Orientation week for first-year students

From August 25 to 31, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Farabi University) hosted an introductory orientation week for incoming first-year students at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology. The event aimed to ease students' transition into university life, familiarize them with campus infrastructure and faculty structures, and introduce academic, scientific, and social opportunities.

Campus Tour Highlights

To help students navigate campus, the guided tour covered several key facilities:

• Al-Farabi Library: Overview of reading rooms, library services, and digital information resources.
• “Keremet” Student Service Center: Introduction to essential administrative and student support services.
• KazNU Main Museum: Insights into the university's history, milestones, and achievements.
• Biology Museum: Exploration of biological collections, historical exhibits, and the faculty's scientific heritage.

Faculty Introductions & Departmental Briefings

Students met with the Faculty Dean, Deputy Deans, administrative staff, and student leaders to discuss educational programs, academic policies, and campus life. First-years were also introduced to their assigned curator-advisers for ongoing academic guidance.

Departmental presentations provided deeper insights into specialization tracks, research laboratories, student scientific clubs, and career development across all five departments:

• Department of Biotechnology
• Department of Biophysics, Biomedicine, and Neuroscience
• Department of Botany and Agroecology
• Department of Zoology, Histology, and Cytology
• Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics

Academic Policy & System Onboarding

Informational sessions covered KazNU’s Academic Policy, Code of Honor, internal regulations, and principles of academic integrity, emphasizing student responsibilities and conduct.

Additionally, students received hands-on onboarding for the UNIVER Information System, including login credentials and demonstrations on how to:

• Track academic performance and grades
• Access class schedules and course outlines
• Communicate directly with faculty instructors
• Utilize online student services

Key Outcomes

The Orientation Week successfully equipped new students with the practical tools, regulatory knowledge, and campus connections needed to confidently launch their academic journey and integrate into the KazNU community.

Deputy Dean for Social and Educational AffairsBasygaraev Zh.M.