Hundreds of freshmen and transferee students from various colleges gathered at the Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall and Integrated Laboratory Stage (ILS) today, August 4, for the university-wide freshmen and transferee orientation.

Organized by the Office of Student Affairs Services (OSAS), the orientation introduced students to university policies, services and initiatives, college organizations, scholarship opportunities, and other resources available to them throughout their academic journey.

For first-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics (BSED-Math) student Vince Villegas of Liloan, Cebu, the orientation serves as an avenue for freshmen to become familiar with the university.

Although Villegas already had some knowledge about the institution through his two siblings who graduated from the university with degrees in Nursing and Psychology, he said there was still much for him to learn.

“I am unfamiliar with the campus yet, and it’s quite wide, so it’s important to know the different services so I can easily navigate around, especially when it comes to the services,” he said.

Similarly, freshman Faith Quiroga of Talamban, Cebu, who is taking Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science (BSED-Science), said the orientation was helpful in familiarizing herself with the university, especially after experiencing the enrollment process.

With a sibling who also graduated from the university with a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), Quiroga said the orientation would help her as she begins her four-year college journey.

“Importante gyod siya para ma-familiar mi kay sauna di pa ko familiar diri, sige ko og pangutana. Maayo gani kay gitabangan ra pod ko ni Sir Jason Sabequil about sa requirements ug processes diri,” she shared.

On the other hand, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Atty. Roche Ocampo, in her opening remarks, underscored the importance of university policies in maintaining an orderly and conducive learning environment.

“These policies are not created merely to impose restrictions or to make your student life more difficult. They exist to provide structure and create an environment where learning can flourish,” she said.

Beyond emphasizing the importance of policies, Ocampo also encouraged the students to pursue excellence and strive to become principled graduates.

“Aim for excellence. Pursue your academic titles with determination. We want to see you graduate as principled, responsible, compassionate, and honorable individuals,” she said.

Dr. Marino Garcia, director of OSAS, likewise emphasized the office’s student-centered approach, which is “committed to ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered throughout their educational journey.”

The orientation marks one of the students’ first steps toward becoming more familiar with the university community, its policies, and the services available to support them throughout their college journey.

Padayon, CNU!

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