LSME has welcome its second cohort of new students for the 2020-21 Academic Year in an online ceremony. The new students are enrolling for the Diploma in Education and Training (DET) and Undergraduate and Masters programmes. As usual, the ceremony was a half-day session and was attended by the newly enrolled students, Senior Management, academic and admin staff of LSME. Coordinating the event, Dr Dolly Jackson-Sillah extended a warm welcome to the new students on behalf of the LSME community.
In a warm welcome address, the Executive Director, Dr Ravi Kumar expressed his excitement about the diverse group of learners from all over the world. He introduced the institution to the new students, highlighting its humble beginnings and the plans for growth and development. He shared our success and challenges in the fourteen years of the existence of the College.
He particularly highlighted the Access and Participation Projects which play a vital role in the improvement in the admission and enrolment of the disadvantaged individuals in society. He urged all students to work hard and become a part of the growing LSME family by engaging with College activities as the key stakeholders, stressing the importance of maintaining a close relationship even after graduation.
The new inductees were assured of an exciting academic journey even with the current challenges facing the higher education sector in the UK. The role of the SLC which is a non-departmental public body that disburses funding to students and LSME’s role in assisting students who are having difficulties with their funding was highlighted.
He assured the learners that the COVID-19 pandemic has not deterred the academic progression of students due to the robust student support mechanisms in place. This is evidenced by the higher attendance and achievement rates observed in the last academic year.
Dr Sarita Parhi, the Principal of the College, focused on the academic standards of performance expected from students of the College, in terms of attendance, coursework submission and student engagement in online sessions via video conferencing because of the current pandemic. She reiterated the ongoing academic support provided to learners to ensure the achievement of their respective programs.
She urged learners to assume the responsibility of lifelong learners who have the opportunity to address their challenges and solve problems in profound ways. She encouraged students to remain committed to achieving the best possible outcomes and go on to do wonderful things with the qualifications they will be gaining.
She reiterated the need to make new and lasting relationships with their peers and with the institution. She encouraged students to get involved, take responsibility for their learning and to make the most of their time in LSME for both academic and extra-curricular activities. She wished them a happy, rewarding and successful academic journey with LSME.
Other areas covered by LSME by the academic personnel included an introduction to the College rules and regulations aligned with the academic provision including the importance of attendance, punctuality and timely submission of course work. Students were also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the relevant policies and procedures outlined in their Students Handbooks and Programme Handbooks.
Admin staff reminded the new learners of the admin support services and Welfare and Pastoral Care provision of the institution. Students had the opportunity to ask relevant questions to clarify any doubts they may have concerning their expectations. Online