The Conestoga community welcomed new students to campuses during its winter term orientation, January 2 to 5. Hosted by Student Engagement in collaboration with student service areas, faculty and community partners, orientation is designed to help students successfully adapt to student life at Conestoga through a series of events held virtually and in person at various campus locations.
The Conestoga community welcomed new students to campuses during winter orientation, supported by more than 400 student volunteers as well as faculty and community partners.
More than 400 student volunteers were present to assist with in-person events, as well as welcome and greet students and answer questions, including at Conestoga’s new Milton - Parkhill campus. Students also participated in online academic orientation sessions to prepare for classes and set a foundation to excel in their program.
“Orientation is a key point in the student journey as the opportunities provided to incoming students aim to promote personal and professional development and foster a sense of inclusion, which sets the stage for success on social and academic levels,” said Amy Baird, associate director, Student Experience. “The students, volunteers, services, community partners and faculty who come together to make orientation week happen are definitely playing a crucial role in student life at Conestoga.”
Orientation also provides an opportunity for upper-level students to develop skills while helping new students transition to the Conestoga community. Over 50 student ambassadors assisted with orientation events and campus tours, and the college’s Peer Mentor program pairs new students with upper-level volunteers who acts as a friend and guide.
Orientation activities continue beyond the first week, including campus tours, Kick Off Fest, and various opportunities to connect with student groups and clubs to get involved.
In addition, several transition events are planned throughout the first months of the new term to introduce students to available supports as well as help build relationships with peers, including the Getting Started Series, the 2SLGBTQ+ Student Welcome event on January 25, and the African, Black and Caribbean (ABC) Welcome event in February. 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.