The Conestoga community welcomed a record number of students participating in Orientation ahead of the start of the 2019-20 academic year.
More than 7,000 new students participated in orientation activities across Conestoga campuses and sites ahead of the 2019-20 academic year.
Beginning August 19, more than 7,000 new students took part in activities across the college’s campuses and sites, including the Ingersoll Skills Training Centre and the living classrooms at University Gates and Riverside Glen.
Designed to support a successful transition to Conestoga, Orientation provides an opportunity for new students to learn about the resources and services available through the college, complete start-up tasks in advance of the first day of class, as well as meet faculty and fellow students. More than 200 volunteers supported orientation activities this term, which included welcoming students, providing directions to program sessions, and assisting in creating connections to key resources on campus.
During a kickoff celebration at the Cambridge campus, representatives from Student Engagement and Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI), the college’s official student association, welcomed students to the college community.
“Looking around the room today, you’re surrounded by your new community,” said Zack Dodge, CSI’s marketing and events manager. “We’re so happy that you’ve chosen Conestoga College to study. We encourage you to get involved on campus, reach out to the people around you and make the most of your experience here -- and part of that experience is the outstanding faculty and staff at Conestoga, along with the co-curricular programming designed to help you make connections and be successful in your student experience.”
In addition to orientation activities, several transition events have also been scheduled. According to Ian Kearney, Student Engagement programmer - orientation and transitions, the events are meant to introduce students with unique concerns to the support services available to them on campus, as well as help build relationships with peers. They include the Indigenous Student Welcome Night, Degree Welcome and Mixer, LGBTQ2+ Welcome Night, Mature Student Welcome Session, as well as the Family and Friends Orientation.
Conestoga’s International Office will also host additional mandatory orientation activities to help introduce students to Canadian culture and support services specific to international student success, including information on managing studies, health and finances.
A record number of students are expected to be on campus this fall as Conestoga welcomes new and returning students enrolled in programs delivered across multiple sites.
For more information about the resources and services available for students on campus, visit Student Engagement.