The University Holds an Orientation Day for the New Students

Coverage: Tariq Hassan

Prince Sultan University held on Tuesday 29/9/2009 an orientation day for the new students of the academic year 1430/1431 H. Dr. Abdelhafeez Feda, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Research started the briefing with a speech in which he summarized about the academic programs and the future plans of the University. He pointed out that the University is considering the possibility of opening a College of Engineering. He added that the tremendous development of the University can be felt through the increasing number of its students, although the University students’ admission has certain and specified high standards.

Dr. Feda also talked about the University unacademic developmental programs such as the project of establishing an integrated university city, the project of the third building for women which will be launched soon, the project of developing and coordinating the general site of the university which is about to be accomplished, besides other completed developmental projects such as the two lobbies of male and female students.

He concluded his speech to the new students with some advice concerning seriousness and discipline that they should commit themselves to from the first day of the Orientation Year which he called the year of true trial. He said that it is a critical year because passing it successfully is a term of admission to PSU. He advised the students not to be absent unless it is absolutely necessary. He pointed out that the University life is the cornerstone of building their future personality and career. He explained that the current situation of the labor market is different from the past. The survival in it now is for the fittest. He added that there’s a great demand from the private sector for PSU graduates because they are highly qualified.

Mr. Ian Rennie, Director of the English Language Program talked about the English Language in the Orientation Year. He said that English is the language of teaching in all PSU academic programs, so it is very necessary for all students to work hard and to be proficient in it.

Dr. Aiman Mukheimar, Director of Math & General Science Program and academic supervisor of the Orientation-Year students talked about the importance of Math in human life, pointing out that it helps man in thinking and problem-solving. He also talked about the approach that can assist the students to excel in Math in the Orientation Year. He stressed that the University rules and regulations don’t allow any student to proceed unless he obtains at least the good degree which can be achieved only by seriousness and hard work. He concluded with talking about the importance of developing students’ study skills which can largely assist them to plan well for the future.

Dr. Abdulqader Al-Khateb, the Director of Prince Salman Scholarship Program, introduced the program to the students. He talked about its objectives, sections and conditions. He emphasized the importance of the program for all students. He explained that it can be considered as a moral and material appreciation from the society to the high achievers, pointing out that this scholarship continues with them even when they are admitted to the University.

Dr. Hassan Taher, Director of the Orientation Year Computer Program, talked about the computer course, its requirements and the importance of the Orientation Year to the Computer Science students. He said it is the basis for all the coming stages of study, stressing the importance of attending all classes because they are well connected in subject together. Then Dr. Sulaiman Al-Arainy, the Director of the Guidance and Consulting Unit spoke on behalf of Dr. Saad Al-Mosa, the Dean of Student Affairs, about the Deanship of Students Affairs, its units, and the services it gives to the students, and the importance of its activities in developing the students. He also introduced a summary about the Guidance and Consulting Unit considered to be the first such unit in the Saudi Universities. He said that it was established to serve the students who suffer from lack of motivation to study and can not adjust because of their different social conditions. Again he welcomed them in his office to help them solve their problems.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Sehibani, the Dean of Admission and Registration, who conducted the Orientation Year introduced the University systems, programs, registration programs, and the conditions of completing the Orientation Year. He also explained the opportunities that PSU students may obtain in the labor market, and the information sources available for the students at the University such as the University website and newspaper (University Spectrum).

The meeting was concluded with a tour to the facilities of the University guided by Mr. Abdul-Aziz Al-Khashlan, the supervisor of the student affairs, and Mr. Walid Al-Rimy from the Deanship of Admission and Registration and the student Amin Basalameh from the College of Computer Science.