The Student Experience and Development Section of the Office of Student Affairs (SEDS, OSA) recently hosted a heartwarming lunch gathering titled “Orientation Leaders Unite.” This event brought together esteemed guests from the university, including Professor KO Wing-hung, the University Dean of Students; Ms Elaine TAM, Director of the Office of Student Affairs; Dr Fred KU, Chairperson of the Joint Committee on New Student Orientation (JCNSO); and Dr Tommy LAW, Head of the Student Experience and Development Section, OSA. Approximately 30 student representatives, primarily student presidents who organised various orientation activities, joined the event, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of connection and shared experiences.
During the gathering, Professor KO expressed heartfelt gratitude to all student leaders involved in the planning and organisation of this year’s new student orientation. He praised the tireless efforts of student presidents, group leaders, and team members. Their dedication has created a wonderful beginning for new students and unforgettable memories. Over 3,000 student leaders served to welcome new students this year which proved the strong commitment of our students to building a supportive and caring CUHK community.
Inspiring Stories from the Student-Led Orientation Camps
Among the remarkable stories shared was that of Mr. KWOK Long Yin Bosco, the Student President of the Nursing Orientation Camp. Bosco shared:
“This year, a total of 300 participants joined the Nursing Orientation Camp. Due to the large number of attendees, we faced numerous challenges during the preparation period. Fortunately, I had an outstanding team working alongside me. Arranging logistics for 300 people required careful consideration of many details and coordination with various units. Planning the itinerary demanded significant effort to ensure that there was enough time for all groups to move between locations and to provide suitable transportation.
Throughout the OCamp, we encountered unexpected situations such as unpredictable weather, participants getting sick or injured, and activities running over time. Both staff and team leaders had to adapt quickly to ensure the safety of all participants while keeping the activities running smoothly. Thanks to everyone doing their part and collaborating effectively, the three-day, two-night event went off without a hitch. I would like to express my gratitude to all the CUHK Units, Nursing staff, team leaders, and new students for their collective efforts.”
Miss Chan Yan Kiu Yanki, the Student President of the Learning Design and Technology Orientation Camp, also shared her experience:
“This is the first OCamp for the Learning Design and Technology Programme (LDTE), which was established three years ago. As the student president, my goal was to create an enjoyable experience for both my teammates and the new students during the OCamp. Last year, I, a year one student, felt disconnected from the University at the very beginning of the new term because there was no LDTE Ocamp last year. This motivated me to organise this OCamp, providing a platform for newcomers to learn more about CUHK.
One of the biggest challenges in preparing for the OCamp was recruiting enough team leaders. With only 11 senior students in the LDTE programme, we faced a manpower shortage. Thankfully, teammates from various departments within the Faculty of Education joined us to welcome our new classmates, truly embodying the warmth of CUHK.
The most important lesson I learned was to anticipate worst-case scenarios, enabling everyone to respond more effectively when issues arise. After the OCamp, I often reflect on how meeting everyone was a blessing. Thank you all for making my summer unforgettable; I truly cherish this big family.”
A Remarkable Array of Student-Led Orientation Activities
This year’s orientation activities featured an impressive 48 student-led initiatives, including 46 orientation camps and 2 meet-and-greet days designed for new non-local students. These initiatives attracted over 4,300 person-time attendees, providing invaluable opportunities for students to meet new friends, understand the University, and familiarize themselves with the college system, faculty, and departments. These activities ensure that newcomers have a solid foundation for an enriching university life.
The success of the student-led orientations is a testament to the time, creativity, and determination invested by these student leaders. Each activity was meticulously planned, showcasing the energy and passion these students brought to the table. Their commitment not only enhanced the orientation experience but also provided invaluable peer support for their university life.
Professor KO Wing-hung, University Dean of Students (right), shared various insights about the orientation event with the students who organized it.
Ms Elaine TAM, Director, Office of Student Affairs, expressed special thanks to all the students who participated in organising the orientation activities.
Dr Tommy LAW, Head of Student Experience and Development Section, OSA (left 1), Dr Fred KU, Chairperson of the Joint Committee on New Student Orientation (left 2), Professor KO Wing-hung, University Dean of Students (right 2) and Ms. Elaine TAM, Director, Office of Student Affairs, took a photo with the winners of the raffle. A special thanks to Ms. TAM for providing the prizes, which added a lot of excitement and surprise to the event.
