It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the faculty of Mass Communication, Cairo University, the first accredited Mass Communication faculty in Egypt.
Your arrival at university marks a new chapter in the story of your
life. And the great thing is that you are doing something that you have chosen
to do, not something that was chosen for you by others. While you are here at
MCCU you will have the opportunity to learn new things, acquire new knowledge,
develop new skills, and enhance your personal attributes in profound ways that
will equip for life after University.
Over the next four years, you will refine your abilities to think
critically and to express your ideas in writing and speech. You will learn how
to frame a good argument, and how to listen to and appreciate the intellectual
views held by others.
At the same time you will make new friends who will become your friends
for life, with whom you will share memories of your Faculty days for many years
to come.
You have chosen to study at a very special and distinctive university
which enjoys an outstanding reputation for academic excellence.
Founded in 1908, Cairo University is one of the oldest universities in this
country and MCCU is the first faculty for Mass Communication in the Middle
east.
Our mission is to prepare professional graduates in different media areas
who meet the needs of the labor market and the requirements of competition both
locally and globally, raising the level of their commitment to social,
professional and ethical responsibility towards the nation and issues of the
community, in addition to conducting scientific research relevant to the
priorities of the community, its issues and its basic problems.
Let me, for a moment , share three pieces of advice with you.:
1.
TAKE
RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LEARNING:
Up to now, most of your learning, and indeed your life, has been very
structured. But now you are entering the less structured environment of the
University where you will have greater freedom and the responsibility that comes
with that.
You have turned a new page and it is blank. Now you must write the script.
The theme of responsibility and independence is important here at MCCU.
You will now be expected to be more self-reliant. You are responsible for what
you do, for ensuring that you do the work that will be required of you. There
will be no one to check up on you. Make sure you attend your lectures, labs and
tutorials, that you do the assignments and read the material advised by your
lecturers.
Ensure that you make enough time for private study; develop a study plan;
go to the library; use the on-line learning resources.
And while we expect you to assume a new level of responsibility please
realize that you are not alone.
Should you experience difficulties though, be assured that our academic
and support staff are there to support you; they are there to help you realise
your dreams and aspirations; they are there to make your university experience a
positive and rewarding one
TALK TO PEOPLE. Talk to your classmates, your professors, your friends, or
the Students’ Union. And I also want you to know that there is an abundance of
support services available to you
Most important – understand that while we expect our students to become
self-reliant we are to help when that is needed. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
2.
Make the most of your time at MCCU:
One of the great things about university life is the range of new
experiences that will be available to you.,
At Cairo University, many of the opportunities are built into your
programme while others are extra-curricular.
Most of you will undertake co-operative education or practice placements
as an integral part of your programme
What you learn in the classroom is applied in the workplace which in turn
gives you a deeper understanding of what you have learned in the classroom.
You will have the opportunity to join one or more of the many societies
on campus
Again we know that availing of extra-curricular opportunities is linked to
high quality student engagement and success. GETTING INVOLVED HELPS YOUR
LEARNING.
In the coming weeks, as you get to know the faculty and the people who
work here, I hope you will take a moment to make use of the resources that are
available to support your development as responsible and independent human
beings. Use these resources fully and wisely
3.
Embrace Difference:
You have come from different backgrounds and communities to pursue your
ambitions as students.
Get to know people who are different to you. It could be someone from a
different part of the country, or from another country, who has different views
to you, or who has different interests and perspectives
Knowing others and understanding others will help you develop as tolerant
individuals.
With those few words, I wish you the most fulfilling and rewarding
experience at this great University.
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