Celebrating O-Week’20

The first-year orientation programme builds the foundation for academic success, lifetime associations, and community engagement for incoming undergraduate students. Among many firsts this year, LUMS welcomed the batch of 2024 through an interactive virtual O-Week on September 7, 2020.

Every year, LUMS welcomes a diverse student body of brilliant students from over 125 cities and towns across Pakistan. The week-long orientation programme helps students connect with each other and faculty, and learn about the hallmark values, culture and traditions of the LUMS community. Packed with various informative sessions, detailed panel discussions along with exciting ice breaking activities, the O-Week facilitates first-year students as they transition and adapt to university life.

The six-day event began with a warm welcome from the senior leadership, the coordinating committee and alumni—all part of the incredibly supportive LUMS family.

Rector, Mr. Shahid Hussain, welcomed the students to a transformative journey at LUMS. “No matter which of the five Schools you chose, the University’s multi-disciplinary environment will expand your horizons. The world-class faculty at LUMS will help your ideas flourish and evolve, and the opportunities for collaboration will set you apart as scholars.”

Pro Chancellor, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood encouraged the new batch to realise their full potential while at LUMS. “Dig deep within yourself, dream of becoming an innovator a builder and of course a leader. You have the opportunity to add the maximum value to yourself. Use the LUMS platform to empower yourself, to do good for your family, your society and of course our wonderful country.”

Founding Pro Chancellor, Syed Babar Ali welcomed the new batch to the LUMS family. “Your experience at LUMS is going to be the best of your life so make the best use of it. We have tried to give you all the opportunities to learn inside and outside the classroom, as well as interact with each other. The bonding you will have with each other will be an asset for you for the rest of your life.”

With regards to online learning at LUMS, Vice Chancellor Dr. Arshad Ahmad spoke about how the University is providing its students with more choice and flexibility in their learning experience. “You are the first cohort and pioneers to set new standards for generations that will follow you.”

He also explained how learning at LUMS is a partnership. “It is about becoming full partners with faculty as co-designers and co-presenters of your own learning experiences. Together we can embrace the future and create a richer experience for all.”

Calling LUMS a learning organisation, he added that the University was ready to face 21st century challenges in Pakistan and beyond. “This is why our motto of no boundaries applies especially to you, as we encourage you to cross these disciplinary boundaries, to take courses and to learn across our 5 Schools.”

Provost, Dr. Farhat Haq told the new students that LUMS will provide them a dynamic environment like no other. “There is an idea brewing in every corner, meaningful conversations happening every day and life-long connections forged.”

Catering to the needs of the current times, a rigorous interactive panel discussion was also held to address the health and safety concerns during COVID-19. In addition, to prepare students for a demanding fall semester, a demo session “Welcome to My Class” with faculty was also included. The session helped students become oriented with the process of online learning and with the tools and methodology used at LUMS. There was also a Q&A session and discussions to address the concerns put forth by the students.

Over the six days, students will be part of several interactive sessions with the respective Schools on academic advising, learning about core courses, engaging with faculty, understanding the Learning Management System (LMS), departmental access and support facilities among many others.

Along with all the informative sessions, there will also be various innovative ice-breaking activities like MindQuest, ROBLOX, Virtual Game Festival, Online concert and Vlog competition designed to help the students engage with one another.