In order for the freshmen to get acquainted with the new environment and teachers and turn over a new leaf, four orientation sessions were held on September 8 and 9 for new incoming undergraduates and graduates.
On the day of orientation sessions, students gathered at the school’s athletic field at 7:40 am. After the roll call, President Horng-jinh Chang first led university administrators and students to climb the one hundred and thirty-two steps of Ke-Nan Slope and to start the opening ceremony at the Student Activity Center. Almost all students felt exhausted. Cheng-chung Chen, from the Department of Business Administration, sighed, “If the following four years go on like this, I guess I will thus develop a strong body.” During the climbing, the use of umbrellas was not permitted. One female student said, “My skin will get terribly dark!”
The ceremony began after the school anthem. President Horng-jinh Chang first introduced the students to Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Flora C. I. Chang, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Chao-kang Feng and other administrative heads, and then the school’s academic achievements, facilities, programs and various kinds of resources on the basis of the triple objectives of “Globalization, Information-oriented Education and Future-oriented Education.” The President especially highlighted the junior study abroad program. He indicated, “Study is more important than anything else! Our school has established cooperative relationships with many famous universities around the world. Student experiences of studying abroad have always proved to be highly successful. All those who plan to be international exchange students should study hard from now on. Catch the opportunity to pave your way for future academic achievements! Don’t waste your time in these four years!”
Besides introducing academic requirements and the campus, the President sincerely wished that students paid more attention to their physical training. “Climbing the one hundred and thirty-two steps of Ke-Nan Slope everyday,” he said, “will make you healthy and more successful in competing in society.”
Dean of Academic Affairs Hsi-jen Fu, Dean of Student Affairs Ding-an Chiang, and Dean of General Affairs Ching-jen Hung were also present to introduce the school to the freshmen. Dean Fu expected the students to have a good command of the computer and English, and explained “Tamkang culture.” Dean Chiang said that the school offers sixty-six million dollars for scholarships, and he hoped that students would concentrate on their study. He told students, “If your academic performance is not good enough, your parents will be informed about that.” Dean Hung made clear that tissue paper is available at every toilet for free, and he wished students could cherish that resource. After hearing that, students gave him a big hand. He also kindly reminded students, “If you are worried about your safety when you get back to the dormitories late, please dial extension 2119 and ask for assistance from the Service Center.”
