SINGAPORE – At least 14 undergraduate students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have been punished for their role in inappropriate orientation activities reported in July this year.
A report by The Straits Times today (Sept 22) said that the university found that the students were guilty of misconduct. They had used “unapproved items” during orientation games, alcohol was consumed beyond university-designated premises and events, and they provided false information during investigations.
Their punishments vary from warnings without record to mandatory community service.
Students may appeal against the university’s decisions, said the report.
In July, The New Paper reported on increasingly sexualised games that freshmen were asked to play; some were even told to re-enact rape scenes.
The local newspaper had claimed that such risque orientation activities have been going on for the past decade despite complaints.
Read also: ‘Sexualised’ uni camps spark fierce debate
NUS’ orientation activities were suspended on July 29, but later allowed to resume from Aug 8.
Video screengrabs, Stomp
Yesterday, the university said in a post on its website that orientation review is underway.
A 14-member Orientation Review Committee was set up in late August. It comprises respresentatives from the student body, faculty and alumni, and is chaired by Professor Tan Tai Yong, Executive Vice President (Academic Affairs) of Yale-NUS College.
Read also: What NUS students say about orientation camp debacle
According to NUS, the committee has been asked to provide recommendations on:
– Key principles that underpin freshman orientation, with reference to the NUS Code of Student Conduct;
– Measures that would enable students, particularly student leaders, to understand and embrace these principles, and build a positive and respectful student culture;
– New approaches to freshman orientation at NUS, and whether there are aspects of past orientations that should be preserved;
– Checks against unacceptable student behaviour in orientation activities; and
– Safeguards for students inadvertently placed in potentially vulnerable situations.
The committee aims to submit a final report to the university’s management by October.
maryanns@sph.com.sg
