Lingnan University places strict controls on orientation camps

Lingnan University has placed stricter controls on student-led university orientation camps after a series of sexual assault allegations by students had spurred from such camps across the city’s different universities.  

The Press Bureau of Lingnan University Students’ Union has informed that the university, in a significant development, has recently announced a series of new guidelines regarding student-led activities for freshmen. These guidelines are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.  

The university said in a briefing that the activities’ names could no longer bear the wording of “orientation camp” and “orientation activities.” The planned activities are to be scrutinized before getting approval from the school. Minors must also obtain consent from their parents or legal guardians before attending out-of-school activities.  

Meanwhile, activities for first-year students are to be held no sooner than August 31 - ensuring freshmen obtain first-hand information about the university at the official orientation day on August 26.  

According to the Press Bureau, the person in charge of the orientation activities must attend a “training camp” organized by the student affairs office and ensure no obscene or sexually suggestive games are featured in the activities.  

The bureau also said an ambassador must be present at the activities to monitor for possible bullying and harassment.