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Author Topic: NUS Students' Union FOC2016 [Disgraceful + Disgusting]  (Read 23540 times)

Offline greentara

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NUS Students' Union FOC2016 [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« on: July 26, 2016, 01:02:37 PM »
Games at NUS camps increasingly sexualised, say students
Despite complaints over past decade, students say games at NUS orientation camp increasingly sexualised
By DAVID SUN Jul 26, 2016 6:00am

One was asked whose bodily fluids she would like to drink, while another watched her peers re-enact an incestuous rape scene.

These were just two examples of the sexualised activities that hundreds of freshmen were made to participate in some of the National University of Singapore's (NUS) orientation camps in the past two months.

Some students said they attended the camps to make friends, but they were instead pressured to take part in increasingly sexualised activities.

A 19-year-old freshman whom we shall name Chloe told The New Paper that she left the room after she became uncomfortable during an activity called "burning bridges" that required her to answer inappropriate questions.

The questions touched on taboo subjects such as which man's bodily fluid she would want to drink, who among them is the sluttiest, and who would never get married and die alone, she said.

"Every time I didn't take part, I was so scared that the orientation group would write me off as a prude and ostracise me," said Chloe, who requested not to be named for this reason.

She added that the camp's cheering and chanting was also sexualised, with references to the male anatomy, that made her blush.

"(The cheers) were so senseless. I hated them, but apparently it's tradition that has been passed down from previous batches," she said.

This perhaps explains why there have been complaints over the past decade, mostly from women who feel sexualised or harassed by the chants and games, some of which involve close contact.

That they are still happening today despite the complaints, and the universities promising to investigate and take action against offenders, imply that nothing much has changed.

Another 19-year-old freshman, Kim (not her real name), told TNP that she was grabbed from multiple directions by different students during a game that involved soap and water.

"I didn't even know where they were touching. It was so physical. I ended up in pain, and it was a scary experience," she said.

UNCOMFORTABLE

One of the forfeits for a game required a male and female freshman to re-enact a rape scene between a young man and his younger sister, which was even uncomfortable to watch.

"The girl had to lie on the floor, then the guy pretended to kick open a door and say, 'Kor kor (big brother) coming.' The girl had to respond, 'Mei mei (little sister) don't want'," Kim said.

"He then kicked open her legs and did push-ups while lying on top of her.

"The girl looked very uncomfortable and covered her face throughout the whole thing."

The incident traumatised Kim, who said that she wanted to cry during many of the activities.

"Why in the world would they have such ideas? I wanted to get out so badly.

"A group of us girls wanted to leave, but the orientation group leader stopped us and told us to finish playing the game."

The orientation group leaders are seniors in NUS, and the camp attended by Kim was organised by the NUS Students' Union two weeks ago.

On its website, the union says that it "strives to work towards upholding its vision of being a representative, inclusive and credible institution to promote, safeguard and uphold students' interest and welfare in NUS".

TNP was alerted to the activities by a reader, who said in an e-mail that there were "incidents of sexual harassment" during the camps, as well as the "trivialisation of rape".

The reader also cited the NUSWhispers Facebook page, which had posts about a cheer that "simulated a group of guys ejaculating on a girl's face".

Other participants of the camp that TNP spoke to confirmed this.

A spokesman for the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) labelled such activities "alienating rather than bonding", and criminal lawyers said police reports should have been made.

TNP asked NUS why it had been unable to tackle the problem of inappropriate activities during such camps despite numerous complaints over the past decade.

An NUS spokesman did not address the question, but instead said that it is currently looking into the issue.

"At NUS, orientation activities serve to welcome freshmen and integrate them into the university community and campus life," said the spokesman.

"Participation in orientation camps and activities is voluntary. Our student leaders are constantly reminded to develop meaningful orientation activities that will help forge new friendships among our freshmen.

"Student organisers of orientation camps are also thoroughly briefed on the guidelines for orientation activities.

"The NUS Office of Student Affairs (OSA) has recently received feedback in relation to some inappropriate orientation activities.

"It is currently looking into the feedback and working with the faculty concerned. Freshmen are also advised to report inappropriate orientation activities to OSA, so that the office could look into their concerns.

"The University takes violations of the Student Code of Conduct very seriously. Disciplinary action will be taken against students who breach these guidelines."

But the students TNP spoke to said the damage had been done.

Kim said: "All I wanted was to make new friends. I wonder why we even have such activities?

