From January 7-10, the Conestoga community welcomed more than 3,200 new students across campuses participating in orientation activities ahead of the start of the winter term.
Conestoga’s new two-story 80,000 square foot campus inside Market Square in Kitchener’s downtown core will welcome approximately 1,000 students this term as the site’s first cohort.
Hosted by the college’s Student Engagement team and Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI), the college’s official student association, orientation is designed to support a successful transition to Conestoga by providing opportunities 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.
Activities this term were supported by close to 250 volunteers who welcomed students, provided directions to program sessions, and assisted with creating connections to key resources on campus, including at the college’s new Downtown Kitchener location.
The new two-story 80,000 square foot campus inside Market Square in Kitchener’s downtown core will welcome approximately 1,000 students this term as the site’s first cohort. Initially offering mostly business programming, it’s expected that the attraction of new talent will support the success of established, start-up and scaling companies within the city.
Additional programming is anticipated to be introduced in subsequent phases as the campus becomes more established, attracting more students who will further contribute to the city’s diversity and cultural vibrancy, while supporting Kitchener’s local economy.
The city has worked closely with the college to ensure students feel welcome and have access to the supports necessary to become comfortable within their new community, including a guide book designed specifically to help Conestoga students explore and discover downtown amenities and services.
“We’re really excited today to welcome you to our brand new Downtown Kitchener campus,” Trish Weigel-Green, associate vice president, Student Affairs, told the crowd gathered for an orientation kickoff celebration. “I want to thank you for choosing Conestoga, and I promise that we will offer you a great student experience and everything you need to be successful.”
The campus includes academic, student and wellness spaces that allow the full college experience in a downtown setting, featuring inviting colour concepts and furniture, as well as an integrative student services space.
For more information about resources and services available to students on and off campus, visit Student Engagement, CSI and the International Office.