Message from Dean of Students

Welcome back to the new semester at NUS!

Dear Students

We usher in the new academic year with the launch of NUSOne as our paradigm shift in educational philosophy. At its core, NUSOne is an evolution of holistic education where we seek to integrate student life experiences as critical to the overall learning journey of our students. We believe that co-curricular development adds immeasurable values to student wellbeing, individual effectiveness, social development, community mindedness and global citizenship. These are not just good to have. But in the age of disruptive changes and uncertain future, they form the differentiating factors that define student success beyond knowledge mastery.

By launching NUSOne, students should observe a few notable changes. Firstly, freshmen will go through a transition programme that brings everyone to the same starting point for learning. This will include freshmen orientation activities, student essentials, respect and consent as well as mental wellness guidance; Secondly, we provide roadmap to help students explore the possibilities in co-curricular engagement, as you each embark on a personalised journey of self-discovery towards creating a unique and marketable profile at the point of graduation; Thirdly, Wednesdays 3-6pm are kept largely free from academic activities as an enabler to facilitate student mobility across the university for CCA activities. This protected time also aims to create an oasis of rest and recovery that build sustenance for longer term learning and growth.

For new students, please navigate through the resources available in NUS One portal found within UnivUS to unlock the roadmap that guides your self-discovery. We also encourage you to check out the Student Life Fair on the 14th August at UTown Plaza to immerse yourself into the heart of student life.

NUSOne is a bold move for the university. While outcome is not guaranteed, our confidence come from the high-functioning abilities and intrinsic motivation of students. We trust that you will make good choices, and take determined actions, to make this philosophy a success for yourselves.

Assoc Prof Ho Han Kiat
NUS Dean of Students

12 August 2024