Freshman Orientation Sets the Stage for Student Success
On August 27, NTNU welcomed 1,800 new students to campus with the launch of the Bo Le Orientation Camp, a four-day event designed to introduce them to university life. Organized by both the student executive team and the campus administrative staff, the camp offered a variety of activities aimed at helping students find their footing as they embark on their academic journey.
NTNU President Cheng-Chih Wu encouraged students to define their own visions of success and happiness during their time at the university, emphasizing the importance of self-exploration and personal growth. The camp’s name, 'Bo Le,' cleverly plays on the university’s school tree, the Cassia fistula, and the legendary figure Bo Le, known for his ability to recognize talent. Through campus tours, club fairs, and sessions with alumni, first-year students are invited to discover their strengths and carve out their unique paths.
The event began with a flag procession led by the NTNU Wind Ensemble and NTNU Smile Ambassadors. Faculty members from various colleges joined in, and students enjoyed a music video featuring the camp’s theme song, 'Be The Star.' Seniors also performed, encouraging new students to embrace their time at NTNU and make bold choices in their academic and personal lives.
Interdisciplinary Learning and Support at NTNU
NTNU offers a wide range of academic opportunities across its renowned colleges, including the College of Industry Academia Innovation, the College of Technology and Engineering, and the College of Science. These colleges are at the forefront of interdisciplinary education, providing students with the tools to collaborate on innovative projects and research initiatives. In partnership with industry leaders like TSMC and NVIDIA, NTNU students can engage in cutting-edge research and practical learning experiences.
President Wu highlighted the importance of exploring various fields, whether students aim to become educators, artists, scientists, or pursue other passions. The university’s extensive network of over 400 partner institutions further supports students in interdisciplinary development, allowing them to tailor their education to their individual goals.
Orientation Highlights: Tailoring Your Academic Journey
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mei-Hui Liu, addressed first-year students on the importance of independent thinking and strategic use of learning resources. She emphasized NTNU’s role as Taiwan’s only internationally accredited teacher training institution, offering a variety of English-taught courses and other resources to support students’ language development.
Dr. Liu also reminded students that each academic path is unique, encouraging them to embrace flexibility in their course selections. With new opportunities like summer courses and interactive classes, NTNU’s fixed tuition allows students to make the most of their university experience.
Fostering Social Responsibility and Personal Growth
Vice President of Student Affairs, Mei-Chun Lin, spoke on the theme of personal responsibility, urging students to take charge of their own development. She introduced NTNU’s diverse extracurricular offerings using the acronym 'ACTIVE' (Attractive, Colorful, Team, Ideal, Variety, and Empathy), which reflects the wide range of activities available to help students explore their identities and build meaningful connections.
Lin highlighted the university’s commitment to social responsibility, including initiatives like the 'Club Professional Leadership Empowerment Credit Program,' designed to help students cultivate leadership skills and community involvement.
Promoting Sustainable Transportation
Vice President of General Affairs, Horng-Sheng Mii, introduced the 'University Path' initiative, a collaborative project among NTNU, NTU, and NTUST that encourages sustainable transportation options like cycling and walking. The initiative includes campus-wide efforts to promote environmental consciousness and improve commuting options for students.
As the orientation event concluded, NTNU’s lion mascot made a spirited appearance, symbolizing the start of an exciting journey for the new students. Under the guidance of event director Si-Ying Wu, the incoming class explored the campus and its resources, setting the stage for four years of growth and discovery.
See more photos on the NTNU Facebook page, here.