PHAYAO - The School of Nursing at the University of Phayao has begun "adopting out" student freshmen, ending the practice of conventional hazing, in a move to promote better public health and community relations.
The nursing faculty admitted 156 first-year students this school term.
In a break from tradition, families in Ban So village of Muang district were invited to accept the new students as their "adopted children", Wuthichai Chairinkham, deputy rector of the university, said on Tuesday. The university is also in Muang district.
"This new practice promotes unity. New students will gain life experience and have the moral support of their 'adoptive parents', and in return share health tips with them," Mr Wuthichai said.
Senior nursing students and lecturers from the faculty would join the freshmen in spreading health information throughout the community, he said.
Students and lecturers would also learn in the context of a community, and the lessons would benefit them in the future, Mr Wuthichai said.
