30 July 2016

The National University of Singapore (NUS) will be taking “strong disciplinary action” against those found responsible for “instances of offensive and completely inappropriate” orientation activities.

“We do not condone any behaviour or activity that denigrates the dignity of individuals, and our students must feel safe and secure at all times during orientation. If they decide to opt out of an activity, their wishes must be respected,” said NUS.

Reports of such risque campus games have dogged varsities for the past decade. The NUS said that as part of its practice each year, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) had conducted sessions with students involved in organising and leading orientation activities.

NUS has also confirmed with the Straits Times that a video circulating online of people getting dunked in a pond was a residential activity that took place in Sheares Hall on Wednesday (27 July).

NUS has suspended indefinitely all team-building activities including the traditional 5-day orientation camp, as well as freshman activities in halls and residential colleges. This is due to continued instances of inappropriate activities being conducted despite repeated warnings having been given as recently as this week.