Western Pacific University’s Orientation Program is in full swing into its third day, having commenced on Monday, February 17th, 2025.  New students are being immersed in university life through a variety of engaging and informative sessions at the WPU Auditorium. 

The five-day program aims to equip students with the expectations, knowledge and resources needed for a successful academic journey here at Western Pacific University.  For our new students especially, it was a form of introduction into the University, meeting the staff and getting to know their respective departments on campus.

Opening the program on Monday was Western Pacific University President Dr. Janet Rangou, who introduced the staff and spoke on taking pride in our facilities knowing that we are breaking the mold being the first post-independence university, as well as being the first university to be established in rural Papua New Guinea.  Dr. Rangou reiterated that as such, we must take pride in our facilities and spoke sternly on not damaging facilities of what she described as the “pride of Southern Highlands and Ialbibu-Pangia”.

On Tuesday we had the Student Services and Academic Division members presenting on student behavior guidelines and policies, as well as student conduct expectations. This was presented by Vice President for Student Services and Administrative Affairs Dr. James Yoko. This was followed by presentations from the University Medical team, led by Sr. Mary Noglai, and presentations from WPU Security Coordinator Mr. Rex Miriye on security procedures.

Wednesday’s presentations were talks for our Community Session, with presentations from Acting Town Manager Mr. Jonathan Kema who assured students of the Ialibu District Development Authority’s aim to continuously make Ialibu conducive and safe for students and visitors. This was followed by Community Leader and businessman Mr. Kepo Pisimi who spoke on community expectations and the importance of WPU to the Ialibu community.

The academic departments continued the sessions with meeting with their respective students. These were the departments of Certificate in Higher Education Foundation Studies (CHEFS), International Business Management (IBM) and Information Technology (IT), followed by presentations from the ICT Division on Thursday.

The one-week event marks an important milestone for both the new students and the university community as we begin the academic year 2025 which is also our fourth academic year in history. The Orientation Program will conclude on Friday, February 21st with a Dedication Service and the commissioning of the Student Representative Council for 2025.