Students who will enter undergraduate courses at Unicamp in 2018 will find a University increasingly committed to offering quality education, as well as providing elements that contribute to the formation of citizens committed to building a fairer and more harmonious society. These principles are expressed in the various activities that will be part of Calourada, an event aimed at welcoming new students. Among the scheduled actions are, in addition to the traditional Citizenship Trot, organized by veterans, artistic and cultural presentations, competitions, picnic and tour around Campinas.
According to Professor Daniela Gatti, advisor to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies (PRG), the activities will take place from February 26th, the date registration is confirmed. “We will have a general program and specific programs organized by the teaching and research units. The objective of these initiatives is to make freshmen feel welcomed and experience a little of what they will experience in the coming years in the university environment,” she explains.
To help with the reception and orientation of new entrants, PRG created the Freshman Guide, an online publication that brings a series of important content. In addition to the activities that make up the Calourada, the guide also presents information about the University and the different support programs for students, such as the granting of social scholarships and scientific initiation. It also lists the essential services offered to the internal community, such as medical, dental and psychological assistance.
The guide also addresses other issues relevant to the coexistence of students both academically and in society. “Among these issues are the issue of combating sexual violence, an aspect to which Unicamp is seriously committed, and the promotion of human rights, through actions in the field of teaching, research, extension, management and social interaction”, highlights the Professor Daniela Gatti. Tips on how to look for housing or where to eat inside and outside the University were also included in the publication.
According to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Eliana Amaral, the objective of both Calourada and the guide is to adequately welcome new students at a time when they experience a kind of rite of passage. “It will be the first time that many of these young people will leave their parents’ home. They will come to a new environment and, in many cases, a new city. Therefore, it is important that we show both them and their families that Unicamp is prepared to offer the necessary support so that they can complete their studies with ease”, she points out.
Videos
AIn addition to texts and photos, the Freshman Guide features videos in which the Dean Marcelo Knobel and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Eliana Amaral, welcome new students to Unicamp. In a letter addressed to freshmen, Knobel informs that this is the first time since he took over as Rector in April 2017 that he has had the opportunity to welcome new students. “I feel especially honored to do so, not only because of the unprecedented nature of the event, but also because I have already been in the place where you find yourself today”, he says.
In another video, the general coordinator of the Integrated Citizenship Group (GCI), organizer of the Citizenship Trot, Luís Marques, explains how this type of reception works, which works with themes related to the environment and sustainability. One of the hazing symbols is a plastic mug, which is given to freshmen on the day of confirmation and enrollment, to be used instead of disposable cups.
The topics that will be covered during the three days of the Citizenship Prank are Virtual Water, Energy and Public Policies. Activities include lectures, debates and visits to institutions. “The participation of students in Calourada, through their representative entities, is very positive. We understand that it is important for our students to exercise this type of leadership”, considers professor Eliana Amaral.