"But the camp is over, and we cannot do anything about it."

INAPPROPRIATE GAMES A VIOLATION

Instead of building a culture of respect and consent, such sexualised activities will promote a culture of rape and bullying.

Ms Jolene Tan, 33, programmes and communications senior manager for the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware), said such activities are uncalled for, and that more should be done to protect the students.

"Such activities are very inappropriate, and promote bullying, the objectification of women, and is an unhealthy trivialisation of sexual violence," she told The New Paper.

"They are alienating rather than bonding, and potentially traumatising to anyone there who has experienced sexual assault previously."

PRESSURED

She added that new students feel pressured to take part or be left out, resulting in many choosing not to voice their discomfort.

"Even if they are uncomfortable, they won't say it because they don't want to be a spoilsport.

"The whole culture needs to change. There needs to be a policy in institutions that is explicit about harassment."

A survey of 500 young people aged 17 to 25 conducted by Aware in 2014 found that one in three had experienced sexual assault or harassment, said Ms Tan.

The reported behaviours included unwanted sexual remarks, receiving of unsolicited pornography, and rape and other physical sexual assaults.

Lawyers told TNP that such activities outrage the modesty of women, and police reports should be made by individuals who feel violated.

Criminal lawyer Ravinderpal Singh of Kalco Law said such activities could easily be considered to be a violation of the Penal Code, which criminalises any word or gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

"If the woman takes offence and feels outraged, she can make a police report," he said.

"The school can also be liable if it is negligent, and fails to provide a safe environment."

He added that the school has a duty to ensure the well-being of all students.

"You cannot evade liability even (if students sign) a form," he said.

"There definitely should be checks done by the school to ensure that such things do not happen."

Another criminal lawyer, Mr T.M. Sinnadurai of Regent Law, said: "The words they used are gross and could be considered offensive. In my opinion, it is wrong.

"Even if there is no physical touching, it is still a violation."

The father of a 20-year-old girl said that if his daughter were placed in a similar situation, he would immediately make a police report.

"I would be outraged if someone did something like that to my daughter," he said.

"No one should be forced or pressured into such activities, and a police report should be made.

"A school is a place where you have to learn to get your morals right. If the school teaches these things, then it is the wrong place to start your learning."

The girl had to lie on the floor, then the guy pretended to kick open a door and say, 'Kor kor (big brother) coming.' The girl had to respond, 'Mei mei (little sister) don't want.' He then kicked open her legs and did push-ups while lying on top of her. - Kim

CONTROVERSIES GO WAY BACK

Orientation games at local universities have courted controversy for a decade, but the replies to the media have been similar each time.

The activities have also become raunchier, with this year's games at the National University of Singapore (NUS) being the most lewd and explicit.

In 2006, The Straits Times (ST) reported that activities involving lip contact and the washing of armpits at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the NUS orientation games left students flustered.

This was followed by a similar report in 2008, in which ST quoted an NUS student who sat out an activity where male students did push-ups on top of female students.

In 2011, The New Paper reported that a girl cried after orientation games at the Singapore Institute of Management-University of London became too close for comfort.

The activities were similar to those at NUS in 2008, with male students leaning over female students on the ground.

In 2014, NUS was again in the spotlight after complaints that a male student was stripped to his shorts before being blindfolded and bound with tape, as female students licked whipped cream off his neck.

Each time, the replies from the universities to queries follow a similar pattern.

The universities would highlight the guidelines in place and that they do not condone such behaviour. They would then promise to investigate and take action against anyone who breaches the rules.

They also mention that participation in the camps is voluntary. But freshmen say they feel pressured to take part for fear of being ostracised.

In recent years, the institutions have implemented channels for feedback.

Yet, a decade on, nothing has changed.

Source: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/games-nus-camps-increasingly-sexualised-say-students
« Last Edit: July 29, 2016, 11:40:24 AM by greentara »

Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgust]
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2016, 01:29:46 PM »
National University of Singapore Students' Union (NUSSU) Council
http://nussu.org/union-category/nussu-council

NUSSU Executive Committee
http://www.nussu.org.sg/exco/about/council/executive-committee



International Media Coverage

Singapore university investigates 'simulated rape' claims

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36901417

Students were 'made to simulate a rape scene between a man and his SISTER' as part of sick induction camp at Singapore university
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3711112/Students-simulate-rape-scene-man-SISTER-sick-induction-camp-Singapore-university.html

