The International University of Management (IUM) Windhoek campuses hosted its First Year Student Orientation earlier this month, at the Dorado main campus.
The event is held annually at all IUM campuses to welcome and familiarise the new students with the universities’ learning environment. Equally important, the event strives to ensure that a firm foundation of preparation for the incoming students will provide the understanding of the tools necessary for a successful university experience.
Throughout the event, every department and faculty was represented. The speakers and activities focused on the issues and resources that are most important to new students.
On the first day, students were officially welcomed by Henritte Rispel, the dean of students.
The programme continued with the discussion on student accommodation and facilities, and a presentation on the role of joining campus societies. The students were then released to go to their designated faculties where they were introduced to their deans, head of departments, lecturers and programmes.
Day two kicked off with a presentation by the dean of students and SRC who briefed the students on the importance and functions of their offices. The other topics that were discussed were student e-learning and information technology services on campus.
On the same day, Susan Nganjone, IUM registrar, also shed light on the functions of her office focusing mainly on the examinations, admissions and student records divisions.
On day three of orientation, the audience was briefed on the policies and operations of the finance department, and events on the annual SRC calendar among others. The last day was more of a socialising day which was an opportunity for all students to interact. This was also a significant platform for new students to visit and get information from different society stands and to sign up.
In addition, there were external motivational speakers scheduled for each day. Among the speakers were representatives from the loan awarding body Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and some of the former IUM SRC who described their experience at IUM and advised students on how to deal with university life better. Other visitors included staff from First National Bank and Standard Bank.
The event was entertained by the IUM and Student Christian Movement (SCM) Choirs. Each day concluded with a tour to the Windhoek City Campus where some will be attending classes. The trip extended to other places in town such as the public libraries.
In his address, Nestor Metusalem, SRC president 2016, said “IUM is now your second home and under no circumstance should you allow anybody to criticize you for being here. Regardless of all the things they say in the media and streets; you still chose to study here because criticism does not define you or the choices you make”.
“You have now entered the stage where the lecturer will give you food and a spoon in order to feed yourselves. You should, therefore, always do research and make use of the libraries at both campuses and around town.”
Herman Rutz, on behalf of the IUM alumni, added that students should always have a vision, set academic goals and believe in themselves “as IUM was also just established as a result of someone’s vision”.
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