My visit to USM@KL was primarily to participate in the welcome and registration process for the new Master of Science in Teaching of Mathematics students. So, there I was, venturing into the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur, on a mission to infiltrate...USM@KL! Okay, maybe infiltrate is a strong word. More like, "gracefully attend. hehe. This particular intake was a unique, second-semester enrolment, catering to specific student circumstances that deviated from the standard October intake. The standard academic calendar at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) traditionally commences with a new "Sidang" (academic session) in October. This second-semester intake allowed for flexibility, accommodating students who required alternative enrolment schedules.
As this was my first experience at the USM@KL campus, I was keen to understand its operational dynamics and physical layout. Due to scheduling constraints, I accompanied Maisarah, the program coordinator, during her student briefing. She's basically the program's "Mom-in-Chief," keeping everyone in line and making sure the mathematical mayhem stays organized. Maisarah plays a crucial role in managing the Pesisir (off-campus) program, acting as the primary point of contact and support for students enrolled in the Master of Science in Teaching of Mathematics. My presence allowed me to observe the briefing process and gain first-hand insight into the program's administration.
USM@KL's location is a significant advantage, providing accessibility for students residing in the Klang Valley. The campus offers a comfortable and conducive learning environment, equipped with facilities suitable for postgraduate studies. Beyond the Master of Science in Teaching of Mathematics, USM@KL offers a range of postgraduate programs, catering to diverse academic interests. This allows individuals in the Klang Valley to pursue USM's postgraduate qualifications without the need for regular travel to the main campus in Penang. So, if you're a Klang Valley resident with a hankering for higher learning from USM, you can skip the Penang pilgrimage. It's like having USM deliver pizza, but instead of pizza, it's knowledge.😋🍕
The student briefing covered essential program information, including course requirements, schedules, and administrative procedures. It also provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and interact with faculty and staff. Maisarah handled it like a pro, answering questions and keeping the newbies from having a full-blown math-induced panic attack. The welcoming atmosphere created during the briefing aimed to ease the transition for new students and foster a sense of community. The visit provided a valuable understanding of how USM extends its educational reach through its off-campus centers. And I learned a lot about the program too, realizing that teaching math is way more complicated than just yelling, "Solve for x!" at a chalkboard.
All in all, it was a good day. I got to see a new place, meet some enthusiastic students, and avoid getting lost in the KL traffic (a minor miracle in itself). 😂And who knows, maybe one of those students will finally figure out how to make math as exciting as a roller coaster ride. One can dream, right?
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