August 23, 2005 - 5:00pm
More than 800 students are expected to attend Malaspina University-College’s orientation for new students on Thursday, September 1. Three separate sessions will be held at the Nanaimo campus from 9 am to noon, 1 to 4 pm and 6 to 9 pm.
"This year’s theme is Discover Mal-U," said Lynne MacFadgen, Coordinator, Community and School Liaison in Student Services. "Orientation is an informative, interactive and fun way to help students discover everything they need to know about Malaspina. The first six weeks of a student’s life at college or university is critical," she said. "Our goal is to show new students that Malaspina is a caring, connected community, and that faculty and staff are available to help them launch a successful start to their post-secondary studies."
The orientation includes an official welcome from administration, presentations by seasoned students on opportunities, resources and services at Malaspina, and campus tours beginning with the new $14.1-million Library. A main feature is the information fair and 16 departmental kiosk displays. Staff and faculty will meet students and provide information about financial assistance, advising, counselling, transit, international field school opportunities, sports and recreation activities, and more. Students who visit all 16 kiosks can win great prizes, including $300 tuition bursaries, bookstore vouchers and gift bags.
"This is where students will make important connections to the people and resources that are here to support them," said MacFadgen.
Joanna Hesketh, a work-op student who is helping to organize the new student orientation, and who has just completed her Master’s in Business Administration at Malaspina, encourages new students to attend the orientation.
"There’s so much more to the campus than buildings and programs," said Hesketh. "Many students, unfortunately, don’t really start taking advantage of all the opportunities available to them until their third or fourth year. Orientation can show new students that many possibilities are available to them during their academic adventures."
No matter how prepared you think you are for university-college, many unexpected situations or events can occur during your post-secondary studies, added Hesketh. "The orientation program gives any new student the means to navigate their way through the many situations that may arise."
New students can register for the orientation online at www.viu.ca (click on "current Malaspina students" and follow the web registration prompts), or call 740-6410. Pre-registration is required. Spaces are still available for the morning session (9 to 12 noon) or evening session (6 to 9 pm).
Tags: In the Community
