Undergrads: your fall 2017 orientation preview
Orientation encompasses the official Concordia events that help you acclimatize to student life.
You’ve been excited about attending university for months, maybe years, and now it’s getting real. Your first term is in sight.
This is the perfect time to be introduced to the wide range of orientation events put on by Concordia and its student associations at the end of August and early September.
“Orientation isn’t just one event, as some students think,” says Candace Jacobs, manager of Student Recruitment Marketing and Communications.
“You can look forward to receiving multiple orientation invitations by email. You might hear from your department — Art History, for example — as well as from your Faculty’s student association.”
Orientation and frosh 2017
Orientation has many components, and frosh is one of them. But what is frosh?
Frosh focuses on social festivities, such as mixers, BBQs and big outdoor events. It’s about mingling and making friends. These activities generally take place before classes start and have a cost associated to them.
The Commerce and Administration Students’ Association, the Engineering and Computer Science Association and the Arts and Science Federation of Associations, for example, all hold frosh events. Plans are already under way for welcome BBQs, street festivals, scavenger hunts, gala cocktails and more. Registration for these frosh events is required, so stay tuned for more details over the summer.
Meanwhile, the Concordia Student Union (CSU) opts for a 2-week long orientation period at the beginning of the fall term, including a series of social events and activities for new and returning students. These are designed to connect them with the community and help them learn about groups and resources available on campus. Similarly, the Fine Arts Student Alliance also hosts orientation events that aim to be inclusive, fun and creative during the first week of classes.
Orientation events organized by the university, while still fun and friendly, focus on informing students about resources and supporting academic success — helpful things like campus tours, faculty and department information sessions, time-management tips, mentor meets, how-to-study sessions and more.
Here are some key Concordia orientation events to look out for...
Kick off your university journey with Discover Concordia
The first big event in the line-up is Discover Concordia which takes place on Monday, August 28 on the Sir George Williams Campus. Run by the Student Success Centre, it’s a great way to kick of orientation season.
It offers a little bit of everything: academics, student services, student associations and insider tips from experienced undergraduates. It’s a chance to meet other new students, see campus, sample some delicious Montreal treats and maybe even win a prize or two!
In an open-house setting, new students get the lowdown on services available to them throughout their time at Concordia. A faculty representative provides highlights, information about academic requirements, advising resources and support available to you throughout your degree or certificate.
After, you’re free to roam around the fair, perusing the many booths and learning about the different resources — from job searches to health and wellness — that are yours to take advantage of as a Concordian.
Start Right for academic success
Another important event to earmark is Start Right, on August 29, also organized by the Student Success Centre. It’s a full-day orientation session (open to all undergrad students) that bundles study strategies and management skills for tackling the university workload.
The conference-style event provides in-depth, tried-and-true lessons on the fundamentals of achieving academic success, such as critical reading, problem solving, listening and note-taking.
Participants also get a chance to chat with Welcome Crew mentors about university life over a free midday meal.
Tours, mentors and more from the Student Success Centre
New student tours of campus begin in July and run through September.
Undergrads who want to be proactive when it comes to their academics can chart their MAP to Success (My Action Plan). It’s a small-group, personalized orientation program to help each student understand their personal strengths, skills and weaknesses in preparation for university.
The Student Success Centre is also where first-year students can request a mentor. Sign up and get connected with a successful upper-year Concordia student who can address your questions and concerns and simply meet with you to check-in on how you’re feeling throughout your first year.
Orientation for international students
New to Canada? The International Students Office (ISO) has your back.
This fall, they’re hosting a one-day orientation event on Wednesday, August 30 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Grey Nuns Building (room GN-104).
The open-concept room will be filled with kiosks promoting resources available to international students. Get help with things like health insurance and immigration papers, as well as information on permanent codes and fees. Registration is required.
Students will also learn about ISO social events, such as outings to explore Montreal neighbourhoods and landmarks, apple picking and summer walks.
To learn more, check out the Orientation for new undergraduates video. Also, check Concordia’s Orientation portal regularly as the summer unfolds. For info on social activities, consult the Facebook pages of Concordia’s student associations.