Singapore's NUS: Risque games completely inappropriate
http://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2016/07/27/nus-risque-games-completely-inappropriate.html

Top Singapore university probes allegations of ‘sexualized’ orientation activities
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/07/singaporean-university-looks-allegations-sexualized-orientation-activities

The bully & sexually abusive games on new student orientation of NUS
http://batam-city.com/the-bully-games-on-new-student-orientation-of-nus-camps/

新加坡大學意淫迎新 嚇喊女生唔准人走
http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/international/20160728/55415492

Singapore university probes mock-rape claims
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/1046849/singapore-university-probes-mock-rape-claims

Singapore university probes mock-rape claims
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2016/07/28/singapore-university-probes-mock-rape-claims/

演強奸遭亂摸喝體液 獅城國大迎新會玩過頭
http://www.guangming.com.my/node/304769?tid=3

Une université réputée de Singapour enquête sur des bizutages sexuels (French)
http://www.bfmtv.com/international/une-universite-reputee-de-singapour-enquete-sur-des-bizutages-sexuels-1020497.html

'Sexualised' uni camps spark fierce debate
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2016/07/31/sexualised-uni-camps-spark-fierce-debate

新加坡女大学生哭诉迎新营太色情
http://news.stnn.cc/guoji/2016/0728/338762.shtml

国大迎新活动被指过火; 议员:应重审活动目的
http://news.omy.sg/News/Local-News/story20160727-441598

List of CN articles
: https://goo.gl/fmnsjN

玩過了頭!新加坡~大學迎新會,好玩不玩【玩強姦】女生感覺被羞辱


【動畫】【好離譜】新加坡大學意淫迎新 嚇喊女生唔准人走: http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/international/20160728/55415492


Freshmen humiliated and degraded at National University of Singapore
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2016/07/182_210738.html


Singapore Media Coverage

Games at NUS camps increasingly sexualised, say students
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/games-nus-camps-increasingly-sexualised-say-students

Students say NUS orientation camp games increasingly sexualised; some told to re-enact rape scene
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/students-say-nus-orientation-camp-games-increasingly-sexualised-some-told-to-re-enact-rape

NUS probing reports of ‘offensive and completely inappropriate’ orientation activities
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/nus-probing-reports-offensive-and-completely-inappropriate-orientation-activities

NUS Orientation Camps: More Reports of Sexual Abuse, Humiliation and “Ejaculation” Games
http://redwiretimes.com/singapore-in-brief/nus-orientation-camps-reports-of-sexual-abuse-humiliation-and-ejaculation-games/

NUS Looking Into Allegations Of Sexually Charged Orientation Games
http://www.allsingaporestuff.com/article/nus-looking-allegations-sexually-charged-orientation-games

NUS investigating reports of inappropriate orientation activities
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/nus-investigating-reports/2988180.html

NUS to Investigate Reports of Lewd Sexualised Games Played during Orientation Camps
https://yoshi.today/nus-to-investigate-reports-of-lewd-sexualised-games-played-during-orientation-camps/

Several NUS students defended rape cheers & sex games on Facebook confessions page
http://mothership.sg/2016/07/several-nus-students-defended-rape-cheers-sex-games-on-facebook-confessions-page/

After outcry over NUS’ sexualised orientations, whose heads should roll?
http://singaporedaily.net/2016/07/26/after-outcry-over-nus-sexualised-orientations-whose-heads-should-roll/

Sexual Indecency In Local Singapore University Orientation Camps: How Much Is Too Much?
http://popspoken.com/issues/2016/06/sexual-indecency-singapore-university-camps-how-much-is-too-much

Fake rape, real rape, and teenage suicides
http://themiddleground.sg/2016/07/26/fake-real-rape-teenage-suicides

“Raunchy” Orientation Camps Sparks Off Debate On NUSWhispers
https://thoughtsofrealsingaporeans.wordpress.com/2016/07/19/raunchy-orientation-camps-sparks-off-debate-on-nuswhispers

Freshman Allegedly Pressured into Sexualized Rituals at Top Singaporean University
http://nextshark.com/nus-freshman-sexualized-rituals

NUS conducts intensive investigation due to complaints about inappropriate orientation activities
http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/07/nus-conducts-intensive-investigation-due-to-complaints-about-inappropriate-orientation-activities

What NUS students say about orientation camp debacle
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/what-nus-students-say-about-orientation-camp-debacle

Restaurant won't sponsor future NUS Students' Union events
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/one-sponsor-pulls-out-others-monitor-situation-nus

