Mount Kenya University MKU main campus orients over 5,000 new students

Student orientation is an important exercise in an academic environment, MKU vice chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo, has said.

Speaking during the orientation of the university May intake, said as the case of aeroplane emergency alerts that create awareness on safety, student orientation creates awareness on university governance structures, statutes, regulations, rules, policies, procedures, student support systems, human resource and teaching infrastructure among others that exist in an academic environment.

Prof. Waudo was speaking to over 5,000 new students who included over 2,800 government sponsored students during the orientation at the MKU main campus play ground Thursday.

The students were oriented on issues ranging from academic matters, student’s life at the university, life skills, security, safety and other administrative issues to promote a conducive atmosphere for learning.

MKU holds orientation in all its campuses to make the students to be informed on how to go on with their career choices as they pursue various certificates, diploma and degree programs. He said that MKU will provide support that will enable the student Unlock Infinite Possibilities.

“MKU was allocated over 2,800 Government sponsored students in the year 2019/2020 and in addition has received self sponsored students making it a preferred destination for both Government sponsored and self sponsored in the region. The university has also attracted international students from various nations and other students are undertaking their studies through open distance and electronic learning mode of study, ” Prof. Waudo stated.

The VC said student success is the ability for a student to complete a programme of study successfully. He said the requirements for student success are:

1. i) Setting goals
2. ii) Having aspirations

iii) Demonstrating determination, ambition, tolerance, endurance, courage and hard work.

1. iv) Being result-oriented
2. v) Making rational decisions.
3. vi) Prudent management of time and

vii) Avoiding involvement in activities that neither support one’s aspirations nor add value to life among others.

He said the determinants of student success are:

1. i) Governance and management that promote accountability and transparency.
2. ii) Student support systems that promote role modeling and mentoring.

iii)  Balance between academic activities and non-academic activities and

1. iv) Financial support among others.

He said Mount Kenya University is governed in accordance with governance and management structures provided for in the Universities Act, 2012, Universities (Amendment) Act, 2016, The Mount Kenya University Charter, 2011 and the Mount Kenya University (Amendment) Charter, 2016.

Mount Kenya University Student Support System

The University Management recognizes students as core stakeholders and the backbone of the University.

Therefore, the University Management ensures that programmes are in line with the expectations of students and with the mission and vision of the University.

The VC said student support services are critical for student success.

The services help students navigate the University academic environment by focusing on academic, personal and career growth among others.

The services are designed to prepare students for a successful student life and future career, promote student welfare and academic success.

The student support services include:

–  Library services coordinated by the University Librarian.

–  Career services coordinated by the Director, Career and Alumni Services.

–   Mentorship services coordinated by Heads of Departments.

–   Academic advisory services coordinated by Heads of Departments.