July 22, 2010

Record numbers for new student orientation

An orientation leader guides a group of students on a campus tour in 2009.Almost 1,800 students are getting an early taste of campus this summer, and many more will in September through the university’s new student orientation programs.

Both Summer Orientation and Fall Orientation Week are an integral part of the new student experience on campus. Hosted by Student and Enrolment Services, orientation is designed to introduce students to their new academic and social environment.

“The U of C is committed to ensuring that new students experience a smooth transition to university,” says Ann Tierney, vice-provost (students). “Our enhanced orientation program provides students with the guidance and support they need to navigate all the changes in their first few weeks of university.”

Summer Orientation, held annually in July, has seen record attendance this year. During each half-day session, students receive a tour of campus, personalized course registration assistance, and attend sessions focusing on academic and student life at the U of C. Students also have the opportunity to pick up their campus ONEcards.

Genevieve Hoffart graduated from St. Francis High School in Calgary. Hoffart begins her Bachelor of Arts in psychology this fall and appreciates the early access to campus through Summer Orientation.

“I really liked the tour and being able to learn all of the ins and outs of everything,” says Hoffart. “We also received lots of tips from our orientation leader, like how you can put money on your ID card to use for photocopying and other things. That was a small but really useful tip.”

Hoffart, like many of her Summer Orientation peers, says that she is now more excited than ever to begin university this September.

This year, Fall Orientation Week runs September 7 – 10. Students will take part in comprehensive orientation programming throughout the week, featuring the annual pep rally and new student induction ceremony; this year’s keynote speaker is Kristina Groves, Vancouver 2010 Olympian. Other events include the President’s BBQ, the ever-popular “IKEA Madness” night, and KICKOFF, the university’s tailgate party and homecoming football game.

For more information about our new student orientation programs, visit ucalgary.ca/orientation.