NUS students defend highly-sexual games at orientation camps -- while some share their own bad experiences
http://www.stomp.com.sg/singapore-seen/singapore/nus-students-defend-highly-sexual-games-orientation-camps-while-some-share

NUS Staff Who Approved Sexual Orientation Games Odd To Be Sacked
http://www.allsingaporestuff.com/article/nus-staff-who-approved-sexual-orientation-games-odd-be-sacked

Issues of accountability, values must be addressed
http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/issues-of-accountability-values-must-be-addressed


Forum / Social Media:



Responses from NUS & SG Government:

NUS Responds: Sexual Freshman Orientation Activities “Neither Approved Nor Endorsed”
http://popspoken.com/issues/2016/07/sexual-indecency-singapore-university-camps-how-much-is-too-much

NUS to crack down on sexualised games
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/nus-crack-down-sexualised-games

Response from Acting Minister for Education, Mr. Ong Ye Kung
https://www.facebook.com/ongyekung/posts/1368850089796256

Inappropriate orientation games cannot be tolerated: Ong Ye Kung
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/inappropriate-orientation/2991776.html

Minister: Remember purpose of university education
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/minister-remember-purpose-university-education

NUS OSA Investigates (Tea sessions with Seniors)
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1106233949447065&id=695707917166339

NUS cancels freshmen Orientation Week after reports of inappropriate activities
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nus-cancels-freshmen-orientation-week

NUS Students' Union apologises for 'indecent, reprehensible' orientation games
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/nus-students-union-apologises-for-indecent-reprehensible-orientation-games
« Last Edit: August 01, 2016, 08:02:16 AM by greentara »

Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgust]
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2016, 05:21:25 PM »

Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgust]
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2016, 10:19:01 PM »
Sexual activities feature highly in NUS orientation games
October 18, 2014
Education & Prospects, Home, NUS Buzz
By Tan Shi Hui

utown

NUS students play Frisbee at University Town on September 16, 2014. Games and sports like Frisbee are often played at orientation camps to foster team spirit, but some games have been criticized for being sexual. CAMPUS EYE/Tan Shi Hui

SINGAPORE, Sept 18 (Campus Eye) – Orientation camps at the National University of Singapore (NUS) often feature sexual activities, according to students from the university.

These activities came to light on Jul. 31, when a letter criticizing these activities written by an NUS student’s aunt was published in the Real Singapore, a social-political website.

The camp facilitators were making the girls … lick (whipped) cream off his neck, his nipples and also rub (their) hands on his thigh, trying to sexually stimulate him,” wrote the author, who identified herself as “Ms. Ng”.

Most students who were interviewed had either seen or heard of similar activities.

A student who attended a camp organised by Kent Ridge Hall witnessed forfeits such as Seven Wonders, in which two students touch each other as instructed by their peers, and male students doing push-ups over females.

The student, who declined to be named, said these activities were passed down from earlier generations of students.

Forfeits are typically unplanned, and agreed upon by leaders and participants, including those who are not doing the forfeits, just before they are done.

Psychology Camp organizer Lau Boon Yen described a similarly sexual-themed activity called Secret Pals.

They wake the participants up at 3 a.m. and blindfold them, and make the girl sit on the guy’s lap,” Lau said.

PLAYING WITH OPTIONS

An NUS spokesperson told the Straits Times that participants can opt out of activities they are uncomfortable with.

However, Yong Yen Lu, a Cultural Activities Club Social Camp participant this year, disagreed.

“Some of them (orientation group leaders) didn’t know their limits … If you didn’t want to, they would say no,” Yong said.

In contrast, Tembusu College orientation organizer Alison Chew said group leaders know where their limits are, and would allow participants to opt out.

Chew said she trusted group leaders to be responsible for the “image of the college” because they were interviewed.

TRUE PURPOSE OF CAMP ACTIVITIES?

Both Chew and Lau also said participants were encouraged to give feedback to their leaders, which were then used to make changes to the camp program.

Physical activities are often planned, as they facilitate group bonding, said Lau.

However, the anonymous Kent Ridge Hall camp participant felt these activities were a reflection of society’s patriarchal attitudes.

“I don’t think we should be blaming the students; we should all just reflect on our own culture that sexualises women on a daily basis.

“We should be looking at the kind of images, the kind of messages we allow in society, through media, and through just our daily conversations because, after all, patriarchal attitudes are inherited,” she said.

