Mentoring excellence
DIRECTOR of the Pre- University Studies Dr James Walsh explained that in a school setting, teachers tend to end up being the “boss” in the teacher- student relationship.
However, in a university setting, the lecturers impart their knowledge in classes and the students, in this case, are the “boss”.
The PhD holder from the National University of Ireland ( Dublin) has always been passionate about having a career as a lecturer. He explained that the MAHSA Pre- University Department aims to develop students into university material.
Students enrolled in the programmes offered by the Pre- University Studies Department at MAHSA are nurtured, to ensure they have reached their optimal preparation that will provide a smooth transition as they embark on their journey in their degree programme.
There is a key level of commitment and persistence required for students in a degree programme and without this, they may fall by the wayside.
Walsh goes on to explain that many a time, students may struggle during their pre- university studies.
This may be for a variety of reasons, such as cultural differences, homesickness, maturity levels or language skills, just to mention a few.
MAHSA ensures students reach their target degree, be it Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy or other discipline delivery by university, and academic and student welfare mentoring is focused towards the specific needs of the students.
For example, to qualify for Medicine, a student needs a 3.00 grade point average in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Maths, while passing all the Foundation in Science subjects with an overall CGPA of 3.00 or above.
Students are mentored with special attention given to the specific metrics they require for their chosen discipline.
MAHSA provides ample support for students who may need it.
In addition to his duties as director and related teaching experience, Walsh has extensive research experience and has published numerous publications in journals and papers worldwide and been awarded many grants. He is also an adjunct associate professor at the University of Houston, Texas, the US.
He elaborated: “Students must learn to enjoy the essence of university life, outside of classes. If students are interested in a specific field, apart from the clearly stated academic entry requirements, they must have practical skills which are required in that field.”
He continued to elaborate to say students also need to have personable and practical skills as they would most likely be dealing with people in their line of work. Although some of his biggest accomplishments are no doubt his achievements in his impressive academic career background and family life, one of the most fulfilling moments is when his students graduate.
“MAHSA is definitely a place to be with its upward trajectory of growth since 2005, and it is bound to be a special institution in a few years’ time,” he shared.
“The continued steep growth curve of MAHSA is a sure sign of its future success.”
Walsh believes that the MAHSA Pre- University Studies department will continue to vastly expand to offer many more selections for students in the very near future.
Walsh plans and envisions MAHSA reaching greater levels of success and contributing to this, is not only fulfilling but his passion as an educator.
MAHSA has a range of Pre- University Programmes available.
For more information, call 1800 880 300 or visit www. mahsa. edu. my.