UCSI University student, Hao Han from
China gets acquainted with the local primary
school students
UCSI University’s School of Music performs
a medley of popular jazz songs during the
University Life showcase
A student proudly shows UCSI University’s
Vice Chancellor, Dr. Robert Bong her team’s
community project
UCSI University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr.
Robert Bong speaks to another group about
their project
UCSI University students, together with
members of the community pitch in to help
spruce up SMK (T) Sungai Manggis
Kuala Lumpur, 09 April 2010 -
UCSI University’s multi-purpose hall was abuzz with
activity as 234 students showcased their projects, complete
with videos, pictures and colourful posters. These were
not merely projects, but part of a subject named
University Life. While most of the other subjects
in universities require one to memorise formulas, understand
history and work out calculations, the University Life
subject is nothing of the sort. In line with the University’s
tagline, “The University, The Experience”, students
taking this subject are instead encouraged to experience
university life through co-operation with classmates
of different nationalities, while cultivating creativity
in their coursework, and learning vital first year skills
as university students.
The students presented the projects that they had done,
which ranged from visits to charity homes, environmental
rallies, crime-solving games and awareness campaigns,
to name a few.
Moreeletsi Mmolotsi of Botswana, part of the group called
the Mighty Ones, said that they enjoyed going to the
Heritage Old Folks Home as part of their project. “The
people in the Home did not usually receive foreign visitors,
so there was a very frank cultural exchange which I
found really fulfilling,” she said. Moreeletsi, together
with her classmates, plan to visit the Home again soon,
even though their project has ended.
Another group called One Youth, One Nation, organised
a trip to Sekolah Menegah Kebangsaan (Tamil)
Sungai Manggis in Banting, Selangor. The group’s aim
was to share the experience of undertaking social work
with others. The group for the trip eventually grew
to include other University students who were not part
of the project, and 12 other secondary school students
from SMK Taman Sri Muda. The group and its additional
“members” not only organised a gotong-royong for the
school, but also painted murals around the school in
the 3 day, 2 night project.
Yet another team, led by Moysis Wassef from Australia,
compiled a guide book, which they termed as the ultimate
“University Survival Kit” which includes all information
the students felt were important for new students, and
also tips such as “Small Life’s Instructions”. This
included advice to “Vote!, Never Close A Door to Opportunity
and to Say ‘thank you’ a lot.” According to Moysis,
the Guide would be especially helpful to international
students who need more time to adjust to life in a new
environment, culture and country.
Meanwhile, the Green Team launched a campaign recently
to get as many people to use reusable bags instead of
plastic bags. They also went to the Tzu Chi Centre in
Melaka and Alam Flora in KL to sort out recyclable items.
The subject, taken by all first year, first semester
students at UCSI University, was introduced by the University’s
Centre for Learning Excellence (CLE). Presently, students
from four faculties have undertaken the subject and
CLE plans to introduce the subject in stages to other
faculties. The main aim of the subject is to initiate
new students into university life, and to encourage
them to bond with their peers. Modules in the subject
are designed to inculcate important values in students
such as respect, tolerance and the recognition and appreciation
of each other’s differences. The subject also teaches
students basic skills they can use for the rest of their
lives, such as identifying learning styles, learning
effective study techniques, note taking skills, presentation
skills, listening and memory skills, as well as different
methods to prepare for examinations.
Students are required to participate in a community-based
project as part of their final assessment, and present
it during the University Life showcase. The judges gave
points to the students based on their creativity, team
cohesion and more importantly, how effectively they
utilised the knowledge and skills learnt in actual situations.
"Without
prejudice to the rights of UCSI the information herein
is correct at the time of printing and UCSI reserves
the right to make amendments without prior notice."
Last updated:
18 May 2010
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