Written by Dr Nur Auni Ugong
The Social Sciences and Humanities Camp (SOSHUC) 2024, hosted by the Social Sciences and Humanities Society (popularly known as Persatuan Sains Sosial & Kemanusiaan – PSSK) was held on October 26–27, 2024, at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UNIMAS. This annual camp welcomed a total of 583 first-year students and 69 facilitators, offering an engaging introduction to the Faculty and a vibrant platform for networking.
Designed to ease new students into university life, SOCHUC 2024 promote connections with peers, faculty members, and alumni, strengthening a sense of community. Through a thoughtfully curated series of workshops, team-building exercises, and discussions, participants gained deeper insights into the Faculty’s culture and values, laying the foundation for a supportive academic journey.
The main objective of SCOHUC 2024 was to empower first year students with collaborative skills and a sense of shared responsibility. The event also encouraged students to see themselves as potential change-makers within their communities, promoting cooperation and mutual support among the student body. The experience not only equipped participants with valuable skills for university life, but also inspired them to cultivate a positive impact in their academic and personal environments.
SOSHUC 2024 emphasized key objectives that revolved around education, humanitarian understanding, and leadership development. The camp sought to educate students on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), highlighting their importance in advancing social and economic development worldwide. By engaging students in a range of activities, the program enhanced their awareness of humanitarian issues, built critical communication and analysis skills, and deepened their understanding of the faculty’s values and functions. SOSHUC 2024 also worked to equip future leaders with practical skills for applying SDG principles in their daily lives and communities, fostering a generation of responsible, community-focused leaders.
Throughout the two-day event, a series of engaging activities facilitated these objectives. The camp began with the Introducing PSSK session, where new students met the PSSK executive committee and gained insights into the society’s roles within the faculty. Following this, the LDK (Guess Me If You Can!) ice-breaker allowed students to bond in small groups, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie. In LDK (SOSHUC’s Treasure Hunt), participants worked through checkpoint challenges that tested their academic and social skills, promoting teamwork and critical thinking. Another highlight was LDK (Water Crane), where teams were tasked with transporting water in cups using only raffia strings, showcasing creativity and precision. LDK (Attack on Balloon) brought strategy and quick thinking to the forefront as participants defended their balloons while attempting to pop others. Later in the day, Preparation for SOSHUC’s Rising Stars encouraged creativity and teamwork as students prepared performances aligned with the theme “Unity in Diversity.”
On the final day, the Slot Bersama Kelab Program session allowed new students to meet senior students within their programs, fostering networks and support systems. The camp concluded with LDK (SOSHUC’s Rising Stars Performance), where each group presented a performance that underscored the camp’s theme and celebrated diversity within the student community. This showcase served as a reminder that university life encompasses academic and personal growth, offering students an opportunity to express their unique talents and perspectives.
The LDK (SOSHUC’s Rising Stars Performance) was a culminating session where participants showcased creative performances reflecting the theme “Unity in Diversity,” highlighting their talents and teamwork.
In conclusion, SOSHUC 2024 successfully achieved its mission to build a strong, connected faculty community, instill essential leadership qualities, and equip first-year students with skills and relationships that will support their academic journey. Through these carefully planned activities, SOSHUC 2024 left a lasting impact on its participants, preparing them to thrive as engaged, community-oriented members of the university.
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions