EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OF STUDENTS_ FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE

Extracurricular activities are an essential part of students’ holistic education. Their purpose is to complement classroom learning by reinforcing knowledge from academic subjects, while also helping students build confidence, adaptability, and social integration skills. These activities enable students to develop soft skills, strengthen their physical health, and become successful and responsible citizens who contribute positively to the nation [1].

Extracurricular programs for students include activities that are not part of the official academic curriculum at universities and are not specialized training courses. However, they play a crucial role in developing students’ skills. Extracurricular activities provide a healthy and positive environment that encourages personal growth and helps shape an active lifestyle. This allows students to quickly and proactively absorb knowledge and skills, gain better self-awareness, and make informed decisions that align with their abilities and future goals [2].

For students, extracurricular activities play a significant role not only during their academic years but also after graduation. Actively participating in extracurricular activities helps students develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, and social knowledge. These are essential skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

Understanding the importance and benefits of extracurricular activities, the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT) always encourages and promotes these activities. They help enhance the quality of student engagement, strengthen the bond between faculty members and students, and build a shared sense of pride and belonging to the Faculty and the University.

Figure 1. Students of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering in the program “For Children’s Smiles”

Both lecturers and students of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering clearly recognize that extracurricular activities are not only entertainment programs. In fact, these activities become more meaningful when they contribute to improving academic quality, fostering solidarity, and encouraging mutual support within the community. Therefore, a series of extracurricular activities related to academic development have been organized, such as scientific workshops, technical clubs, and English clubs.

Figure 2. Sports Festival for Students of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering

Figure 3. Faculty of Chemical Engineering Student Camp in Vung Tau

When it comes to extracurricular activities, it is impossible not to mention cultural, artistic, and sports events. These activities help students recharge their energy after stressful study hours, discover and nurture artistic talents, and strengthen the connection between students, the Faculty, and the University. Therefore, they are always among the top priorities in the Faculty’s annual extracurricular agenda.

With various activities such as sports festivals, cultural camps, Halloween, and art performances, the lecturers and students of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering actively contribute to enriching the university’s extracurricular environment. These activities also help students demonstrate their dynamism, creativity, and team spirit.

One of the Faculty’s most distinctive extracurricular activities involving both lecturers and students of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade is the annual Faculty- and University-level Barbecue Cooking Festival. This event always attracts great interest and participation from students across all faculties, thereby strengthening connections and fostering a friendly and united university environment.

Figure 4. Barbecue Cooking Festival – “Connecting with Love” at HUIT

Figure 5. Cooking Festival Organizing Committee

 Studying at the university level will no longer be stressful or overwhelming if students apply appropriate study methods, manage their time effectively, and especially know how to spend their time on meaningful extracurricular activities. This helps create a balance between studying and relaxing, while also enhancing the quality and meaning of life.

We, the lecturers and students of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, will make even greater efforts to organize and maintain the effectiveness of the Faculty’s extracurricular activities, strengthen solidarity, foster enthusiasm, nurture talents, and continuously improve the quality of teaching and learning for the entire Faculty. These efforts contribute to the overall development of the HUIT education community.