Fall term is around the corner, and NC is preparing to welcome students back to campus. This is an important time to share key information about start-of-term activities, campus resources, and opportunities to support students as they transition into NC Life.
Residence move-ins will take place over the long weekend from August 30 to September 1. The Fall 2025 term officially begins on Wednesday, September 3, with Orientation Day on Tuesday, September 2, at both the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus. Program information sessions will run on Orientation Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both campuses, while Welcome Hubs will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Learning Commons (Welland) and the Wellness Lounge (Daniel J. Patterson Campus).
These spaces will provide students with access to key resources, helpful staff, and engaging activities to help them start the term with confidence.
Pre-Orientation Programming
Virtual Pre-Orientation Sessions:
In collaboration with Student Engagement and International, these free virtual sessions run from July 31 to August 25, offering easy access to students who may not yet be in the region or country. Topics include timetable selection, communication tools like Brightspace and MyNC, transit, parking, security, campus services, and more, along with open Q&A sessions.
KickSTART:
From August 18 to 29, both campuses will host KickSTART in-person drop-in days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that allow students to complete key pre-term tasks ahead of Orientation Day. Students can pick up their ID card, join a campus tour, register their locker, attend learning sessions, and walk their schedules to locate classrooms.
Parent/Supporter Sessions:
In collaboration with Academic Advising, Health, Wellness & Accessibility (HWAS), Financial Aid, and Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), these virtual sessions throughout August provide parents and supporters of incoming students with information on key topics, insight into their role as a supporter, and an opportunity to ask questions in a student-free forum.
Transition Peers:
This volunteer-based program connects new students with experienced Level 2+ student mentors during the final two weeks of August and the first four weeks of September. Transition Peers help newcomers navigate resources, answer questions, and feel at ease as they settle into NC Life.
We encourage all employees to familiarize themselves with these offerings so they can promote them among students and connect them with the right resources. To learn more about the Pre-Orientation programming outlined below, visit the Orientation website here.
International Student Orientation
To help international students begin their journey in Canada and at NC with confidence, a series of orientation activities will be offered.
International Student Orientation Day will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. in Room AH141 at the Welland Campus. The event will feature sessions on essential services, including Academic Advising and Immigration, Engagement and Events, Financial Services, Guard.me Insurance, and Housing & Settlement.
Additionally, International Student Advisor (ISA) sessions will be held on Tuesday, September 2, offering students an opportunity to connect directly with advisors before the term begins. Sessions are scheduled at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus (12 – 1 p.m., Room E210) and the Welland Campus (12:30-1:30 p.m., Room S235).
Submit your Orientation events
If your department is hosting an event during the first week or month of the fall term, Student Engagement invites you to have it included as part of the official Orientation event listings. By sharing your event details, you can ensure it’s featured on the Orientation website, making it easier for students to identify and participate.
We also encourage you to post your events on NC’s official student engagement app, NC Engage, a primary resource students use to discover campus events and stay informed, helping you reach more students and boost participation
For event submissions or inquiries, contact Marilia Welter, Student Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected].
Learn more about NC’s Orientation and start-of-term activities and programming here.