Source: http://blog.nus.edu.sg/nm3211/2014/10/18/sexual-activities-feature-highly-in-nus-orientation-games/

Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgust]
« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2016, 10:24:41 PM »
Orientation Video Reveals Disturbing Practice That Has Been Going On For Years At Local Schools
By Lim Lixuan on 01/04/2016 Breaking News

Sexual orientation games have been ongoing especially in universities

Entering a different environment means a whole new experience for many of us, and what better way to bond with your future classmates than through an orientation camp. Right?

After all, orientation camps are essential for freshmen to assimilate into the culture of their new schools. With that being said, some orientation practices can be quite disturbing because it is unnecessarily sexual.

Take this viral video for example.

Forfeit push-ups with a disturbing twist

According to one netizen, this disturbing orientation activity might have taken place at Singapore Poly.

In this video, a male student can be seen doing push ups while a girl is lying beneath him.

Their friends were encouraging him (for some unknown reason) by pushing his crotch area closer to the girl’s face.

We are not quite sure who is the one being punished in this game but it sure seems like the girl’s dignity is being abused.
Other horrifying orientation camp stories

We scoured the Internet for similar stories and we found some practices that were indeed distressing.

The Straits Times published an article about the happenings in a university orientation camp in 2008 as one of the freshmen, Rachel Lee got a rude shock.

Lee said, “girls had to lie down and the guys had to do push-ups over them” as she described one of the activities.

She refused to joined the activities and subsequently left the camp.
Female students were made to exchange sweets with male students using their mouths

A writer on a blog, iWicked Memoirs penned her niece’s and nephew’s experiences during a university orientation camp.

In her blogpost she posted:
    In one game, female students were made to exchange sweets with male students using their mouths as they sat in a circle.
    Another required a female student to lie on the floor as a male student did push-ups on top of her, obviously mimicking copulation.

    There were also games where girls were asked to pick boys they wished to pair up with for a segment of the camp. Less ‘attractive looking girls’ were subjected to the taunts of boys who groaned and lamented to their friends when they were picked by these ‘ugly girls’.

These activities are usually organised by the students themselves and are not advocated by the school.

According to The Straits Times, a spokesman for NTU said they will take action against students who cross the line.

At NUS, a spokesman said that if the university receives complaints, investigations will be carried out and counselling will be arranged for the students.

Orientation camps — yay or nay?

Now that you know that there might be the possibility of all these happening in orientation camps, attend only if you are comfortable with it.

Rest assured you can still attend even you are uncomfortable with these activities — just remember to voice out if you do not want to participate!

Source: http://mustsharenews.com/disturbing-orientation-activities
« Last Edit: July 26, 2016, 11:05:35 PM by greentara »

Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgust]
« Reply #5 on: July 26, 2016, 10:37:20 PM »
Orientation - just fun or plain lewd?
Tue, Sep 02, 2008 By Shuli Sudderuddin
The Straits Times

When National University of Singapore (NUS) freshman Rachel Lee turned up at an orientation camp in campus last month, she got a rude shock.

During one of the games, she was made to do a forfeit where the 'girls had to lie down and the guys had to do push-ups over them', she said.

Ms Lee, 19, declined to comply - she felt the act was lewd.

Another game she observed required participants to pass M&M chocolates to one another using their mouths.

'I left after the first day with five or six like-minded friends,' she said of the five-day camp organised by the NUS Students' Union.

'Lewd and improper' orientation activities were the subject of a letter by reader Soh Eng Phang, who wrote to the Straits Times Forum page recently complaining about this.

In a phone interview elaborating on this, Ms Soh, who is in her 40s, said: 'They are totally uncalled for and give youth a very superficial idea about making friends and finding a partner.'

Orientation is held at the start of a school year in July and August to welcome freshmen. This year, the three universities here welcomed 14,700 freshmen.

Most camps are run by students and attendance at most activities is optional.

In the past, the trend was to subject freshmen to humiliating treatment such as having one's head dunked in a toilet bowl or having to do chores at their seniors' bidding.

Over the years, however, orientation has taken on a more sexual slant.

Unlike Ms Lee, however, many other freshmen accept such games as a time-honoured ritual and do not find them objectionable.

Ms Yvonne Ho, 19, a freshman at the NUS faculty of arts and social sciences, attended a camp run by Sheares Hall hostel earlier this month. Forfeits included touching the chests of males.

'I don't see a reason to get agitated. This is in fun and we laugh about it. There's nothing sexual,' she said.

