News

Walailak University has organized its 2025 freshmen orientation event - WU Fresh Start 2025 - to equip new students for academic success. The program introduces students to the university’s teaching and learning system, which is based on the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF), helping them plan and excel in their higher education journey. With Semester 1/2025 set to begin next Monday, 16 June 2025, the orientation is designed to familiarize students with a learning approach that may be entirely new to them. It aims to support their adjustment to university life and ensure they are well-prepared for their studies.

Preparation began earlier in mid-May with a 20-day pre-sessional English course aimed at enhancing students’ English proficiency. Yesterday, during the orientation - held at Thaiburi Building and broadcast live to lecture buildings - Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of determination and commitment to academic success. He encouraged new students to take pride in joining the university which is now globally ranked and highlighted its ongoing efforts to enhance the learning environment - through state-of-the-art facilities, a beautiful campus, and support systems. A major focus was also placed on English language proficiency development, with the number of basic English instructional hours for first- and second-year students increased to 390 hours - the highest in Thailand - and with small class sizes, 25-40 students, to promote active student engagement and participation.



In the afternoon session, Assistant Professor Dr. Suthanya Doung-In introduced WU’s teaching and learning practices, highlighting the full integration of the UKPSF across all courses. Dr. Suthanya explained that the UKPSF is an internationally recognized framework adopted in over 27 countries and that Walailak University is the only university in Thailand to have fully implemented the framework across all teaching practices. She noted that all teaching staff have undergone UKPSF training, with 735 lecturers - representing 88.13 percent - currently certified by Advance HE based on the framework.

Dr. Suthanya further explained the framework’s impact on student development, saying, “Our teaching is designed to foster not only knowledge and skills but also attitudes and values. Active learning lies at the core of this approach.”

She emphasized that active learning moves beyond rote memorization. “It equips students to think critically, solve problems, and engage in complex cognitive processes. It also promotes deep, analytical, and evidence-based reasoning, along with active participation throughout the learning journey.”

“UKPSF-based teaching,” she added, “places strong emphasis on the learning process and enables students to apply what they’ve learned to real-world challenges, workplace situations, and their future careers.”

The 28^th incoming class, Chorpradu 28, marks the largest cohort in Walailak University’s history, with a total of 3,929 students. The orientation program was held not only to introduce new students to the university’s history, values, and culture, but also to foster a strong sense of pride, affection, and belonging among the freshmen.