August 24, 2012 - 8:37am
Vancouver Island University is ready to welcome an impressive mix of new and returning students from all over Canada and around the world.
VIU’s three campuses in Nanaimo, Cowichan and Powell River will welcome more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students for the fall semester which begins Sept. 4.
More than 700 of those students, new to VIU, will attend “Rock the VIU”, a day of orientation at the Nanaimo campus on Thursday, Aug. 30.
“Rock the VIU is a fun introduction to university life for first-year students,” says Dr. Tina McComb, Interim Director of Communications and Public Relations. “A large committee of students, staff and faculty have planned an exciting day of activities for new students that includes an ‘Amazing Adventure’ campus tour, a barbecue and plenty of entertainment.
“Individual faculties will host afternoon ‘block parties’ for students enrolled in their specific areas. It’s a chance for new students to meet classmates, faculty and staff, and learn about what each Faculty has to offer.”
“Rock the VIU” includes a parent orientation session, with a special welcome from VIU President Dr. Ralph Nilson.
Staff representatives from student services, the bookstore, library and information technology services, student residence, parking and security, health and safety and international study abroad will be on hand to answer questions.
Parents are invited to join their student at a lunchtime barbecue, after which they can choose between a campus tour or attending a session to chat with students and parents about post-secondary experiences.
“A family's experience is much different than that of a student's - it's an experience with its own questions, concerns and anticipations,” says McComb.
“VIU wants to ensure that parents/guardians have the information needed to support their student in making important academic and life choices during their first year in university and beyond. University is a time when students grow both intellectually and emotionally. They still need support, love, and guidance. Our goal is to help parents understand what students may experience as they transition into their university careers and what services are available to assist them.”
For more information about “Rock the VIU” student orientation or the parent session go to www.viu.ca/orientation
Tags: In the Community
