Experiential Teambuilding Programme 2020: Starting The SUSS Journey Through A Common Experience

 

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL), with the help of 79 student leaders, conducted five runs of Experiential Teambuilding (ETB) programme from November 2020 to January 2021 for over 900 full-time Year 1 students.

One of the highlights of ETB is the Amazing Race-style challenge titled “Journey to the West”. The challenge not only promoted team cohesion and collaboration, but it also gave students the opportunity to explore and appreciate the various assets in the western part of Singapore, including iconic areas like Taman Jurong, Bukit Timah Hill, Jurong Lake Gardens and Ford Factory.

^{Students exploring Bukit Timah Hill with their team mates.}

^{Students experiencing urban farming activity.}

Apart from acquiring new perspectives and appreciation for team dynamics and community assets, students developed a deeper understanding of themselves through reflections and personal sharing.

Taneshwari, a first-year student in SUSS' Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management with Minor programme, shared: “My greatest takeaway from ETB would be learning about myself. Discovering my strengths and weaknesses will allow me to excel in assignments and as a team player. This will definitely enhance my team’s effectiveness and quality of work.” 

 

 

Engaging in a sharing circle back at the SUSS campus.

 

The ETB programme provides an experiential platform for all full-time undergraduate students to start their university journey together through a common experience. This is achieved through a combination of experiential activities that aims to cultivate a common SUSS identity, and to develop foundational aptitudes in self-awareness, teambuilding, and community mindedness.