DR. MIRIAM E. Pascua during the School Opening Program and Freshmen Orientation June 13 congratulated the 2,493 freshmen for having been fortunate to be included in the list of those who successfully hurdled the rigid admission requirements of the university.

She explained that MMSU implements strict admission policies to maintain the “culture of excellence” that has been instituted in the university.

She informed the new students of the significant achievements of MMSU especially in the area of instruction and told them to be doubly grateful because of the subsidy given by the government for their education.  With this, she stressed that they owe certain responsibility to “Juan de la Cruz” and thus, they should study hard and at least serve the country first after graduation before they plan to work abroad.

The president reminded them that their stay in the university is “not a walk in the park’’ but rather a tough work that needs “burn the midnight oil”.  She told them to be diligent by establishing the habit of working hard as this is needed to exhibit excellence.    She, likewise, asked them to be disciplined by scheduling study time and learning to balance their activities.  She elicited negative reaction from the students when she told them to say “no” to computer games and to “too much texting”.  Lastly, she encouraged them not to underestimate the power of the Divine Providence that gives wisdom, guidance, protection, and material and spiritual blessing.  She stressed that their admission at MMSU is destined by God. 

Meanwhile, Prof. Henedine A. Aguinaldo, newly installed director of the Office of Student Services and Development, presented the new set of university officials before they were sworn into office by President Pascua.

The orientation activity for freshmen continued after the opening program where they were informed about the National Service training Program, the university’s mission and vision, student activities and publication services, guidance and health services, scholarship and assistanship program, academic regulations, and student conduct and discipline.