GEORGE TOWN: USM introduces 3-minute drive-thru registration for new students
The process, which only takes three-minutes to complete, includes health screening, MyDaftar using QR codes and online learning briefing until the dropping-off of students' belongings at their respective hostels.
USM deputy vice-chancellor (student development affairs and alumni) Prof Dr Aldrin Abdullah said the initiative was in line with the new norms' standard operating procedure (SOP) to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We try to make the best of the current situation, which is quite worrying now and make it simple for all.
"The registration through the MyDaftar online system only takes less than five seconds. It is a very innovative system and the first time being implemented," he said.
Aldrin had earlier gone to the ground to monitor the registration process for the students in the 2020-2021 academic session.
Last night, USM had taken the drastic measure to do away with face-to-face to online registration.
The university had urged both new and senior students to register online and postpone their trip to the campus.
However, for new students who were heading to campus, they were given three options — register and return home with their guardians; register, leave their belongings in campus and return home with their guardians; or register and stay in the campus.
Meanwhile, USM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan said the process went on smoothly and saw more than 200 students being registered this morning.
Nurul Farah Atikah Mohd Sopi, 20, said she and her parents left Kuala Berang on Wednesday and stayed with a relative in Sri Iskandar, Perak, yesterday before continuing their journey at 8am today.
Nurul Farah Atikah, who was offered to undertake the Bachelor of Arts course in Education, said she only knew about the changes to the registration process from a friend while she was on her way to Penang.
"The registration process as a new student is somewhat different this time around.
"Also, I did not have the chance to meet my roommate, who is undergoing quarantine as she is from Sabah.
"I will be returning home to Kuala Berang and will be back on campus when the Covid-19 situation improves."
Tiu Yun Joo, 19, from Johor Baru, who was accompanied by her mother and sibling, said they arrived on Sept 30 and was only informed about the changes to the registration process at midnight.
"This registration process is very effective, with no congestion besides reducing the risk of physical contact. Everything was so fast."
