As freshers have anticipated embarking on a new journey for a long, the summer break is often orchestrated with an array of orientation activities. CityU’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) presented the newcomers with the College’s orientation on 23 August 2022 as the prologue of their dazzling chapters at CLASS.

Although the College’s orientation was pivoted to a real-time online format, freshers’ enthusiasm was by no means dampened. To commence with, Professor Richard M WALKER, Dean of CLASS, delivered a welcoming speech and introduced the College’s features, highlighting the interdisciplinary education effort and global awareness among its students. Drawing upon the world-shaking experience of COVID-19, he explained the significance of humanities and social sciences propels our fundamental understanding of how processes in the world operate. “I am confident to say the study of humanities and social sciences is exciting because our curiosity with humanity will never cease,” said Prof Walker. He then encouraged students to embrace curiosity in the promising journey of discovery, transformation and growth.

One often feels unmoored while transitioning to a new environment. The session hosted by student ambassadors demonstrated practical tips and workarounds, reminding freshers to plan ahead for their undergraduate years. For instance, they learnt about the curricular prerequisite and multiple study pathways: a minor, a second major, a joint bachelor’s degree programme, or “Undergraduate plus Taught Postgraduate Degree Programme.” As exposure beyond borders is a key to growth, it also showcased the opportunities outside academic life, including the College’s internationalisation activities and CLASS Student Chapter. It was then wrapped up with several friendly reminders, advising freshers to take the academic honesty quiz by November and browse the College website for the Freshmen Checklist. To recap the College orientation, please click here for the video recording. 

Following the College’s orientation, the six departments under CLASS held departmental orientations to provide freshers with crucial information about their admitted programmes and an opportunity for freshers to meet with the faculty members and classmates in person or via an online meeting. The University also organised a welcoming ceremony on the same day. Professor Way KUO, President of CityU, and Professor Raymond CHAN, Vice President (Student Affairs), extended a warm welcome to all Undergraduate and Senior-Year intake students, who also had a glimpse of the campus life and spectacular performances by students. Hopefully, the freshers will get acquainted with the CityU community and settle into life on campus soon.