Before hitting the books, hit orientation
Water parks, travelling, late nights, hanging out with friends — the summer vacation may seem like a dream that ended prematurely.
Suddenly, as you look at your calendar, it hits you — school is just around the corner!
Welcome to Concordia University with more than 45,000 students, two campuses and a host of student associations and clubs. Concordia is much more than a university, but is a way of life. And it is a university that embraces diversity.
“Concordia is fortunate to have such a diverse mix of students,” says Dean of Students Andrew Woodall, who joined the university in June. “This creates an environment that encourages openness, curiosity and engagement.”
Plus, he points to the many student associations and clubs as good opportunities for students to become involved. Says Woodall: “Participate in orientation, get involved with your student association, become active in organized clubs, because that’s the path to a full education.”
Concordia also offers a wide range of services geared to new students. A sampling is below but check out the related links at the end of the story.
Discover Concordia for undergraduate students
Hundreds of new undergraduate students, including full-time, part-time and independent students, participate in the Discover Concordia Orientation program — a crash course on how to succeed at the university.
Students receive an “orientation gift grab bag” and will learn how to cut through the red tape when it comes to understanding policies, procedures and deadlines. Plus they receive information on resources and available services.
The program kicks off on Tuesday, August 30 at 1 p.m. at the Loyola Campus. Sessions for the Sir George Williams Campus will be held on Wednesday, August 31 (5:30 to 9 p.m.) and Thursday, September 1 (1 to 4:30 p.m.); however, the sessions are organized according to your program.
Register here.
Graduate student orientation on Friday, September 9
The School of Graduate Studies has developed an orientation program geared to students pursuing an MA, PhD, or graduate certificate or who are enrolled in a graduate diploma program. This year, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 9, orientation includes a special presentation about a new resource called GradProSkills, a program that partners with on-campus and off-campus providers to offer a suite of graduate and professional skills development workshops aligned with student needs.
Register here.
Start Right Program: Wednesday, August 24 and Thursday, August 25
This two-day intensive crash course offers very informative and useful tips on how to survive and succeed at Concordia. Learn how to take advantage of the academic tools: from managing your studies and social life to note-taking and studying efficiently for exams.
Register here.
Student success mentors
Become aware of the resources Concordia offers by teaming up with a student mentor. Visit http://newstudent.concordia.ca/mentorgroups.shtml to take advantage of peer-to-peer personal attention. Learn effective strategies and tips to how to succeed and get involved in Concordia campus life.
For more information, call 514-848-2424, ext. 5901 (Loyola Campus) or ext. 7369 (Sir George Williams Campus) .
David Adelman is a journalism student and summer intern for Concordia’s University Communications Services.
Related links:
• The Bridge, Concordia’s new student program magazine, 2011-12
• New students and orientation, quick tips
• Undergraduate orientation program, August 30 – September 1
• Graduate student orientation, Friday, September 9
• New student program
• Student success mentors
• Student associations