Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak, LSME has taken a decisive action to minimize disruptions to its provision. To mark the beginning of the third academic term, LSME held its induction ceremony for its virtual Induction of new LSME students for the Diploma in Education and Training (DET) and the BSc (Hons) in Business Management and Health and Social Care Management. The sessions were conducted online and were attended by all academic and admin staff, existing students who are progressing onto Top-up BSc qualifications and prospective learners for DET. This was the first part of a two-week-long induction programme aimed at introducing learners to their new institution and the key personnel within the organisational strurcture. The induction also acquaints learners with academic study skills for higher education and encourages dialogue with teachers and other students.
Coordinating the event, Dr Dolly Jackson-Sillah extended a warm welcome to the new students on behalf of the LSME community and introduced the key personnel to the inductees.
A heartfelt welcome address the Executive Director, Dr Ravi Kumar highlighted the humble beginnings of the institution and his current role in governance and operations. The new inductees were assured of an exciting academic journey even with the current challenges facing the higher education sector in the UK. He reiterated the role of the Students Loans Company, the evolution of student finance and the current regulatory expectations which continue to unfold in response to the changing landscape of higher education in UK. His address shed more light on key achievements of the institution and its plans for further growth and development. He urged the new students to engage with College activities as partners rather than customers, stressing the importance of maintaining a close relationship even after graduation.
An address by the institution’s Principal, Dr Sarita Parhi focused on the academic standards of performance expected from students of the College. She stressed the importance of meeting relevant deadlines, attending regularly and the need for learners to make effective use of their time to achieve their obligations as students. She reiterated the ongoing academic support provided to learners to ensure the achievement of their respective programmes. 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 wished them a successful academic journey with LSME.
Other areas covered by LSME personnel included an introduction to the Welfare and Pastoral Care support services, 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 policies and procedures outlined in their Students Handbooks and Programme Handbooks. The admin support services were also highlighted in detail. Students had the opportunity to ask relevant questions to clarify any doubts they may have in relation to their expectations.
This induction process will continue for the next two weeks for the teaching of essential study skills including time management, plagiarism, academic referencing using the Harvard System, understanding course specifications and assignment briefs and Introduction to the Virtual Learning Environment and Turnitin anti-plagiarism software. In the next two weeks, lecturers will agree on an individualised learning plan with each student to meet their diverse learning needs. LSME, virtual, induction, students
