18 June 2019
The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University have stepped up measures to eradicate inappropriate orientation games.
In 2016, NUS had convened a 14-member committee to review and make recommendations to improve freshmen orientation.
The measures, which took effect in 2017, included having a student safety officer present to whistle-blow on inappropriate activities, as well as conducting workshops for student leaders and staff.
Briefings on student conduct and safety are also held and student leaders take compulsory modules to learn to navigate situations.
This year, new spot checks and safety patrols have also kicked in.
Deputy student life secretary at the NUS Students’ Union Richard Wang oversees a committee consisting of key student leaders across 75 camps this year. “Orientation activities today have been revamped for the better,” said the economics student.
NTU deputy associate provost (student life) Victor Yeo said it has since 2016 introduced changes to orientation programmes, such as an online module to teach what constitutes harassment, how to respond in such cases and where to seek help.