A message from Dr. Chris McGrath, Vice-President, Students
As we prepare to welcome students to campus for the Fall term, it is an important time for our NC community to come together to ensure our new and returning students feel welcomed, engaged, and excited to begin their next chapter at NC.
Giving our students a strong, positive start to their NC experience has never been more important. Every interaction matters, whether you work directly with students or behind the scenes, as we continue to build a welcoming and inclusive community where every student connects with our community to create their own #ncLIFE.
NC employees: Help create a warm welcome for students
Orientation Day (Tuesday, September 2) is a key moment in a new student’s NC journey, and the first day of classes (Wednesday, September 3) marks ‘back to school’ for our returning students. Together, we can make a big difference in setting a positive tone for the term ahead. We encourage all employees (where operationally feasible) to set aside an hour on both Orientation Day and the first day of classes to step away from regular duties to spend time in common areas around campus.
A warm greeting, a helpful offer of directions, or a reassuring answer can go a long way in helping students feel confident and supported as they navigate our learning spaces, hallways and campus grounds. Please wear your NC gear, name tag, or staff ID so students can easily identify you as a supportive resource at the College. Together, let’s ensure every student feels welcomed to #ncLIFE from day one.
Helpful tools and resources to guide your support
Make it easier to guide students and enhance their on-campus experience by exploring and promoting the following resources:
- Orientation Website: Learn about transition programming, program information sessions, and activities to better assist students with questions or concerns via the Orientation website. Our programming extends beyond September 2, and includes a series of activities and events over the first six weeks of the semester that help students to get connected.
- LauNCh guide: This helpful online resource provides students with so many resources about the ‘how to’ of #ncLIFE. Many employees will also find it helpful! It includes information about things that a lot of students worry about on their first day, such as getting their Student ID, accessing wifi and email, and finding their timetables. It provides instructions on how to access BrightSpace, in addition to a wealth of academic and personal support resources.
- NC Engage App: Get familiar with the NC Engage App to help students discover campus activities, events, and opportunities to connect with others. The app also includes access to the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), so students can track their involvement and build out their resumes.
- NC Mobile App: The NC Mobile App features an interactive Wayfinding Tool that provides directions around campus, making it especially useful for new students finding their way to classes for the first time.
Learn more about NC’s Orientation and start-of-term activities and programming here.
At Niagara College we are student-focused, welcoming, passionate and trailblazing – and I know that these defining characteristics will be on full display as we welcome new and returning students in a few weeks’ time. Thank you for the work that you continue to do in support of our students’ success, and I look forward to seeing you out and about during the first week of September!
Vice-President, Students
