Franz Lenard Torres 
To welcome first-year, returning, and transferring students, Samar State University, through the Office of Student Welfare and Development Services (SWDS), will spearhead orientation activities for the nearing start of Academic Year 2024-2025.
As per the approved proposal, the said office plans to conduct various activities at the SSU-Main Campus grounds, starting from the opening of classes on September 16 to October 5, aiming to help students familiarize themselves with the school’s culture, policies, procedures, and academic offerings.
On September 16, in collaboration with the campus’ student council and organizations, the first-ever freshmen walk is designed to welcome first-year and transferee students through a procession following routes designated for each department, helping students explore the campus environment. In a Facebook post of SSU-SWDS, students are advised to assemble at the SSU Grounds at 7:45 AM before the flag raising ceremony starts.
On September 30, pursuing to provide important information about campus life, academic expectations, and available university resources, the general orientation will transpire at SSU Gymnasium aiming to inform new students and transferees about the inner workings of the university. Discussions on operations such as academic affairs, student affairs and services, administration and finance, research and extension, and other highlighted topics will be the focal points of the event.
For October 1, three events will coincide within the day. Starting in the morning at the university gymnasium, the student onboarding program will consist of a series of sessions designed to help students adapt to life in college. The event will feature talks and topics intended to assist learners in their academic journeys at the university.
On the other hand, in the afternoon of October 1, the student organization expo will be held at the same venue in collaboration with all of SSU’s accredited organizations, offering a comprehensive view of the school’s participation opportunities beyond academics. Meanwhile the freshmen acquaintance, also taking place in the SSU Gymnasium, will be open to all first-year students and transferees, presenting a method to build a sense of community with peers.
Furthermore, as the concluding event of the orientation activities, the college re-orientation has individualized schedules per department, with the purpose of reinforcing students’ understanding of academic expectations, available resources, and windows for interaction and engagement within their respective colleges. This is in contrast with the general orientation as it extends a closer look at the programs and policies within a specific department.
