The cries were deafening. The floats magnificent. Programmes like the Freshman Welcome Convention and Rag and Flag Day build school spirit and help freshmen become part of the NUS family. CDTL's induction programme for new teaching staff serves a similar function, albeit in a less frenetic, more dignified fashion.

Over fifty new academic staff participated in the Welcome and Induction Programme on 4 July at the Shaw Foundation Building. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Chong Chi Tat gave the opening address and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Hang Chang Chieh spoke on "Education for Life: IQ and EQ." Other presentations afforded new faculty a profile of NUS students and overviews of library resources, the use of information technology in teaching and learning and doing research at the university. Workshop topics included assessment and large and small group teaching.

It was a full day, packed with information and ideas. Here's what some participants liked about the programme.

"Understanding the Singapore student."
"Informative, informal, interactive."
"Good exposure to NUS culture."
"Excellent value."
"Covers the basic queries of a new academic."
"Provides motivation for my research and teaching career here."

And, in case you're wondering, we didn't ask any participants to sing songs or build floats. Maybe next year.