Students have been equipped with practical skills and knowledge to help them navigate university life during an Extended Orientation Programme (EOP) session held at the university.
The session focused on helping students bridge the transition from the structured environment of secondary school to the greater independence and responsibility that comes with higher education.
Facilitator: Rebecca N. Byamukama introduced the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and highlighted the purpose of EOP in supporting students as they adapt to university life. She also guided students on responsible financial management, introducing the 50/30/20 budgeting principle—allocating 50% of income to essential needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings. Students were encouraged to live within their budgets and develop responsible saving habits.
Facilitator: Michael Atiku focused on academic discipline and effective communication. Students were encouraged to make good use of university academic resources, including the library and computer laboratories, while also seeking mentorship from senior students and faculty members.
He introduced students to the Seven Cs of Communication: Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Coherent, Complete and Courteous, emphasizing the importance of professional and respectful communication with lecturers, administrators and fellow students.
Students were also encouraged to practice active listening by paying attention, observing non-verbal cues, asking for clarification and summarizing information to confirm understanding. Strategies for overcoming communication barriers, including empathy, open-mindedness, seeking feedback and choosing the appropriate communication channel, were also discussed.
Facilitator: Dr. Imelda Kemeza focused on self-esteem, self-awareness and personal boundaries. Students were encouraged to recognize their worth, build confidence and make use of their talents. The facilitator explained how self-esteem can be influenced by past experiences, relationships, cultural and social factors, personal beliefs and other life circumstances.
Students were further encouraged to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, develop self-awareness and establish healthy boundaries to protect their well-being and manage peer pressure. The importance of building relationships based on trust, accountability, safety, cooperation, support and honesty was also emphasized.
The EOP session provided students with practical guidance on financial responsibility, academic success, communication, personal development and healthy relationships, equipping them with skills to make responsible decisions throughout their university journey.