What a year it has been.

At the same time last year, the team of academic counsellors and I at Counselling and Communications Department of MSU, were consolidating counselling techniques and training to better jive and contribute to the overall plan of university, with our main concern in ensuring academic counselling is done right and accurate. We read articles, had discussions and find anything to help understand ways to assist students and parents more in choosing their rightful courses.

This year, we reflect what we have done. And my, how much have changed for the past year.

Students have become more resourceful. Amongst those who have registered with MSU, I found, have had social media’s input at various levels – programs they might be interested in, careers that they favour or even the kind of university life they want to have.

Parents are more cautious. With current situation in this economically challenged scenario, decisions are tough. Choices may be many, but those that meet the certain standards set by parents, involve a lot of further management of quality and value.

So, as part of the academic counselling team, we have to uphold and convey the needs and wants that would relate closest to the students and parents. Questions that need to be answered are many – Where should my daughter go to get quality education? Do I have a chance to get international exposure if I study here? Will my son be able to get a job after graduation? Can I further my education at the tertiary level once I graduate? Will I study a program in the university that provides a local and international accreditation/recognition? What do I want to remember most about my university life? 

At least, I have answered ‘YES’ to all the above questions, in relevance to MSU. But the challenges ahead, will also need the Counselling and Communications Department, to be further informative and resourceful – to be supportive of the needs of the students.

As a team, we are ready. We look forward to assisting and counselling future doctors, pharmacists, accountants, fashion designers, optometrists, graphic designers, teachers, entrepreneurs – and the list goes on.

Oh, what an exciting year 2015 will be, can’t wait for to meet the new MSUrians soon, and to say to them, “Welcome, to MSU!”

Happy new year, 2015.