U- EDGE: You are the star!

The year 2010 has been outstanding for UCTI with a host of achievements and awards, both for the university and the accomplished students we have in the university. Many of UCTI’s students had shown their traits and talents in different areas of extra-curricular activities. To continuously support the outstanding achievements and development of the students, the university introduced a recognition program called U-EDGE.

When U-EDGE was first launched in late 2009, the program encouraged many students to stand out, show their talents and be recognized in the university community. U- EDGE itself is a personal development program which acknowledges the contribution of UCTI students in non-academic activities that could directly or indirectly enhance their learning experience.

The program was first initiated by Anita Premila Paul, a senior lecturer of UCTI’s School of Business. It is aimed not only to motivate students to engage in many various activities as a student, but also as a career development program which testify to potential employers what personal attributes you have gained and experienced throughout your university education.

“Research has shown that job seekers and potential employers want graduates to stand out from the rest of the pool of job applicants. The U-EDGE cert is proof of that distinction, that ‘something extra’, to complement your degree and is a great way to impress,” says Ms Anita. “It builds character and brands personality. Besides, when a student looks back with pride at what they have achieved, they can be inspired to accomplish much more in the future!”

The program allows student to self-asses their learning experience as they engage in activities, projects, clubs involvement which falls under the following attributes; Leadership, Teamwork, Social awareness and community services ,Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Communication and Public Relations, Education and Career, Technology and Multimedia, Diversity and Cultural Awareness, Sports and Music appreciation. Evidently, some of these attributes are what employers look for in the job market.

Students need to simply document what they have done by filling and submitting a Self Assessment form available on webspace. This will go through the U-EDGE Committee to determine if the student has met the criteria for the U-EDGE Cert of Outstanding Achievement.

In order to receive the cert, students need to have the vital attributes of leadership, teamwork and social awareness as well to maintain a healthy grade point average of 2.5 and above. Additionally, the U-EDGE certified students are eligible to receive the PRISM AWARDS which will be shortlisted by the committee. The PRISM award is to reward final year students in specific categories and will be given once a year at the graduation.

For future developments, the committee plans to introduce the Special Achievement Award for exceptional and extra-ordinary accomplishment. This will be for students and staff to nominate any individual or team even if they are not attached to the U-EDGE program. This way, more UCTI students can have the opportunity to be stars in our campus. Are you the next star? Join the U-EDGE program to prove it.
Written by DANIAL HAMZAH for UCTI Newsletter.