A Study on the Orientation Program Conducted by the University Senior Students for the Freshers

Abstract

There is a criticism in the university and society regarding the orientation program conducted by the senior students of the universities for the freshers. Some group of senior students and the Student’s Union activists try to carry out this "home grown" orientation program uninterruptedly. The university administration tries to control this orientation program in response to innumerable complaints made by the students subjected to this program. It has resulted in creating a conflict situation between the university administration and the student activists. The aim of this research is to find out the opinion of the university students towards the above mentioned orientation program. The students from the four Faculties of University of Kelaniya, i.e. Faculty of Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce and Management and Science of the University of Kelaniya were used as a research sample. Hundred students from each Faculty were selected according to the random sample method. Questionnaire, participatory observation, interview and case study methods were used to collect data. The orientation program conducted by the senior students has created controversy owing to misunderstanding between students and administration regarding surreptous political interferences in student affairs, unauthorised activities, and hidden agendas. This study recommended that it is necessary to organize useful and systematic program that are transparent, supportive, and helpful in getting to know each other and socialise within a framework of the university life.