Taking place from September 8 to September 19, 2025, the program featured a flexible combination of in-person sessions at both the Saigon and Linh Xuan campuses, alongside online sessions via Google Meet, ensuring full participation from all students. With 8 specialized modules ranging from socio-political contexts and academic regulations to study skills, personal development, and community responsibility, the Civic Activities Week provided freshmen with a comprehensive overview, helping them swiftly integrate into the university environment.
From Civic Awareness to the "USSH Identity"
The week kicked off with Module 1: Current Affairs in Vietnam Today. This was not merely a news update but a guided session to help freshmen understand the Party’s guidelines, State laws, and the socio-economic and political landscape both domestically and internationally. Through this, students became more aware of their roles as intellectual citizens, learning how to apply this knowledge to their academic and personal growth.
Freshmen attentively listening to Module 1: Current Affairs in Vietnam Today.
Alongside this, Module 5 introduced the VNU-HCM system, the university's history, and its core values, including the "USSH Code of Conduct." Standards ranging from attire and communication to digital etiquette on social media were emphasized from the outset, reaffirming the commitment to cultivating students who are not only academically excellent but also civilized and courteous.
After concluding Module 5, Nguyen Ngoc Tam, a freshman studying International Relations, shared that the module contents directly addressed the needs and interests of new students. Tam also highly appreciated the organization and coordination of the Activities Week, noting that each session was executed with professionalism and meticulous care. Echoing this sentiment, classmate Tran Thien Luan shared: "Through these modules, I have grown to love my university and faculty even more. This has motivated me to strive harder on the journey ahead."
Academic Essentials for Freshmen
The transition from high school to university requires students to swiftly adapt to new, more proactive, and self-directed learning methods. Consequently, several modules focused on equipping freshmen with essential academic tools.
Module 3: Academic Regulations and Foreign Language Proficiency Standards is considered the "compass" for students throughout their four-year journey. Freshmen were briefed on credit systems, grading scales, graduation requirements, examination rules, and policies regarding commendations and discipline. Emphasizing foreign language exit standards early on helps students create suitable study plans to meet international integration requirements.
Concurrently, Modules 4 and 6 focused on the Learning Management System (LMS) and library services. Proficiency in LMS is a mandatory skill, enabling students to access materials, submit assignments, and interact with faculty. Both the University Library and the VNU-HCM Central Library were introduced as vast repositories of knowledge, offering printed books, digital resources, and online databases—vital assets for fostering a spirit of self-study and independent research.
Library orientation sessions equipping freshmen with essential skills to effectively utilize academic resources.
Personal Development and Community Responsibility
Beyond academic expertise, the University places a strong emphasis on holistic development. Module 2: An Engaging and Vibrant University Life introduced the diverse activities of the Youth Union, Student Association, and various student clubs, creating an environment to hone soft skills, expand networks, and enrich the youth experience. A key highlight this year was Module 7: Mental Health Care and Reproductive Health Awareness. Given the pressures of academic life, living away from home, and navigating new relationships, equipping students with mental health knowledge has become essential. Simultaneously, the reproductive health component provided foundational knowledge and fostered responsible attitudes toward self-care. Rather than just conveying information, the module aimed to build practical skills, creating a foundation for a healthy, confident, and proactive generation of students.
Following this, Module 8: Legal Knowledge, Security, and Residential Regulations; Student Affairs Policy; and Community Service Standards provided students with the necessary understanding and awareness to comply with campus life regulations. The content included legal updates, security briefings, and guidelines for on-campus and off-campus residency to ensure a safe and disciplined learning environment. Furthermore, communicating the Student Affairs Policy and Community Service Standards helped orient students toward a spirit of responsibility, proactive self-improvement, and the integration of academic knowledge with meaningful community action.
Freshmen getting acquainted with their new environment, from academic systems to extracurricular activities.
With eight core modules, the Civic Activities Week has equipped freshmen with the most essential and practical knowledge to embark on their academic and personal growth journey. Through these sessions, students have become well-acquainted with the university’s requirements, regulations, and development orientations. Beyond merely conveying information, the Civic Activities Week has provided freshmen with a comprehensive overview of the learning and training environment they will engage with throughout their university years. This serves as a vital stepping stone, enabling each student to clearly define their responsibilities and rights, while shaping a positive and proactive attitude toward their studies and campus life from the very beginning.
