Why Every College Student Should Attend Orientation
Posted on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
Getting off to a good start is paramount to a student’s success when they enrol in a post-secondary program, but not all students attend their orientation. By not attending, students often start their program a bit behind their classmates, sometimes scrambling to get on the college network, accessing their text books or having trouble navigating their way around the campus. So, here are some good reasons for all students to attend orientation.
Orientation is intended to be an opportunity for students to make connections. At an academic orientation, students meet their faculty and new classmates, they review their timetable, learn about the expectations of the program and their program coordinator will go over a list of things they need to do be successful in the program. This may include submitting documents that clear them for a clinical or work place experience, purchasing equipment or supplies that they will need such as a laptop computer or safety equipment, or participating in a library orientation. It’s important to have all of this information up front so that when classes start, students are ready to go.
Beyond the academic preparation is the need to be familiar with student services. There are many supports that are in place to help students navigate their way through college such as counselling, the centre for accessible learning that helps students with disabilities, tutoring, academic coaching, financial aid, co-op and health services. All of these services work together to provide comprehensive support to students who may need help with understanding curriculum, managing their time or addressing personal issues that are impacted their ability to perform to the best of their ability.
When students attend orientation, they get to know about these services and meet the staff who will help them. Making these early connections can go a long way to helping a student feel comfortable in their new surroundings. But, there are also some business items that students can check off of their to do list. Completing a financial aid profile during orientation will help students who are eligible for financial assistance to access bursaries. Students can also pick up their student I-D photo cards which give them access to printing credits on campus as well as discounts at local businesses and students can learn about the Students’ Association dental and health plan coverage.
Of course, there are lots of fun social and recreational activities as well, including a move in day barbeque, a 5 kilometre walk/run, a concert, comedy night and so much more. All of these activities help build a campus community of support that quickly takes away any apprehension students have about their new learning environment.
Parents can also attend some orientation activities such as the move in day BBQ and a special brunch held on Labour Day weekend for out of town families. There’s also an information session for parents which helps them better understand how the college operates and where they can be an ally to help their student success. By sharing information with parents about what services are available to students, they often can help the college ensure students are accessing the supports they need to overcome any difficulty they are having in their program of study.
Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus is kicking off its orientation activities on Thursday, September 1st and Friday, September 2nd. Classes begin on Tuesday, September 6th so attending orientation sessions in advance will have students much better prepared for day one of classes. So, make the time and attend your orientation. It will be time well spent.
(Jamie Bramburger is the Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus)
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