The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Science for Registered Nurses’ Orientation Program for the Academic Year 2024-2025 was held at Gulf Medical University Lecture Hall 1 on Wednesday 28th August 2024. The BSN Program had 71 students and RNBSN had 11 students admitted for Academic Year 2024-2025. The Orientation program aimed to welcome the freshers into the GMU community equipping them with essential information of the facilities in the University to be able to adapt and foster a smooth transition into their academic journey. The program effectively acquainted and adapted the freshman cohort and their parents to the Campus environment, Program Prerequisites, Faculty members, available resources, and Campus facilities.
The program commenced with a video introducing the students to Gulf Medical University and its affiliated Colleges, providing an overview of the Institution’s Values, Infrastructure, and Commitment to Excellence.
Dean Prof. Selva Titus Chacko warmly greeted the incoming students to the College of Nursing. During her address, she provided insights into the exciting career prospects and numerous opportunities that lie ahead of them upon the successful completion of their bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Dr. Mary Walton, Assistant Professor, conducted a self-introduction and ice-breaking session, creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere that allowed the students to become acquainted with each other.
The Program Director Dr. Soma Ibrahim conducted an orientation session focused on the program. During the presentation, she emphasized the diverse teaching and learning methodologies employed and outlined the assessment policies and systems in use following which Semester Coordinators, Dr. Hosny Maher and Ms. Vimala Varatharajan offered an extensive introduction to the first-semester courses, addressing academic inquiries and providing clarity on examination-related matters.
Simultaneously Dr. Soney M Varghese conducted the orientation program for the RNBSN students at PBL2 and the learning resource center. Dr. Mary Walton offered an extensive introduction to the first semester course and clarified enquiries.
Mr. Daies Idiculla, the Chief Librarian, conducted an in-depth orientation on the library facilities and the available e-learning resources.
Subsequently, Mr. Suraj Sebastian, the E-learning Manager, elucidated the E-learning Platform and the Student Management system (Moodle platform) utilized extensively across the University.
A brief refreshment break allowed students to recharge and interact with their peers. This was followed by a session by Ms. Burcu Aydin, the Associate Director of Student Affairs, who provided the students with a comprehensive orientation regarding various student Engagement activities, Clubs, and the wide array of facilities at their disposal within GMU.
Dr. Tatiana Ille, Professor and Head of the General Education Department oriented the BSN students to General education courses offered in the Program, the faculty, course requirements, and assessment pattern.
Ms. Burcu Aydin, Prof. Mayssah El-Nayal, and Dr. Soma Ibrahim Ali introduced the Information Session about the Student Affairs Dept & Student Wellbeing Centre.
Finally, the freshman students were introduced to their Course Faculty and provided with email contacts for communication. Students were encouraged to ask any questions or seek clarification on any concerns they had. The “Orientation Program” marked a memorable day for each student, offering them a glimpse of the exciting journey that awaits them at GMU. The Program wrapped up at approximately 3:00 pm.
