The Co-Curriculum (Credited) Department is responsible for conducting the co-curriculum (credited) courses at UNIMAS since Semester 2, Session 2010/2011, in an effort to develop and produce students who are distinguished, patriotic, responsible and competitive. Implementation of this course supports the National Strategic Higher Education Plan Phase II toward increasing development of human capital to effect a transformation in national development.

This course is arranged with a focus on Soft Skills for evaluation, together with other areas under the eight (8) groups, namely: Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Volunteerism, Community Service, Culture, Public Speaking, Competitiveness and Innovativeness, and Sport. This course is offered for one (1) semester only and students may register and sit for the course from the second semester forward.

Among the objectives in running this course at UNIMAS are:

• Continue the spirit and planning behind generic studies courses under a new form and approach.
• Contribute to the process of raising student ability through leadership and by orderly management with dedication and a spirit of teamwork.
• Strengthen and encourage the emergence of wide range of knowledge among the student body as a complement to academic studies.
• Convey a range of skills and contemporary issues to students while encouraging students to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained.
• Guide students to prepare them to enter the increasingly challenging workplace.

SOFT SKILLS

Seven (7) elements of soft skills have been identified as skills that students must master through co-curriculum courses. They are:

• Communication Skills: Encourage students to communicate effectively in English and Malay in a variety of contexts and situations.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skill: Encourage students to think critically, creatively, innovatively, analytically and to be able to apply their knowledge and understanding.
• Team Spirit: Encourage teamwork with others from diverse backgrounds to achieve mutual goals.
• Life-long Learning: Encourage independent pursuit and acquisition of new skills and knowledge.
• Entrepreneurship: Encourage students to improve their ability to explore opportunities and develop an awareness of the role of risk-taking, creativity and innovation in business and the workplace.
• Ethics & Morals: Inculcate a high standard of moral and ethical behavior in professional practice and social interaction.
• Leadership Skills: Encourage the practice of leadership through a variety of activities.

Co-curriculum (Credited) courses are held from 2.00pm to 7.00pm on Wednesdays and from 8.00am to 12pm on Saturdays as approved by the University Senate. On these days and times, students are not permitted to engage in any other academic activities. Students are required to attend not less than 80% of the scheduled contact hours. A grade of zero (0%) will be given to students who attend less than the stated amount. Students are required to attend for all class assessments. Failure to do so will affect the final grade. Students are also strictly prohibited from switching groups except through the approved PPP process.

Availability of Credited Co-Curriculum Courses

Every 2nd semester, the department will offer courses grouped according to eight (8) groups as follows (subject to change):

1. Sports.
2. Leadership.
3. Volunteerism.
4. Entrepreneurship.
5. Innovation and Competitiveness.
6. Community Service.
7. Culture.
8. Public Speaking.

Students are required to take this course to fulfill the Graduation Requirements, but may take the course according to their own schedule. Total contact hours for the course is 80 hours (2 credit hours). At the end of the course, students will be given a letter grade that is computed as part of CGPA. Grading is based on attendance, class participation and assessments.