Sargodha University arranges ‘Welcome Orientation Sessions’ for new students

Sargodha: University of Sargodha arranged ‘Welcome Orientation Sessions’ for the new students to familiarize them with organizational structure of the University, rules and regulations, life and facilities at campus, scholarships programs, extra-curricular activities and semester and study calendars before commencement of the classes of Fall-2018 session.
Overall 15 sessions were held at the main campus, sub-campus Bhakkar and College of Agriculture which guided more than 5,000 students so that they could not only carry out their studies successfully but also build their capacities by efficiently utilizing available resources and facilities at the campus.
Speaking at the inaugural, Vice Chancellor Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad said that youth hailing from the region are talented and Sargodha University is straining every nerve to make their future brighter.
“Our priority is to proactively pursue progress in four spheres, including quality teaching, productive research, knowledge sharing and global outlook, which is inevitable for achieving higher academic goals,” the Vice Chancellor added.
He vowed to introduce more formal and informal programs for guidance of the students.
It was for the first time that the University arranged such sessions for new students. Career Development Centre (CDC) of the University was entrusted with the task to arrange the sessions.
Addressing the last session of the series at College of Agriculture, Incharge CDC Maryam Gul stated that orientation sessions were held not only to warmly welcome the new comers but also to guide a large portion of the new students coming from the annual examination system.
“During their studies, students need guidance and counseling to make their future bright. Such session ignite confidence and reveal the hidden skills and talents of the students,” she added.
Incharge Web Development Cell (WDC) of the University, Tahir Umar informed the students about digitalization of the University and guided them how to efficiently use technology for academic and research purposes.
During the sessions, students shared their academic goals, priorities and aspirations while several documentaries about the University were also screened.
2. The College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha organized on Tuesday a one-day seminar on ‘Latest Advances in Mushroom Cultivation’ to feature discovery of medicinal properties, cultivation techniques and developments in mushroom farming technology.
The seminar was organized by the Department of Plant Pathology in which eminent Horticultural scholars, academicians, faculty members and students in large participated.
The seminar focused on discovering medicinal mushrooms, optimization of composting technology, harvesting and handling techniques, nutritional and biochemical profiling and local and exotic commercial.
Speakers informed the seminar that mushrooms are being increasingly researched and used for their important health benefits with different varieties having different medicinal properties
They further told that mushrooms contain varying degrees of protein and fiber. They also contain vitamin-B as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium and help to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.
Dr Muzammil Jahangir, Assistant Professor of Institute of horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad stressed on consumption of mushrooms which have therapeutic properties and can help to lower cholesterol, particularly in overweight adults, as well as phytonutrients that can help prevent cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque build-up.
He briefed about the steps of mushroom farming consisted on composting, spawning, casing, pinning, and cropping. “It takes approximately 14 weeks to complete an entire production cycle start off composting to the final steaming off after harvesting while the final yield depends on how well a grower has monitored and controlled the temperature, humidity and pests,” he added.
Dr Usman Ghanzafar, Chairman Department of Plant Pathology said that China is the biggest consumer of mushroom and Chinese highly value the mushrooms particularly Reishi mushroom. They call it ‘the mushroom of immortality’, ‘the herb of good fortune’ and ‘the great protector’. He said that in the light China Pakistan Economic Corridor project, China could be a potential market for exporting mushroom.
Dr Ijaz Rasool, Principal College of Agriculture said that promoting and strengthening the agriculture sector through organizing seminars, conferences, interactive sessions and workshops has been a primary priority of the Vice Chancellor Sargodha University. Such events help to understand and learn the modern research trends, he added.