Every year, students are admitted to the Honours College (HC) of the University of Macau through different channels. Though direct admission is a common method for newly enrolled students in UM, a significant number of students apply through the Open application and Recommended application channels, and are admitted at the end of their freshman year. Regardless of the channels students are being admitted by, all HCers are part of E.L.I.T.E., that means they are Empathetic, Leading, Intercultural, Trustworthy, and Ethical. As September is a promotional month, the Honours College Student Association (HCSA) run a range of activities to reflect each element of being E.L.I.T.E.
9.2 to 9.17 Promotional Booth at RCs
The Honours College Student Association (HCSA), set up consultation booths in all ten undergraduate Residential Colleges to introduce the Honours College and its programme to the undergraduate community of UM, particularly Freshmen. Potential HCers among the interested ones may approach the booth to raise questions and doubts. Our helpers (who are also HCers) were able to help them answer and lead them to the correct avenue. Many visitors participated in the interactive games, posting their experiences and sharing them with their friends through social media. Over two weeks, our helpers reflect the Trustworthiness of being HCers.
9.7 to 9.8 Mentorship Camp
It is an annual routine for the HCSA to hold a camp to bring HCers closer to each other, and to attract potential leaders of the HCSA. Two days and one night camp was packed with a range of activities, from ice-breaking, groupings, quizzes, physical activities, cooking and board games. The activities helped establish strong bonds and camaraderie among all participants. It was clearer at the end of the second day, when participants expressed their desire to become the next Leaders of HCSA and contribute their ideas to keep HCers engage in the upcoming year.
9.11 I’m the BOSS
“I’m the BOSS” is an engaged board game played by six players. The game aims to settle deals through communicating and negotiating between players. Sometimes, no deals are cut when players cannot reach agreements during the bargaining period. Since the game requires active communication, analytical and decisive decision-making, participants are required to think Ethically when making their moves. The HCSA organised four sessions to allow our freshmen to join in the most convenient slot. Approximately 40 students, three-quarters of whom are freshmen. It was a successful event as they exchanged contact details and friendships may grow, in addition to being
9.24 HCSA X World Vision Documentary of Climate Change
This year, the HCSA is very proud to work alongside World Vision to show our participated students the results of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and a do-it-yourself (DIY) mud cookie. The documentary on FMNR showcases the successful results of Tony Rinaudo and local farmers to grow trees in desert lands in many African countries. It turns desert lands into forests and farmers are able to grow their crops, create cooler air, work under the shades of the trees and generate income through the carbon emission trading scheme. The DIY on mud cookie was an illustration of famine in countries like Haiti where children and expected mothers consume. Participants were divided into six groups and assigned a role of stakeholders such as farmers, governments, media and multinational companies. Each group presented the result of their discussion on what could be done by each stakeholder to help eradicate famine in Global South. Such activity helped our students to be aware and Empathize with what is happening around the world.
9.25 HC Night
The Honours College Night was a talent show presented by the HCSA with majority of the performers were HCers. It began with a brief yet detailed information on Honours College and its Programme, delivered by Honours Programme Coordinator, Prof. Dennis WANG. Without doubt, the presentation answered some questions of potential HCers. The second part of the HC Night programme composed of traditional Chinese and contemporary dances and singing in Chinese and English. Throughout the evening, games were played, the winners were awarded HC souvenirs, and some of the participants won prizes through lucky draws. The unexpected element of the evening was the performance of HCSA members dressed as minions and sang a medley. It was a night of Interculturalism.
