INDUCTION WEEK MAY conjure images of late nights of celebration but universities also offer a variety of informative programmes to ensure students make a smooth transition to their new life. Student associations and unions, faculties, student halls and university departments individually organise activities, including formal welcoming ceremonies, to help acquaint new students with the campus, develop the skills to succeed and have a good time. '[Induction week] is fun but tiring,' said Wong Chi-tim, assistant director of student affairs at Hong Kong Baptist University. He added that it helped build a sense of community. As part of its Personal Transformation programme for first-year students, the university tests them on social, spiritual and intellectual development, and offers workshops to help them in these areas. At the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, students are 'bombarded with information' in the first week about clubs and activities offered throughout the relatively light first semester, said John Chan, a counsellor in the student affairs office. The University of Hong Kong has events and workshops on career education, health and study skills throughout the year, in addition to activities organised by the student union and associations. For extra support, many universities have a peer mentorship programme. At the City University of Hong Kong, 400 students from different faculties team up with small groups of newcomers. About 50 workshops are offered through the Master of My Success programme, which informs students on everything they need to know to survive and thrive in their first year, according to the director of student development services, Joseph Chan Kai-nin. First-year students will find it almost impossible to escape the groups who pressure newcomers to join the orientation activities. 'It is really a festive few weeks on the campus,' Mr Chan said. 'It will be like a carnival.'
