What is the NSO?

The New Student Orientation program is designed to facilitate new students and their respective families in understanding the programs, culture, norms, policies, and expectations of Habib University. This week long event also provides an opportunity for new students and their families to ask questions, meet with the HU community, and familiarize themselves with Habib University.

Objectives of the NSO

  • Creating a welcoming environment that builds a sense of community among the incoming class and connects them to faculty, staff, and other students
  • To introduce students to college services which will support their educational and personal goals (ex. library, information technology, academic and student services departments).
  • Providing a framework for four years of success through the communication of expectations, norms and standards.
  • To introduce new students with the HU environment, exposing them to the mission, history and traditions of the university, its achievements, its policies and expectations
  • Providing information and resources that will allow students to make informed and appropriate academic plans and healthy social choices
  • To familiarize students with the campus environment and physical facilities
  • To facilitate initial academic advisement, course selection, and registration
  • To articulate the academic expectations of students and available academic resources
  • To provide the families of new student’s comprehensive information about the academic and student service resources and programs
  • Create attitudes that make performing, adjusting and remaining with HU possible
  • To create an atmosphere that minimizes anxiety, promotes positive attitudes, and stimulates an excitement for learning.
  • To provide employment, leadership, and learning opportunities for continuing students as leaders, through selection, training, and supervision.

Orientation Leaders

The Orientation Leaders (OLs) are students selected to assist the Office of Academic Performance, Student Life, and the Student Council with the implementation of the New Student Orientation in August 2019. They may be the first students with whom new students will interact and are expected to serve as HU representatives.

OLs Roles and Responsibilities

Key roles and responsibilities for the OLs include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Attend and participate in all orientation and training sessions organized for the OLs in July and August 2019
  • Assist in planning and conducting the New Student Orientation program in August.
    • Plan Sessions And Activities As Per The NSO Plan
    • Develop Orientation Packs
    • Communicate With New Students And Their Parents Through Phone Calls, Emails And Post
    • Arrange Rooms And Other Facilities For Orientation Sessions
    • Develop Posters, Videos, Facebook Posts And Blogs For The NSO
  • Serve as HU representatives, and as a general information and referral source for new students and families regarding HU.
  • Supervise and lead a group of new students during their transition into the university.
  • Work as a collegial team member and leader in small and large group situations.
  • Maintain a friendly, caring and positive attitude that creates an inclusive environment throughout the planning and execution of the NSO.
  • Assist new students with academic advising and course registration.

Eligibility

  • Enrolment and Academic Eligibility
    • Is a full time regular student
    • Is enrolled in Spring 2019 and plans to enroll in Fall 2019
    • Currently enrolled in any semester from semester 2 to semester 7.
    • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Freshmen can apply if they have cleared all of their Semester 1 courses
  • Personal Qualities
    • Must be in good conduct standing
    • Must have a passion for sharing experiences and an eagerness to learn
    • Is interested in developing leadership skills
    • Possesses a strong work ethic
    • Possesses a positive attitude
    • Possesses good communication and presentation skills
  • Time Commitment
    • Is available to attend training and planning sessions for orientation from 22nd July onwards from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
    • Is willing to work from 9:00 to 6:00, and if needed for extended hours too from 29th July till the end of orientation.

 Important Dates

Event Date
OL Application opens 8th March, 2019
Application deadline 25th March, 2019
OLs interviews/Assessment Session (Shortlisted only) Starting from 13th April 2019
Final list of selected OLs 20th May, 2019
Major training session for OLs 22nd July to 26th July 2019
Working on actual orientation programs and activities 29th July to 15th August
Orientation Program 15th August to 23rd August
Welcoming and guiding new students on day 1 of Fall semester 2019 26th August 2019

Benefits of working as OLs

Working as OLs will help students in developing multiple skills; it will also prove to be valuable work experience to put on a resume and/or grad school applications. Below are some of the skills students may gain during their time as an OL:

  • Leadership experience
  • Planning and management skills
  • Learn to manage group settings and activities
  • Improve public speaking and presentation skills
  • Gain exceptional customer service experience
  • Learn crisis and conflict management skills
  • Improve their ability to multitask
  • Develop good time management skills
  • Work with a variety of departments across campus

Rewards and Compensation

  • All OLs will get a certificate for their services
  • OLs will receive an honorarium of Rs. 15,000/= for their participation in the entire NSO training, planning, and execution.
  • Students from outside Karachi will be provided free accommodation from the time of training until the end of orientation.
  • All OLs can avail transportation.

How to Apply