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| IAP 2012, University of Sydney (Courtesy: Marlyn, FB group AusAID Students & US) |
“Do
you think this is useful?” Referring to ASAS, a friend of mine asked me
indifferently while we were waiting for the train at Redfern. Instead of giving
her a direct answer, I shared a personal experience I had undergone in
University of Tasmania (UTAS) in 2009.
After
completing a diploma in a Malaysian University college, I transferred my
credits to UTAS (an affiliated partner of the University College in the course I
was doing) to complete the final 1.5 years of my Bachelor degree. Although I
was advised to arrive late February for the University orientation I skipped it.
The futility of the orientation I had in Malaysia which was my first such
experience has given me a totally wrong impression of what orientation means or
how Australians might conduct it. Moreover, my wife gave birth to our first kid
around mid-February which also made me reluctant in leaving the country early.
By
the time I arrived, study has already begun. Within no time, I got my
assignments which included academic essays as well. Just before I submitted my
first essay I presented it to the lecturer to ‘comment on it’ as we had such a
system. Alas, I was bombarded with questions. “Where are the references and
citations? How many peer reviewed academic articles did you read?” I was kind
of blank. Words like ‘reference’, ‘citation’ and ‘peer reviewed’ were new to me
in that context. I was not instructed to build such an academic foundation in
my previous institution. Even though I was presumed to know academic writing as
a precondition to University education, the lecturer was really nice in showing
me the way to open the ‘academic door’ which I had not opened by then. Indeed,
things would have been smooth if I had gone through the University orientation.
We,
the AusAID students at University of Sydney went through a remarkable academic
program named Advanced Skills for Academic Success (ASAS) which lasted for 3-4
weeks, as part of our compulsory Introductory Academic Program (IAP) which also
includes University orientation. It enlightened, fortified and equipped us with
the necessary armors for the battle ahead. Lecturers/teachers involved in
delivering the ASAS were friendly and nice. I request the University to find a
way to preserve the unique rhythmic laughing styles (sometimes resembles a
rattling roof due to strong winds) and the husky, jolly, jelly (couldn’t get a
suitable word to describe the spell in Stephen’s teaching) behavior of some of
the teachers of ASAS so that the humor of this program can be maintained and
carried to coming generations.
You
might have studied in a world top ranking University, but orientation is
University specific too. You have to be orientated the way your University,
faculty and school want, for you to progress in your studies. Moreover,
orientation week or period is the one and only time you get during the academic
year to know and explore the university’s resources to its uttermost which is
not only limited to academic stuffs. You will get to know and indulge in groups
or societies run in the University that best fits to your interest, you can
socialize and make new friends and on top of all, many events will end with free
drinks or meals which arguably are a must to have since most students will be
on a very limited budget. Orientation gives you a glimpse of what you are up to
and how heavy is your study load going to be. Having undergone thorough
orientation means you are nothing less than a fully loaded fighter jet.
I
like the IAP (ASAS and the University orientation) at Sydney University. Never miss
the orientation, especially if you are a freshman or a first year beginner or a
new comer as they call it in different parts of the world.
(NOTE:
Not for critical review)