You can feel the energy in the hallways at all campuses of St. Clair College as friends reconnect, new friendships blossom, and faculty meets a new batch of students – all eager to kick off a successful semester.
Thousands of students are back on campus this week for Orientation at their respective programs.
"College orientation is essential for helping new students feel at home. It provides them with the tools and connections they need to succeed academically and socially," said Fiona McLean, the Marketing and Domestic Recruitment Manager at St. Clair College. "By familiarizing students with campus resources and fostering a sense of community, orientation sets the stage for a positive and productive college experience."
For first-year Public Relations student Ocean Ryan, orientation was exactly what was needed to ease the transition back to school.
"The information session that we got at the Chrysler Theatre was amazing. They stuffed a lot of information into half an hour, 45 minutes, which was really, really helpful," said Ryan. "I'm really looking forward to exploring and getting to know my way around."
She and fellow student Owen Kohut were together at the MediaPlex in downtown Windsor after the group orientation for a more focused, program-specific session with their professors.
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"It's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time," said Kohut, a first-year student in the Journalism program. "I have dealt with anxiety for a long time, so it's a balance of 'this is new, and really scary,' but also I selected this program, and I'm really excited to do it."
It's also a chance for professors and support staff to meet incoming students and help familiarize them with the facilities and people with whom they'll be spending their time.
"Orientation is a wonderful opportunity for us to show students around the MediaPlex and introduce them to some of the equipment and technology they will be working with in the program," said Veronique Mandal, the program coordinator for Journalism. "It is also great for students to be able to meet the faculty and get to know fellow students in advance of classes."
Student orientation is important for several reasons:
Smooth Transition: Orientation helps students transition from high school to college by familiarizing them with the campus, its resources, and the overall environment.
Building Connections: It's an excellent opportunity to meet fellow students, faculty, and staff, which can help in forming friendships and support networks.
Academic Preparation: Students often meet with academic advisors during orientation to plan their courses and understand the academic expectations and policies of the institution.
Resource Awareness: Orientation introduces students to various campus resources, such as health services, libraries, and student organizations, which can be vital for their success and well-being.
Campus Navigation: Getting to know the layout of the campus, including key buildings and facilities, can reduce anxiety and help students feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Engagement and Involvement: Many orientation programs highlight ways to get involved in campus life, such as clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities, which can enhance the overall college experience.
Orientation is a week-long event, but you need only attend the session which pertains to your program offering.
Tuesday's session at Windsor Main Campus was for the Schools of Health Sciences, Media Art and Design and Nursing.
On Wednesday Aug. 28, Students from all programs at the Downtown Campus met at the Chrysler Theatre and then split off into groups to visit their respective downtown facilities, meet faculty and hear more about their programs.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, there will be two sessions: One at Windsor Main Campus for the School of Community Studies, and the Zekelman Schools of Information Technology and Business; with the other at Chatham Campus, where students from all programs will gather.
The last day of Orientation on Friday, Aug. 30 is at Windsor Main Campus, where the Schools of Skilled Trades and Engineering Technologies will assemble.
Above all, orientation marks the unofficial start of the academic school year, where students are taught the College's slogan, 'Rise Above the Ordinary.'
Ocean Ryan is taking these words to heart.
"I'm really happy to be here," she said. "I can't wait to get started."
For more information about Orientation, there is a resource page with helpful links and video messages, which were viewed by students who attended campus this week.
