NEWS
The University of Bahrain Concludes the Advising and Guidance Program
Sakhir – University of Bahrain
September 14, 2023
Deans of several colleges at the University of Bahrain lauded the mission of the academic advising program, concluded on Wednesday September 14, 2023. They stressed that the program content contributes to preparing new students for the new year in the psychological, social, and academic aspects, in addition to introducing them to the study programs and internal regulations. It also helps new students overcome any challenges.
The deans and professors of UoB colleges met with the new students during the academic advising program, which lasted for four consecutive days. They spoke to students in introductory meetings and answered their questions and inquiries. The students’ presence and interaction were remarkable.
Regarding the aim of the academic guidance program, Dr. Salah Mohamed Ahmed, Dean of the College of Law, stated “The program stresses that the university is keen to embrace students and educate them about the various facilities, capabilities, and services available therein, which would guarantee distinguished academic achievement and development of students’ skills and experiences using the latest academic standards.”
Dr. Ahmed explained that the program educated students on university rules and regulations, introduced them to various extracurricular activities and programs, and answered all their inquiries. It included touring the various facilities of the College of Law, the Legal Clinic and Human Rights Center.
Dr. Ahmed stressed that the program could educate new students, prepared them psychologically and academically, and answered all their inquiries and questions, in a way that would contribute to reassuring them and increasing their motivation.
For her part, Dr. Leena Muhammad Khunji, Dean of the College of Health and Sport Sciences, stated that the program conveyed an important message to the students, which is: “We are with you.” She explained that the message communicated to students is that they are welcome at the university, and that they will receive full support from the academic and administrative staff to facilitate their transition to the university stage, in which they may face some challenges as it is different from the school stage.
Dr. Khunji explained that the program reviewed means of support available to students, how to benefit from services that facilitate the transition to university life. The program also presented success stories of other students, who went through the same experience in study, and how they could overcome the difficulties and challenges and keep pace with developments in the first stage of university life.
Regarding the most important features of the program, Dr. Khonji stated, “The program was distinguished by its comprehensiveness, as it included all the details related to the student’s university life, services provided by the university to new students, and having access to important platforms, including the student information management system, Blackboard, academic advising, student affairs services, how to deal with the academic advisor, the peer-to-peer learning, university and college facilities, university regulations related to the study and examination system, and types of behavioral violations.”
For her part, Dr. Hessa Jassim Al-Junaid, Dean of the College of Information Technology and Acting Dean of the College of Engineering, stated, “The program aims to motivate new students and encourage them to excel in their study and be creative at all levels.”
Dr. Al-Junaid stressed that the academic Guidance program succeeded in introducing students to academic programs, university facilities and services. She noted that students’ feedback reflected their satisfaction with the program.
Dr. Al-Junaid added “The College of Information Technology and the College of Engineering were keen to introduce new students to the components of the academic community. The faculty members, along with researchers, graduates, and civil society organizations participated in the program to convey an integrated image of university to motivate students to excel for the sake of the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
In turn, Dr. Abdullah Khaled Al Jalahma, Acting Dean of the College of Business Administration, explained that the academic advising program for new students had achieved its goals. He noted, “Students participated effectively in the discussion sessions and seemed confident during their interaction with their colleagues and faculty members.”
Dr. Al Jalahma added, “The program provided an opportunity to build social relationships, as it enabled new students to get to know their colleagues and interact with faculty members and administrative staff. It also reduced new students’ anxiety and increased their confidence in facing university challenges.”