Savai’i students orientation success

21 February 2018, 12:00AM

PR - The University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) Samoa’s Savai’i Centre welcomed new students at Salelologa recently. 

The new students are enrolled in Foundation and degree studies, and will be studying primarily via the Online and Print modes from the Centre.

During the orientation, the students got the opportunity to listen to presentations about the offerings and expectations of U.S.P., and participated in a transition workshop targeting their smooth transition into tertiary studies.

The orientation address was given by the Campus Director and Head of the School of Agriculture and Food Technology (C.D./H.O.S.-S.A.F.T.) Professor Mohammed Umar, who opened his message with an explanation of Orientation as a time when students learn about University life and its expectations. 

Professor Umar empowered students by focusing on 7 key areas, urging them firstly to have a vision because “People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.” 

He highlighted the importance of Science, and of nature as God’s creation, and the need to appreciate and protect the environment. Prof. Umar urged the students to aim for greatness through sacrifice, reminding them in Churchill’s words, that “Success is going from failure to failure without the loss of enthusiasm.” 

The crucial role of parents was also emphasized in the keynote, reminding students to always reward, love and serve their parents, for “No matter how much we try, we will never understand fully the depths of the love and care our parents give us.” 

The students learnt that ‘creativity and prosperity’ were outcomes of ‘knowledge with action’ and they were challenged to make creative use of the knowledge to be gained in years to come for the good of all, for this knowledge can enable them “…to serve your community with innovations that may help in improving the livelihood of our people and protection of our environment.” 

The Alafua Campus IT Manager, Le Mamea Sia Matalavea, was the orientation Master of Ceremony. 

The vote of thanks was delivered by the USP Savai’i Centre Library Assistant, Taiaopo Taiese, who thanked the speakers for their empowering messages for the students. 

Key information about the offering and expectations of USP was given by The Alafua Campus Student Administrative Services Coordinator, Ms SeulGee Samuelu. 

The Alafua Campus Student Learning Specialist, Niseta Buatava, conducted the Orientation Transition Workshop on “Time Management and Knowing Your Course Outline”, to facilitate a smooth transition from college/work to university study for the new students. The orientation was attended by the Alafua and Savai’i staff, students and friends of USP.

21 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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