
A Warm Beginning: New Students Embark On Their Educational Journey At WUST Fall Orientation 2024
Mahmood M. Khan
Alexandria, VA
They arrived with dreams in their eyes and the promise of a fresh start. Some had traveled halfway around the world, while others came from closer countries or continents. Each of them had one thing in common— a new educational journey at Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST) in the United States.
Alongside international students, many local residents also joined this diverse and vibrant community. The fall quarter orientation at WUST brought together hundreds of new students, both in person and online.
The Alexandria campus of the University in Virginia buzzed with excitement as the students arrived, ready to begin their journey. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, as the university made clear its commitment to helping these students realize their dreams.
As the university auditorium filled to capacity, some students were guided to another hall, where they participated in the orientation via a large screen.
The event kicked off with a speech from WUST President Dr. Hasan Karaburk. Humbling himself as the "chief servant" of the students, he promised his unwavering support throughout their educational journey. One by one, Dr. Burk introduced the leaders of various university departments, highlighting who was responsible for which services and how students could access support.
University Chancellor, Engr. Abubokor Hanip, echoed these sentiments, sharing that the university’s mission aligns with each student's dream. He reassured the students that WUST would not only guide them academically but also help them shape their future beyond the classroom.
Chief Financial Officer Farhana Hanip extended the university’s warm embrace by assuring students that WUST is like a family—one that will strive to ease the distance for those far from home and create a collective sense of belonging on campus.
Following the leadership's inspirational opening remarks and words of welcome, each department was introduced, and their role in supporting and prioritizing students' success was explained.
Moderated by Assistant Director of Student Services, Maaz Khattak, and Chief of Staff Rachele Rose, department heads presented their services, emphasizing how their teams would provide unwavering guidance and support.
After a tour of the campus, which included classrooms, labs, and libraries, students had a break with a lunch provided by the University in their cafeteria, allowing them time to connect and socialize with their new peers before reconvening in breakout sessions for more focused briefings.
The School of IT gathered in the main auditorium, where Director Professor Apostolos Eliopoulos virtually joined and provided an in-depth overview.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Zefer Pirim, along with School of IT faculty member Dr. Tauhid Bhuiyan and Teaching Assistant Mahmood Menon Khan, contributed to this session as well.
Meanwhile, students from the School of Business were briefed by Director Dr. Mark Robinson in a separate hall, where attendees of the BSBA and MBA programs gathered.
The School of General Education held its own session, led by Assistant Director Dr. Hyun Lee, who emphasized the value of general education courses in shaping a well-rounded learning journey.
In each session, the university's commitment to its singular goal was clear— the success of every student at Washington University of Science and Technology.