With a warm virtual welcome and a focus on safety and connection during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 9,000 students embarked on a new year and new term of study at Niagara College on January 11.
The College ushered in its Winter 2021 term with an all-virtual orientation to guide students through the new realities of their postsecondary experience during the global pandemic.
Social engagement is the focus for the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), as it fills calendars with ‘Frost Week’ virtual events and activities for students to enjoy from the comfort and safety of their homes. Initiatives include weekly trivia contests, e-sports tournaments, virtual games, Instagram Live karaoke and more.
“Frost Week provides the opportunity for first-year students to meet new friends and for returning students to catch up with existing friends,” said NCSAC president Tom Price. “During these times of physical distancing, NCSAC strives to tackle the sense of loneliness and isolation, and promote the positive health and wellbeing of our student community. So whether students are joining us virtually from home, their dorm room, or shared accommodations, Frost Week reaffirms that they are a part of the NC Knight family.”
At the same time, NC Student Services and its International division, with help from faculty, are focused on supporting students as they prepare for their virtual and hybrid programs. Virtual Winter Orientation began with prep sessions in early January, an Orientation Day on January 8, and will continue throughout the month featuring essential information about COVID-19 safety measures, assistance with remote learning, and how to access virtual services and resources. Program and co-op information sessions, a remote welcome from the College and NCSAC president, virtual student services panels, community hangouts and more are all part of the Winter Orientation lineup. A new LauNCh: Getting Started at NC Guide was also unveiled as a one-stop shop to help students address challenges they may face during their transition.
“An important focus of our Winter Orientation is the continued emphasis on College COVID 19 information, safety protocols and expectations,” said Shari Walsh, associate director of Student Engagement, Academic Advisement and Career Services. “Throughout our Orientation strategies, we also hope that students will learn how to successfully transition into their new academic program, and gather all the information they need to become a safe hybrid or online learner.”
Winter Orientation details are posted to orientation.niagaracollege.ca, yourncsac.ca/yourevents, and on Instagram @getinvolvednc.
