CAPS Connect

The Centre for Academic and Professional Support (CAPS) organized CAPS Connect 2025 on 28th August 2025 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Activity Hub, Central Block. The event marked the beginning of the new academic year and served as an engaging platform for students to come together, build meaningful connections, and explore the diverse initiatives offered by CAPS. Designed to welcome both new and continuing students, CAPS Connect successfully created an inclusive and vibrant space for interaction, collaboration, and growth.

The event commenced with a warm introduction to the mission and vision of CAPS, emphasizing its role in nurturing academic excellence, professional skill development, and holistic student engagement. Participants were reminded that CAPS is not just a support centre but a collaborative platform that provides students with opportunities in peer mentoring, volunteering, leadership development, research, and skill-building workshops. This set the tone for the evening, encouraging students to view the event as the start of an enriching journey for the year ahead.

The highlight of CAPS Connect was its interactive and activity-driven format, which distinguished it from conventional orientation programs. Students participated in a variety of engaging games such as Bingo, Riddles, Dumb Charades, and the Three-Legged Race. These activities were thoughtfully designed to serve as icebreakers, enabling students to step out of their comfort zones, collaborate with peers, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Winners of the games were rewarded with chocolates, which added an element of excitement and healthy competition to the event. Beyond the prizes, however, it was the shared laughter, teamwork, and fun that stood out, creating memories that fostered stronger bonds among participants.

An especially notable moment was the celebratory atmosphere when winning students expressed their joy by dancing and sharing their enthusiasm with peers. This spontaneous display of camaraderie highlighted the event’s success in creating a lively and welcoming environment. Through these interactive engagements, students were not only entertained but also encouraged to develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership—all key attributes aligned with CAPS’s mission of supporting both academic and professional development.

The outcomes of the event were both immediate and long-term. In the short term, students reported feeling more connected to their peers and more aware of the initiatives offered by CAPS. The games and networking activities helped break down social barriers, allowing first-year students in particular to feel welcomed and integrated into the university community. In the longer term, the event is expected to encourage greater participation in CAPS’s initiatives throughout the academic year, thereby fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

The impact of CAPS Connect extended beyond students. For staff members and CAPS coordinators, the event provided valuable insights into student expectations, interests, and engagement levels, which will be useful for planning future initiatives. By encouraging student interaction in an informal yet structured manner, the event also reinforced CAPS’s reputation as a bridge between academic and professional support, ensuring alignment with the university’s graduate attributes and overall vision.

Reflecting on the event, it is evident that CAPS Connect was both unique and impactful. Unlike traditional orientations, it prioritized experiential learning through play and collaboration. The use of simple yet effective activities helped students feel comfortable while also instilling a sense of community. The event’s success lay in its ability to balance fun with purpose, thereby meeting its objectives of building connections, fostering teamwork, and introducing CAPS’s initiatives to students.

In conclusion, CAPS Connect 2025 proved to be an excellent start to the academic year by creating an environment of energy, collaboration, and inclusivity. It not only introduced students to the opportunities available at CAPS but also allowed them to experience firsthand the spirit of teamwork and shared growth. By aligning with CAPS’s broader mission and vision, the event demonstrated how structured yet enjoyable activities can effectively promote academic competencies, professional skills, and community building. Going forward, such initiatives will continue to strengthen CAPS’s role as a central hub for nurturing learners in the digital age and preparing them for academic, professional, and personal success.