From August 21 to September 1, the Conestoga community welcomed new students across campuses and virtual platforms, participating in orientation activities ahead of the start of the new academic year.
Hosted by Student Engagement in collaboration with student service areas, faculty and community partners, orientation is designed to support a successful transition to Conestoga and the community with social, educational and academic events through a combination of online and in-person sessions.
In-person activities across all campuses were supported by more than 300 volunteers and 50 student ambassadors, in addition to Conestoga employees and community partners who welcomed students, provided directions to sessions and assisted with creating connections to key resources. Students also participated in online academic orientation sessions to prepare for classes and set a foundation to excel in their program.
"Orientation plays a key role in ensuring a successful transition to the Conestoga community and enhances the student experience by introducing opportunities that foster personal and professional growth," said Amy Baird, Associate Director, Student Experience. "Our volunteers, student staff, employees and community partners are crucial to supporting new students as they begin their Conestoga journey and encouraging development, connectivity, sense of belonging and inclusivity from day one."
In addition to orientation activities, several transition events are also planned throughout the first month of the new term to introduce students to available supports as well as help build relationships with peers, including the Getting Started Series running until September 22; the African, Black and Caribbean (ABC) Welcome event on September 26; and the 2SLGBTQ+ Student Welcome event on September 28. Conestoga's International Office will also continue to provide workshops and activities to support the international student journey, which begins the moment students start the application process.
For more information about student resources and services available to enhance and support the college experience, visit Campus life & services.
Conestoga's Student Engagement meets the needs of students through innovative programming designed to achieve goals with learning outcomes-based initiatives, including the Co-Curricular Record; Orientation; equity, diversity and inclusion education and programming; the Leadership Workshop series; and various student volunteer and committee opportunities.