Empowering Students for a Fulfilling University Journey: UCSC Orientation Programme/Inauguration for the Academic Year 2021/2022
The University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) recently hosted an enlightening orientation programme for its incoming students, aimed at equipping them with valuable insights and knowledge. The programme was held from 22nd May to 2nd June 2023, and it proved to be an essential prelude to the much-anticipated Inauguration Ceremony. The programme provided many informative sessions, featuring esteemed speakers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that the students were well-prepared for their academic journey and personal growth.
The students were privileged to be exposed to an impressive line-up of speakers during the orientation programme. Esteemed individuals included UCSC’s Senior Lecturers, past students who have successfully ventured into the industry, professional counsellors, a renowned gynaecologist, and a senior deputy inspector general. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and valuable insights to enrich the students’ understanding of various aspects crucial to their university life.
The sessions covered a wide range of topics including, career paths within the computing industry, the degree programmes offered by UCSC, the significance of mental health and well-being with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges of university life and maintain a healthy balance, the examination processes and criteria for awards. Additionally, valuable insights into university life were shared, providing an overview of the extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs that enhance the overall university experience. The orientation programme also addressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle, focusing on alcohol and drug prevention. Students received guidance on making responsible choices and were provided with information on support services available within the university community.
After concluding two successful weeks of the orientation programme, the Inauguration Ceremony of the new entrants of the Academic Year 2021/2022 was successfully held, on the 5th of June 2023 at the Vidya Jyothi Professor V. K. Samaranayake Auditorium of the UCSC. This year, the number of students registered for the Computer Science degree programme was 228, and 118 for the Information Systems degree programme. The event was graced by Senior Professor (Chair) H. D. Karunaratne, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Senior Professor Upul Sonnadara, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr Rajitha Silva, the Senior Student Counsellor, Dr Ajantha Atukorale, the Director of the UCSC, Professor Kasun De Soyza, the Deputy Director of the UCSC, Heads of the Academic Departments, Coordinators of Centres, and the staff members of the UCSC.
After lighting the traditional oil lamp by the dignitaries, one minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late Vidya Jyothi Professor V. K. Samaranayake, the founder of the University of Colombo School of Computing. Dr Athukorale delivered a speech welcoming all the dignitaries and the students present. The Vice Chancellor addressed the gathering and provided some valuable insights into student life at the University of Colombo. Professor Sonnadara addressed the gathering and elaborated on the collaboration between the Faculty of Science and the UCSC. Dr Chamath Keppetiyagama, the Head of Internal Undergraduate Studies presented an introduction to the Undergraduate degree programmes. Finally, Dr Dinuni Fernando, the coordinator of the Orientation Programme 2023 presented the vote of thanks concluding the ceremony successfully. In a noteworthy manner, the senior students of the UCSC entertained the audience with glamorous performances.