Students from NUS and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) said their orientation camps often included risque games and forfeits. At the Singapore Management University (SMU), students said games and forfeits were milder.

Dr Carol Balhetchet, director of youth services at the Singapore Children's Society, said the young today are more confident.

'They are bolder and some set up situations to break social barriers, especially since those between ages 18 and 21 are beginning to seek partners,' she noted.

Said Mr Sam Kuna, family therapist and executive director of volunteer welfare organisation Teen Challenge: 'Normal games and old-fashioned ragging just don't cut it anymore.'

But sexually-charged activities can backfire if they are too extreme, he said. 'At least 70 per cent of students are conservative and these games could make someone more inhibited.'

Universities said they put a firm foot down on any demeaning activities.

Associate Professor Low Aik Meng, dean of students at SMU, said: 'SMU does not feel that ragging will help our students achieve the objectives of building collegiality, team spirit and a sense of belonging.'

A spokesman for NTU said the university will take action against students who overstep the boundaries of decency.

Over at NUS, a spokesman said that if the university receives complaints, it will investigate and counsel or discipline students.

However, some students and organisers feel that activities involving physical contact are no big deal.

NTU Cultural Activities Club camp programmer Choi Wen Ting, 22, said: 'These games are only small elements and can boost the spirit of the camp. University students are sensible enough to speak up if they are uncomfortable.'

This sentiment is shared by Ms Nadya Huang, 20, who sits on the executive committee of the NUS Students' Arts and Social Sciences Club.

'It's just for fun and we're all adults. I've never seen people do anything against their will.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Aug 31, 2008.
   
Source: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20080901-85336.html

Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2016, 07:49:42 AM »
NUS Student Code of Conduct (from NUS Office of Student Affairs)

Source (page 3 of 10): http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/sep/in/after/NUS%20Code%20of%20Student%20Conduct.pdf
Cache: https://is.gd/rVGsWt
« Last Edit: July 27, 2016, 08:23:39 AM by greentara »

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« Reply #7 on: July 27, 2016, 08:07:21 AM »
Singapore Penal Code (Chapter 224)

CHAPTER XXII
CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION, INSULT AND ANNOYANCE
Criminal intimidation
503.  Whoever threatens another with any injury to his person, reputation or property, or to the person or reputation of any one in whom that person is interested, with intent to cause alarm to that person, or to cause that person to do any act which he is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do any act which that person is legally entitled to do, as the means of avoiding the execution of such threat, commits criminal intimidation.
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Word or gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman
509.  Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Source: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;page=0;query=DocId%3A%22025e7646-947b-462c-b557-60aa55dc7b42%22%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0;whole=yes



Singapore Protection from Harassment Act (CHAPTER 256A)

OFFENCES
Intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress
3.—(1)  No person shall, with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to another person, by any means —
(a) use any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; or
(b) make any threatening, abusive or insulting communication,
thereby causing that other person or any other person (each referred to for the purposes of this section as the victim) harassment, alarm or distress.
(2)  Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and, subject to section 8, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
(3)  In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2), it is a defence for the accused person to prove that his conduct was reasonable.

Harassment, alarm or distress
4.—(1)  No person shall by any means —
(a) use any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; or
(b) make any threatening, abusive or insulting communication,
which is heard, seen or otherwise perceived by any person (referred to for the purposes of this section as the victim) likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress.
(2)  Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and, subject to section 8, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.
(3)  In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2), it is a defence for the accused person to prove —
(a) that he had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the communication made, by him would be heard, seen or otherwise perceived by the victim; or
(b) that his conduct was reasonable.

Fear or provocation of violence
5.—(1)  No person shall by any means use towards another person (referred to for the purposes of this section as the victim) any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or make any threatening, abusive or insulting communication to another person (referred to also for the purposes of this section as the victim), either —
(a) with the intent —
(i) to cause the victim to believe that unlawful violence will be used by any person against the victim or any other person; or
(ii) to provoke the use of unlawful violence by the victim or another person against any other person; or
(b) whereby —
(i) the victim is likely to believe that such violence referred to in paragraph (a)(i) will be used; or
(ii) it is likely that such violence referred to in paragraph (a)(ii) will be provoked.
(2)  Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and, subject to section 8, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
(3)  In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2), it is a defence for the accused person to prove —
(a) in respect of a contravention of subsection (1)(b), that he had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the communication made, by him would be heard, seen or otherwise perceived by the victim; or
(b) that his conduct was reasonable.

