TAR UC Marks New First with e-Orientation

During these uncertain times brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak, institutes of higher learning have to adopt innovative solutions to continue with the academic activities, and Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (‘TAR UC’) has risen to the occasion by holding its first ever e-Orientation sessions for new students in Foundation, A Level, Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, and Master’s programmes.

TAR UC’s e-Orientation which is basically a virtual orientation, encompasses a variety of online briefings and activities that are aimed at acclimatising new students to academic life in TAR UC, and also serves as an introduction to TAR UC. Two separate e-Orientation sessions were held, one for Foundation and A Level students on 1 June 2020, and another for Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma students from 9 to 12 June 2020. A third e-Orientation for postgraduate students was also held on 9 June 2020 via Google Meet. New TAR UC students from pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate levels took part in the e-Orientation.

During their e-Orientation session, the freshmen were welcomed by Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UC in a live speech. There were also pre-recorded videos prepared by TAR UC faculties and centres that detailed their respective programmes of study. Sessions detailing campus life, counselling services, clubs and societies, financial aid, safety awareness and library services were also included to create greater awareness of the services and support TAR UC provides for the students. For Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma students, there was also a briefing by the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education on the options available for professional education and lifelong learning. The e-Orientation also had useful study skill workshops to help ease the transition into tertiary studies for new students. There was also a live Question and Answer session, whereby freshmen asked common questions about financial aid options, details on programmes of study and campus activities.

“This is TAR UC’s first e-Orientation and I believe that we are setting a new benchmark for TAR UC with these sessions,” said Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UC. “E-Orientation is part of the new normal of online learning, and I hope that new students have picked up many useful things from e-Orientation about TAR UC that will enable them to embark on a fulfilling academic journey here.”

“To all new TARCians, I believe this is an important milestone for all of you as you commence your new journey, whereby you will have more freedom, but at the same time, also more responsibilities as a university student,” Prof Lee told the students during his welcoming speech. "This year is a challenging year for everyone, but I hope that you will be able to learn effectively through the online learning platforms in TAR UC. I wish you all the best in your learning and university life. I believe you can transform yourself for the better during your time in TAR UC."

The e-Orientation and online learning initiatives are part of TAR UC’s effort to ensure that a safe and secure environment is provided for new students to learn effectively and successfully as Malaysia gradually recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.