital transformation. She wanted them to stay focused and be on track to complete their studies, while taking advantage of all the support provided.
Meanwhile Penang Regional Centre manager Rina Julian Nazrin Julian introduced her team members to the students, while OCL coordinator and SBA senior lecturer Yap Li Lian introduced the respective academic advisors assigned to each of the students.
The freshmen were led in their oath-taking by Ifaah Firzanah Hassan, who had enrolled in the Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Management (BBMG) programme.
The half-day orientation session also saw the students being acquainted with the various learning support services, notably the FlexLearn learning management system, helpdesk, student portal, MyEnrolment, and the library resources.