Source: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;page=0;query=DocId%3A07275b05-417a-4de5-a316-4c15606a2b8d%20Depth%3A0%20Status%3Ainforce;rec=0;whole=yes




Source: http://www.police.gov.sg/e-services/report/police-report
« Last Edit: July 27, 2016, 08:27:09 AM by greentara »

Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« Reply #8 on: July 27, 2016, 08:22:22 AM »

Offline greentara

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« Last Edit: July 27, 2016, 03:16:55 PM by greentara »

Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2016, 09:08:40 AM »
From Acting Minister of Education, Mr. Ong Ye Kung:

Entering university is a heady experience. It is an adventure that as a father to two teenage girls, I hope that my own children will get to go on.

University prepares us to tackle the toughest challenges of our times – climate change, abject poverty, terrorism, ageing populations, diseases, widening income gap.

Orientation marks the start of University life. Every year, student leaders and staff organize activities and camps. Students sometimes have to go through difficult and challenging experiences – but these are what memories are made of, how bonds are forged, how tribes are formed.

Activities can be rigorous, creative, even wild; students may push boundaries.

But at all times, we must respect human dignity and remember the point and purpose of a University education.

Pretending to ejaculate into the face of a fellow student plays no part in this purpose - it is a reprehensible act that cannot be tolerated; goading others to act out a rape scene not only degrades the real suffering of rape victims, it inflicts fresh humiliation on female students.

Protesting such acts has nothing to do with being prudish or a bad sport, everything to do with respect for human dignity.

Orientation is still on-going or will be starting soon at some Universities. I have asked that orientation activities be carried out in a manner that respects the dignity of the freshmen.

As for what was reported to have happened at NUS, the University has made clear to me that it does not condone such incidents; it is conducting an investigation and will take strong disciplinary actions against those found responsible.

I thank the staff and student volunteers for their hard work and the many hours of planning that have gone into the orientation programme. I know that much of it was useful and edifying.

Let us forswear the parts that were not.


Source: https://www.facebook.com/ongyekung/posts/1368850089796256



Offline greentara

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Re: NUS Students' Union FOC2016 [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« Reply #11 on: July 29, 2016, 02:31:48 PM »

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Re: NUS Students' Union FOC2016 [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« Reply #12 on: September 23, 2016, 08:47:39 PM »
At least 14 NUS undergrads disciplined over risque orientation games
Sep 23, 2016 | Fabian Koh

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has taken action against at least 14 undergraduates for their role in inappropriate orientation activities in July, The Straits Times has learnt.

Sources said the punishments included warnings without record and mandatory community service. The duration of the community service was not known.

It is understood that they were involved in organising or facilitating orientation camps, among them for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the NUS Students' Union.

Orientation Review Committee convened
The university has convened a 14-member Orientation Review Committee to review and make recommendations to improve freshmen orientation.
Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS' deputy president (academic affairs) and provost, said that the committee has been asked to "consider new approaches to freshman orientation" and look at current practices that should be extended and preserved.
The university said on its website that the members comprise undergraduates, faculty staff and alumni. The committee, which was set up late last month, is expected to submit its report in the middle of next month.


The undergraduates can appeal against the decisions.

When contacted on Wednesday, NUS declined to give details. A university spokesman told The Straits Times: "To safeguard the fairness of the proceedings and the privacy of all concerned, student disciplinary matters are internal to NUS."

In July, The New Paper reported about how orientation games for freshmen were getting more risque, with one even simulating rape. The report triggered a public outcry.

Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung called some of the risque acts "reprehensible" in a Facebook post on July 27.

Student-organised orientation activities were suspended on July 29, except for several events such as the NUS Students' Union's Rag and Flag activities.

This came after a video was posted online showing freshmen being dunked repeatedly in a pond in Sheares Hall. The suspension was gradually lifted from Aug 8.

The matter was later raised in Parliament on Aug 16, when Mr Ong said the inappropriate activities are not widespread, and happen "when staff and faculty are not watching, and when some students decide to deviate from approved plans".

While personal safety and respect for the dignity of others are key priorities, he said, there is no need for draconian measures. There was also a "fairly strong view" that orientation is useful for freshmen, he added.

A student who faced the disciplinary board told The Straits Times he was "relieved" that his punishment was not harsher, and he will share the lesson with his juniors.

"I will tell them explicitly what they can or cannot do. We always think we can do something without getting caught. But now, we got caught," said the undergraduate, who did not want to be named.

