On August 29, 2024, RHU hosted a significant event - the New Student Orientation Program. This event is a crucial step designed to warmly welcome the undergraduate classes of 2027 and 2028. It marks the beginning of their transformative journey at RHU, providing a platform for new students and their parents to connect with the faculty and staff. The event's primary objective were to integrate new students into academic and non-academic programs, facilitate connections, and help them acclimate to university life at the picturesque RHU campus in Mechref.
At the entrance to the Main Theatre, RHU President Dr. Said Ladki and Vice Presidents Dr. Mahmoud Halablab (Academic Affairs), Mr. Ibrahim Akkawi (Administration and Finance), and Mr. Hisham Kobrosli (Development and Information Technology), personally welcomed the students and parents. This warm and personal reception was not just a gesture but a clear demonstration of the university's unwavering commitment to guiding and supporting the new students throughout their journey at RHU.
RHU President Dr. Said Ladki welcomed the students inside the theater, exuding enthusiasm and pride. He started by sharing a personal learning experience to inspire them to positively impact society, following RHU's Founder and role model, MP Martyr Rafik Hariri. He encouraged them to leave things better than they found them, just as MP Rafik Hariri left the country in a better state than he found it.
He then introduced them to the RHU Vice Presidents and then to the College Deans: Dr. Jamil Hammoud (CBA), Dr. Toufic Hijazi (CE), and Dr. Houssam Salami (CAS), who stood up to greet the audience. He also encouraged them to stand tall and get to know their classmates sitting next to them, in front of them, and behind them. "When you see each other later or on campus, just say hi and ask how you are doing. You are not strangers anymore," he affirmed, "you already have friends starting now." This emphasis on personal connection was a deliberate effort to make the new students feel included and part of a community from day one at RHU.
Dr. Ladki's speech was a powerful message that resonated with everyone in the theater. He didn't just talk about the students' roles; he instilled a sense of responsibility toward four aspects of their campus life: academic, technical, professional, and social. His words were not just advice but a call to action, inspiring them to take charge of their university journey and make the most out of it.
On the academic level, he emphasized students' obligation to learn and study. He highlighted RHU’s open-door policy, emphasizing that the university takes its education very seriously, which is why RHU programs are accredited. "RHU upholds the highest academic standards and provides opportunities for career advancement, and it is upon you to deliver," he said.
He reminded them of the importance of attending classes, submitting assignments, and graduating on time. He asked them to stand up and articulate the oath to assume responsibility for their academics. "Latecomers are losers, and I see winners," he said.
On a professional level, he encouraged students to develop a professional mindset by connecting with their advisors, building strong relationships with them, and benefiting from their wealth of knowledge about higher education, training opportunities, curriculum, and summer jobs. He also urged them to participate in university events, engage with and learn from esteemed speakers who are leaders in their fields, and are invited to share their experiences with the RHU community. He also motivated them to empower their minds by visiting the library and reading often. "Read, my dear, read. This is what Gabriel told the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, 'Read,'" he said.
Developing technical skills is the third aspect of spending precious time wisely. Taking on a summer job, internship, or valuable volunteer work sets the stage for success instead of being a joke.
On a social level, he urged them to find a way to get along with people, integrate with group work, and make it as rewarding as working alone. "Be adaptable, human, transparent, sensitive. Respect and understand others, and embrace differences." He ended his speech by saying: "Be ready for change and develop your brain as your biggest asset."
After the President’s speech, Ms. Nidal Khalaf, the RHU Registrar, delivered a presentation outlining the registration process and the student-registrar relationship. She urged the students to be responsible, read extensively, and respect deadlines. She emphasized the importance of reading the new Student Catalog posted on the RHU website and staying updated on the information received in their student emails. Ms. Khalaf stressed the significance of time management, striving for academic excellence, and maintaining good academic standing to be on the honor list.
Ms. Sahar Hallak, the Assistant Director of Student Affairs at RHU, encouraged students to engage in campus life by attending events, joining clubs and societies, and participating in athletic activities. She also explained the various services coordinated by the Student Affairs Office, such as shuttle services, student housing, student representation, and health and wellness services. Ms. Hallak detailed the RHU work-study and financial aid programs and invited students to visit the Student Affairs Office for any further information. Additionally, she invited all students to the RHU Welcome Party, the major exciting event, the Clubs and Societies Recruitment Week, and the SRC Elections, where students can select their representatives.
After Ms. Hallak's presentation, RHU Athletics Coach Mr. Michel Abi Assal spoke about the sports facilities on campus. He highlighted the gymnasium, equipped with machines and weights to help students develop their muscles, and the entertainment center offering ping pong and billiards. Additionally, he mentioned the outdoor facilities, including basketball and mini-football courts. Coach Abi Assal encouraged students to participate in the September 10 and 11 tryouts if they were interested in joining the RHU varsity teams and competing in the FSUL. He assured them of his support for their sports training and urged them to reach out for assistance. He also mentioned the Athletics Scholarship, mentioning that students can apply next year if they demonstrate sports skills and abilities.
Ms. Lina Basho, Assistant Director of the IT Help Desk, provided details about the technical support services available to all students. These services include student webmail, the Student Information System, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Moodle, the Learning Management System used at RHU. The IT Help Desk also assists students in using the RHU computer labs and printing services. Ms. Basho encouraged students to visit the IT Help Desk office in Block G to collect their student IDs and to check their webmail daily, as it is the primary means of communication with RHU.
The Human Resources Assistant at RHU, Ms. Nathalie Hourani, explained that the university provides insurance for all students for accidents that occur while on campus. She advised students to collect their insurance cards and always keep them with them while on campus. In case of any accident, students should seek immediate medical assistance at the student infirmary.
RHU's Finance Manager, Ms. Marwa Khanji, provided information about financial services and payment deadlines. She explained that tuition and fees can be paid at BankMed in four installments: two for the dollar portion and two for the Lebanese Lira portion. Ms. Khanji urged everyone to pay on time to avoid late payment fees and pointed out that bus fees have specific deadlines to avoid penalties and continue using the service.
Students were divided into three groups based on their college enrollment. They toured the campus, visiting the dorms, engineering laboratories, computer labs, gymnasium, and other main facilities, and developing a sense of home at RHU.