The Bachelor of Science for Registered Nurses’ (RNBSN) and Master of Science in Neonatal Critical Care Nursing (MSNCCN) Orientation Program for the Academic Year 2025-2026 was held at Gulf Medical University Lecture Hall 1 on Saturday 30th August 2025. The RNBSN Program had 78 students and MSNCCN had 5 students admitted for Academic Year 2025-2026. 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 to the Campus environment, Program Pre-requisites, 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. She also emphasized the necessity to upgrade the qualification due to change in ministry policies to have the basic registered nurse as Bachelor nurse and to have specialised nurses in relevant units. She also thanked and appreciated the admission team Ms Sherly Ajay, the Academic Co-ordinator and Ms Marife Panganiban for their continuous support and cooperation in the admission process of the institution as well as for the smooth enrolment of the students.
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 Soney M Varghese 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 Mary Walton offered an extensive introduction to the first-semester courses of RNBSN program. Dr Samar Mahmoud Mohammed Elhadary introduced the first semester courses and the requirements to the MSNCCN students addressing academic inquiries and providing clarity on examination-related matters.
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 re-charge and interact with their peers. This was followed by a session by Dr. Soma Ibrahim Ali, BSN Program Director, who oriented the students regarding General Education courses offered in the Program, the faculty, course requirements, and assessment pattern.
Dr. Soma Ibrahim Ali, enlightened the group about the services provided by the Student Wellbeing Centre. Student Affairs Department Director, Ms.Zina Mazloum greeted the group and the team introduced themselves. The services of student affairs was explained by Ms.Liza Kaminzada who gave a comprehensive orientation regarding various student Engagement activities, Clubs, and the wide array of facilities at their disposal within GMU.
The Orientation to the Learning Resource centre (Library) facility was provided by Dr. Sija Binoy who explained and demonstrated the use of the GMU e-library facility and the e-resources available.
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 with a physical orientation of the campus at 2:00 pm.
