Science

Last Thursday the Science Faculty [unclear: conduct-a] full day orientation for all 1st year science [unclear: dents]. The idea of the orientation was to [unclear: c] new students a chance to get to know each [unclear: per], examine study methods and as Dr Dave [unclear: atherburn] said 'find out about learning.'

The students were subdivided into groups [unclear: ording] to their areas of study. This enabled [unclear: turrrs] and tutors to deal with smaller groups [unclear: stagger] the programme allowing students a [unclear: re] personal contact with staff.

The programme included a welcome by the [unclear: ademic] Dean, general information on courses, [unclear: crest] groups conducted by various staff on [unclear: diff-nt] subject areas and feed back sessions between [unclear: ff] and students on the format and [unclear: effective-is] of lectures and workload.

There were also two films on study methods and a discussion on [unclear: stu] methods and the distinction between making and taking notes.

The days programme was followed by dinner at the University Union Restaurant and a social in the Union Hall.

While in no way denigrating the efforts of the VUWSA Orientation controller, the Science Faculty orientation does show up a deficency in their outlook — unless some sort of academic orientation is dealt with as well as the social one, a complete pitcure of university life at Victoria cannot be given. Especially for the new student who is faced with an often bewildering change of life style, teaching methods and techniques.

While there are obviously administrative problems in arranging this sort of programme surely the benefits for students are obvious as well. Victoria Quade