This week, Conestoga welcomed thousands of new students who will officially join the college community when their classes begin in September.
Orientation Week 2014, held at the college’s Doon, Cambridge (Fountain St.), Guelph and Waterloo campuses, provides incoming students and their families with an introduction to college programs and services. More than 4,500 of the 6,000 new students registered to begin their studies at Conestoga this fall planned to participate in this week’s activities.
“Orientation is part of the transition process into post-secondary life,” said Mike Dinning, vice president of Student Services. “The program sessions lay the groundwork for the classes starting next week.” According to Dinning, the students appreciate the introduction to the campuses and support services, and considering that “the majority of them have to take a day off work to come, it is well-attended.”
As well as an official welcome from Conestoga President John Tibbits, participants in this year’s activities had the opportunity to learn more about the many support services in place to help ensure their success in the post-secondary education environment.
Incoming students met their classmates and faculty at specific program sessions, where they learned more about the expectations and opportunities that their studies will provide. A large team of student volunteers provided their assistance and support to lead students to information sessions.
Mia, from Whitehorse, YT, moved to the region to attend university two years ago, but decided to switch to Conestoga because she hoped to find a program that would provide her with opportunities for more applied, hands-on learning. She will begin her studies in the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship program at Conestoga’s Guelph campus this fall, and attended Orientation Week to learn more about the program, the campus and the services available.
Orientation Week is organized by Conestoga’s Student Life department, which also hosts a variety of activities and events throughout the year to support students and provide them with opportunities to grow and develop their skills.
For more information, visit Student Life