For the approximately 2,500 students starting their studies at Niagara College on January 8, a line-up of social events helped them meet people and get familiar with the college.
Organized by Niagara College’s Athletics and Student Engagement department, in partnership with the International division and the NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), this year’s winter orientation events included a roller disco rink, a trip to Niagara Falls Skywheel, a Friendship Social and much more. The activities were intended to give new students a fun way to get to know one another and create new memories.
“Social events during orientation, like the roller disco rink, help new students ease their transition to college and cultivate a sense of belonging” said Ali Weir, Manager, Student Engagement. “This can reduce the feeling of isolation, enhance connection to the campus community and contribute to a wholistic student experience.”
Orientation officially kicked off on January 2 with Prep Week, giving incoming students a chance to visit campus to pick up their ID card, visit the bookstore, join a portal learning session about Brightspace and MyNC, and to take a campus tour. Program Information Sessions and Co-op Information Sessions took place on January 5, giving students a chance to spend the day meeting faculty and classmates and asking questions before the start of classes on January 8.
The two roller disco rinks–one on Jan. 9 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus, followed by one at the Welland Campus on Jan. 10–attracted hundreds of students, said Marilia Fructuoso Machado Welter, Student Experience Coordinator.
Although not everybody strapped on a pair of roller skates, about 1,000 students between NC’s two campuses came out to enjoy the groovy roller disco rink set up for Frost Week.
“The event was a success and the students had a blast!” Welter said. “We had over 1,000 students on both campuses. They were able to roller skate and dance with the DJ. There were lots of opportunities for pictures. We had a 360 photo booth, glow swings and a concession stand with delicious food. It was a great event to start the term.”
On Jan. 11, a Student Services Fair was set up at both campuses to provide students with information about the all the student services offered on-campus to empower them to achieve their academic and personal goals.
The following week, on Jan. 16, the first of two Friendship Socials took place at the Welland Campus. The other took place on Jan. 18 at DJP.
“This event was for students to mingle, meet new friends and create new connections.” Welter said.
The final orientation event–a Student Engagement Coffee Hour at the Wellness Lounge at both campuse–will take place on Jan. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Welter said although in-person winter orientation events returned last year after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year marks the first time larger events have been planned for winter orientation since 2020.
The goal, she added, has always been to give new and returning students a positive start to the term and “to show we care for them.
“It’s a big welcome so they will feel special and know they can count on us.”
In addition to the Jan. 31 coffee hours, Welter said students may want to experience their first NC Knights games.
The women’s and men’s volleyball regular seasons wrap up on Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, against the Sheridan Bruins at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus.
The women’s and men’s basketball regular seasons wrap up on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, against the Sheridan Bruins. Those games will also take place at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre.