According to sources, the university's investigation began with fact-finding at the start of last month. The sources said orientation group leaders and student camp councillors met staff from the university's Office of Student Affairs and Office of the Provost. They were briefed on the need for integrity and told that what they said would be used in the investigations.

They were given questionnaires which asked about the sexualised games,whether the student did anything to stop it, and who led the activities. Staff then went through the questionnaires with each student.

At least 14 students - including orientation camp leaders, orientation group leaders and student camp councillors - later appeared before a disciplinary board made up of faculty members and student representatives. Among the accusations they faced were using unapproved items, such as tampons, during the orientation activities, consuming alcohol beyond university-designated premises and events, and providing false information during investigations.

The NUS law faculty's student- run pro-bono group offered to help the undergraduates facing the board understand the disciplinary process, according to documents seen by The Straits Times.

Most undergraduates whom The Straits Times spoke to thought the students involved had been treated fairly.

Final-year environmental engineering student Zenn Lin, 24, pointed out that most orientation activities are not risque. "This investigation helps to weed out the black sheep," he added.

Note: Our reporter had sent queries to NUS which declined to answer them. Instead the university asked that The Straits Times not run the story.  An NUS statement sent on Wednesday stating there were "factual inaccuracies" in our report made much of some minor aspects of the story. The substance of the story still stands. 

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/at-least-14-nus-undergrads-disciplined-over-risque-orientation-games

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Re: NUS Students' Union FOC2016 [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« Reply #13 on: November 08, 2016, 09:58:42 AM »
New guidelines for NUS orientation to include more training and safety measures
Yuen Sin | Tuesday, Nov 8, 2016

SINGAPORE - The National University of Singapore (NUS) has released new guidelines for its freshman orientation, which will involve more training for student leaders and reinforced safety measures.

The freshman orientation framework will be ready by April next year, and training sessions for staff advisors and student leaders are also expected to begin next year.

This follows a controversy over the inappropriate nature of activities at the university's freshman orientation in late July, including complaints of students being forced to simulate a rape scene. Some also said they were coerced into taking part in other sexually suggestive activities.

It led to the suspension of some student-organised orientation activities, and calls for a comprehensive review of how activities at such camps are carried out. Disciplinary action was also carried out against 30 senior students for their role in the activities.

In a circular sent to students on Monday (Nov 7) afternoon and obtained by The Straits Times, Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS' deputy president (academic affairs) and provost, stated the recommendations made by a 13-member Orientation Review Committee, which included faculty members, student leaders and alumni.

About 160 students, including orientation committee members and freshmen living on campus were also consulted.

NUS management studied the committee's report in detail, and accepted all of its recommendations, he said.

These include:
  • Setting up a freshman orientation framework, which will guide student organisers when they plan activities. This includes objectives that remind students that orientation is meant to "foster a sense of belonging and pride for NUS", and that freshmen should feel "welcomed, assured and supported".
  • Developing a customised training programme to ensure that students and staff advisors will be able to lead activities in a "safe and respectful" manner. Important areas that will be covered include crisis management and sensitivity to vulnerable students. These will be conducted in a workshop format, involving face-to-fact interaction.
  • Setting up a stringent selection process for student leaders of orientation camps. A selection panel, consisting mainly of student leaders, will put candidates through a detailed assessment that tests their responses to various scenarios to "gain an understanding of their values and moral compasses". Staff advisors will also be appointed based on their ability to serve as a role model for students, and their ability to develop students and set high standards for student leaders.
  • Additional checks and safeguards will also be introduced. This includes appointing at least one student to play the role of a safety officer at each orientation camp, with more of such officers at larger camps. The safety officer will be in direct contact with the staff advisor, check on both freshmen and seniors, and report on or put a stop to inappropriate behaviour. Avenues for feedback, including going to the safety officer or staff advisor, will be made known to students at the start of each orientation camp.
  • More workshops that "promote diversity, sensitivity and respect among the student community" should also be adapted and incorporated into orientation programmes by more student groups.

Source: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/new-guidelines-nus-orientation-include-more-training-and-safety-measures

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Re: NUS Students' Union FOC2016 [Disgraceful + Disgusting]
« Reply #14 on: November 08, 2016, 11:58:30 AM »
New guidelines not available in NUS Orientation Programme as yet


Source (8 Nov 2016, 10am): http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/so/partners/student-leader-resources/orientation-programmes