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Incoming First-Year Students at UB Urged to Adopt Values of Knowledge, Truth, Integrity

Tue, Jan 9th 2024, 09:43 AM
Education

First-year students beginning their academic journey at University of The Bahamas (UB) this semester are doing so at a momentous time in the institution’s history and are being encouraged to adopt the time-honoured core values that have undergirded its success over 50 years.

The UB Mingoes orientation welcome ceremony held at the Performing Arts Centre on Thursday 14th January to acquaint incoming students about university life, expectations and responsibilities, held special significance. For many, it was an initiation into adult-hood as they will have to manage their own academic affairs.

UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder said their institution has students’ best interests at heart, and is fully committed to their academic success along every step of their UB journey.  This year UB is celebrating five decades of continuous operation.

“We are committed to building trust and nurturing pride,” said President Hodder. “At the heart of our family lies values that guide every step we take, and that have guided every step we have taken in the past 50 years: knowledge, truth, and integrity. These principles shape who we are and steer us, especially as we support you on your journey. Our commitment to you is anchored in these values, because these values are guideposts not only for obtaining an education and getting a degree, but also guideposts to living a fulfilling life.”

The welcome ceremony was one of a series of transitional events which began with an information session for parents and guardians on the previous evening. Students completed their academic advisement and course reservation as well as other requirements as they met and mingled with peers and forged what for some will become lifelong bonds.

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, encouraged the new students to take full advantage of the many opportunities to grow, develop and become leaders.

“Let’s embrace this thrilling escapade with open minds and fearless hearts,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Let’s seize every moment, whether its delving into a complex course, joining a vibrant club, or fervently debating whether pineapple truly goes on pizza. Remember, the road ahead may have its share of bumps, but these are mere opportunities for you to flaunt your expertise. Let’s revel in victories, navigate the challenges, and build a legacy that will leave future students in awe and inspiration.”

Vice President of Administrative Services, Dr. Marcella Elliot-Ferguson, who has oversight for registration, financial aid & scholarships and university athletics, reminded the freshmen of the level of responsibility that comes with being a university student, such as staying on top of their deadlines, class schedules and assignments, and constantly checking their UB emails.

“You are now responsible for your education,” said Dr. Elliot-Ferguson. “We will help, we will guide, but it has to be driven by you. This is a very different environment from high school. In high school environment, your parents probably nudged you all the way, your teachers would remind you, ‘hey, you forgot to do this or that’. We do some of that here, but you are the drivers of your education.”

Vice President of Student Affairs, Joe Stubbs, said it was encouraging to again see a packed room of freshmen. He said it shows that the future of the country is in good hands.

“It’s so encouraging and inspiring to see so many young people taking this journey towards higher education,” said VP Stubbs. “We always talk about the brain drain in our country, but when I see this, it gives me hope and it inspires us to know that the future is today. You have a big task ahead of you, you have huge shoes to fill.”

In her keynote address, Miss Bahamas Universe ’21 Top 10 Contestant, Chantel O’Brian, told the students to never take their university experience for granted.

“Make no mistake, the choice, the opportunity, the privilege made today to obtain your education has shifted the course of history, because now birthed are first generation university students and soon, first generation graduates,” said Ms. O’Brian. “Birthed are inventors, entrepreneurs, creatives, business moguls, doctors, lawyers, nurses, engineers, chefs, CPAs.”

“I want you to remember what it is that you mentally took note of as to who you’re going to become. Because you’re going to look to your left and you’re going to look to your right, and there’ll be faces that will disappear before you get there. That’s just the reality of things.”

First-year students beginning their academic journey at University of The Bahamas (UB) this semester are doing so at a momentous time in the institution’s history and are being encouraged to adopt the time-honoured core values that have undergirded its success over 50 years.
The UB Mingoes orientation welcome ceremony held at the Performing Arts Centre on Thursday 14th January to acquaint incoming students about university life, expectations and responsibilities, held special significance. For many, it was an initiation into adult-hood as they will have to manage their own academic affairs.
UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder said their institution has students’ best interests at heart, and is fully committed to their academic success along every step of their UB journey.  This year UB is celebrating five decades of continuous operation.
“We are committed to building trust and nurturing pride,” said President Hodder. “At the heart of our family lies values that guide every step we take, and that have guided every step we have taken in the past 50 years: knowledge, truth, and integrity. These principles shape who we are and steer us, especially as we support you on your journey. Our commitment to you is anchored in these values, because these values are guideposts not only for obtaining an education and getting a degree, but also guideposts to living a fulfilling life.”
The welcome ceremony was one of a series of transitional events which began with an information session for parents and guardians on the previous evening. Students completed their academic advisement and course reservation as well as other requirements as they met and mingled with peers and forged what for some will become lifelong bonds.
Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi, encouraged the new students to take full advantage of the many opportunities to grow, develop and become leaders.
“Let’s embrace this thrilling escapade with open minds and fearless hearts,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “Let’s seize every moment, whether its delving into a complex course, joining a vibrant club, or fervently debating whether pineapple truly goes on pizza. Remember, the road ahead may have its share of bumps, but these are mere opportunities for you to flaunt your expertise. Let’s revel in victories, navigate the challenges, and build a legacy that will leave future students in awe and inspiration.”
Vice President of Administrative Services, Dr. Marcella Elliot-Ferguson, who has oversight for registration, financial aid & scholarships and university athletics, reminded the freshmen of the level of responsibility that comes with being a university student, such as staying on top of their deadlines, class schedules and assignments, and constantly checking their UB emails.
“You are now responsible for your education,” said Dr. Elliot-Ferguson. “We will help, we will guide, but it has to be driven by you. This is a very different environment from high school. In high school environment, your parents probably nudged you all the way, your teachers would remind you, ‘hey, you forgot to do this or that’. We do some of that here, but you are the drivers of your education.”
Vice President of Student Affairs, Joe Stubbs, said it was encouraging to again see a packed room of freshmen. He said it shows that the future of the country is in good hands.
“It’s so encouraging and inspiring to see so many young people taking this journey towards higher education,” said VP Stubbs. “We always talk about the brain drain in our country, but when I see this, it gives me hope and it inspires us to know that the future is today. You have a big task ahead of you, you have huge shoes to fill.”
In her keynote address, Miss Bahamas Universe ’21 Top 10 Contestant, Chantel O’Brian, told the students to never take their university experience for granted.
“Make no mistake, the choice, the opportunity, the privilege made today to obtain your education has shifted the course of history, because now birthed are first generation university students and soon, first generation graduates,” said Ms. O’Brian. “Birthed are inventors, entrepreneurs, creatives, business moguls, doctors, lawyers, nurses, engineers, chefs, CPAs.”
“I want you to remember what it is that you mentally took note of as to who you’re going to become. Because you’re going to look to your left and you’re going to look to your right, and there’ll be faces that will disappear before you get there. That’s just the reality of things.”

 

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