USM Welcomes Freshmen for Academic Year 2026–2027 The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) officially commenced its three-day orientation program for incoming freshmen today July 20, 2026, marking the start of Academic Year 2026–2027 and welcoming new students into the university community. The opening day featured college-based orientation sessions, where freshmen were introduced to their respective colleges, academic programs, faculty members, and institutional policies. Each college provided an overview of its vision and mission, curriculum, academic requirements, and student support services to help students prepare for university life. Faculty members, department chairpersons, and college officials led the orientation, acquainting freshmen with the academic expectations, learning environment, and opportunities available within their respective programs. Psychologist Maria Angelika T. Balungay, the head of the Counseling and Career Department, shared the importance of attending Student Week, as it is essential in knowing the services provided by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and other student support units in the University. To add, she also reminded the students to avoid bringing single-use plastic inside the campus and to always bring their portable fans and water bottles to combat the heat while attending. The orientation aims to ease students' transition into higher education by familiarizing them with university policies, campus facilities, student organizations, and support services while encouraging them to actively engage in campus life and uphold the values of the University of Southern Mindanao. The activity will continue over the next two days with department-level orientations and the Student Affairs Services Orientation. These sessions will provide freshmen a comprehensive discussion of university rules and regulations, academic policies, student welfare programs, campus services, and the history and traditions of USM. Freshmen who attended the opening day's activities expressed optimism as they embarked on their university journey. “DevCom will help me enhance my skills and broaden my horizons for my future endeavors,” said Datu Ali Kabagani, a first-year student enrolled in Development Communication. The three-day orientation serves as one of the university's annual initiatives to ensure that incoming students begin the academic year informed, prepared, and ready to become active members of the University.

EastWest Rural Bank Conducts Free Eye Check-Up for USM Employees

July 20, 2026

ESO Evaluates SULAT Project through KII

July 21, 2026

Published by Loynei Frias Sumalinog at July 21, 2026

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) officially commenced its three-day orientation program for incoming freshmen on July 20, 2026, marking the start of Academic Year 2026–2027 and welcoming new students into the university community.

The opening day featured college-based orientation sessions, where freshmen were introduced to their respective colleges, academic programs, faculty members, and institutional policies. Each college provided an overview of its vision and mission, curriculum, academic requirements, and student support services to help students prepare for university life.

Faculty members, department chairpersons, and college officials led the orientation, acquainting freshmen with the academic expectations, learning environment, and opportunities available within their respective programs.

Psychologist Maria Angelika T. Balungay, the head of the Counseling and Career Department, shared the importance of attending Student Week, as it is essential in knowing the services provided by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and other student support units in the University. To add, she also reminded the students to avoid bringing single-use plastic inside the campus and to always bring their portable fans and water bottles to combat the heat while attending.

The orientation aims to ease students’ transition into higher education by familiarizing them with university policies, campus facilities, student organizations, and support services while encouraging them to actively engage in campus life and uphold the values of the University of Southern Mindanao.

The activity will continue over the next two days with department-level orientations and the Student Affairs Services Orientation. These sessions will provide freshmen a comprehensive discussion of university rules and regulations, academic policies, student welfare programs, campus services, and the history and traditions of USM.

Freshmen who attended the opening day’s activities expressed optimism as they embarked on their university journey.

“DevCom will help me enhance my skills and broaden my horizons for my future endeavors,” said Datu Ali Kabagani, a first-year student enrolled in Development Communication.

The three-day orientation serves as one of the university’s annual initiatives to ensure that incoming students begin the academic year informed, prepared, and ready to become active members of the University.

Text & Photos: Keirvin Agusen, Mhelou Omar, Kim Cillo Artigas, Jan Frances Corpuz, and Rehana Modales

Loynei Frias Sumalinog

Loy has a habit of buying books more often than actually reading them. Also, he sets reminder to only drink two cups of coffee in a day, and forgets it every time.