DISCIPLINARY MATTERS RELATING TO FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
1. The University has conducted thorough investigations into the allegations of inappropriate as well as unauthorised student-organised orientation activities, which were brought to our notice in July 2016. The instances cited were attributed to the Arts Camp, Union Camp and Sheares Hall.
2. The investigations involved approximately 400 senior students and freshmen. The fact-finding included:
a. Data collection and analysis of media and social media content, videos, printed and other materials related to orientation activities;
b. Requests for information from faculty advisors, freshmen, student leaders and student organisers; and
c. Face-to-face interviews with students.
3. In parallel, counselling support was extended to all freshmen who might have been affected by the alleged incidents. Staff at the Counselling and Psychological Services of the University Health Services remain on standby to provide any necessary assistance.
4. Following the investigations, students who were found to be responsible for inappropriate behaviour during the orientation period were brought before disciplinary boards. The entire disciplinary process took place between August and early October 2016.
5. Following the proceedings, the disciplinary boards issued penalties to 30 senior students who were found to have breached the University’s Statutes and Regulations or its Code of Student Conduct.
6. Offences that the students were found to be responsible for ranged from disorderly and offensive behaviour, to organising and participating in improper orientation activities that potentially put other students’ physical welfare at risk. Upon receiving notification of disciplinary sanctions, the students were given 14 days to file an appeal. No appeals were filed.
7. The range of disciplinary sanctions imposed by the disciplinary boards include:
a. Suspension for 1 semester;
b. Community-based sanctions of up to 100 hours of University-supervised work per student to be served at appropriate volunteer welfare organisations;
c. Behavioural rehabilitation programmes focused on respect and socially acceptable behaviour;
d. Fines of up to $2,000;
e. Official reprimands, which will be on permanent record in the students’ formal educational records at the University; and
f. Statements of reflection on the incident(s) that the students were involved in.
8. The University will not be revealing or commenting on the details of individual cases to safeguard the privacy of the students involved in the disciplinary proceedings, as well as those who had provided input and statements during the course of the investigations. Many of the students involved have expressed regret and apologised for their unacceptable behaviour. We hope that they will learn from this episode and grow into responsible and respectful individuals.
9. Freshman orientation activities are an important rite of passage at NUS, and serve to welcome and introduce freshmen to the university community. The majority of students have had meaningful and uplifting experiences that have created lifelong bonds and support networks that enrich their lives.
10. We therefore expect all orientation activities at NUS to be meaningful, safe and fully respectful of the dignity of those participating. We also expect our students – seniors and freshmen alike – to behave in a manner befitting of this highly regarded university community.
11. As announced previously, an Orientation Review Committee (ORC) was convened in late August 2016 to consult, review, and make recommendations to further improve freshmen orientation. The 14-member ORC, which comprises faculty members, student leaders and alumni, is expected to submit its report to the University later this month.
12. I am sharing this with you as your understanding, leadership, and active support are vital for the continuing success of our orientation programmes, as well as the enhancements that the ORC will be recommending.
13. We look forward to working with you to ensure that freshman orientation at NUS continues to be a welcoming and enriching experience for everyone involved.
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