Niagara College is preparing to welcome its largest ever intake of first-year and international students for the fall term, with a full slate of Orientation activities at its Welland and Niagara-on the-Lake Campuses, from September 5 to 8.

With more than 5,000 first-year students arriving at the College in September, including 1,500 postsecondary and ESL international students, its total enrolment is projected to exceed 10,000 this fall.

“All of us at Niagara College are excited to welcome our largest-ever intake of students,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “Students from around the world have been drawn to Niagara by our unique approach to applied learning, and we look forward to providing them with a great start to their college experience.”

Lesley Calvin, manager of Student Engagement, Academic Advisement and Career Services, notes that Orientation is a key time for students who are taking a big step into college life, and NC has many supports for them in place.

“Through all of our Orientation Week activities, we aim to provide our new students with the tools and information they need for a successful transition into college life,” said Calvin. “In addition to providing relevant and engaging programming for them, we want to make sure they have fun and start building connections to their academic programs, campus staff, and their new peers.”

Orientation officially kicks off September 5 at the Welland and NOTL campuses, with program information sessions, campus tours, student services fairs, free lunch and live music. The day concludes with an all-ages Glow Party at the Welland Campus (beginning at 9 p.m., The Core).

One of the biggest highlights of this year’s Orientation Week will be NC’s first Carnival and Vendor Fair on September 8  at the Welland Campus (1 p.m.- 6 p.m.). Carnival rides, obstacle courses, food, prizes and a variety of vendors will be on site for the event.

Orientation Week activities also include:

• BBQ lunches for students (Welland Campus Sept. 7, NOTL Campus Sept. 6);
• Speed Friending (Sept. 7 at the Welland Campus and NOTL campuses);
• Arcade and video games (Welland Campus Sept. 6, and NOTL Campus Sept. 7);
• A Desserts in the Vineyard reception for mature students and residents of the NOTL community (Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wine Visitor + Education Centre); and more.

For a full schedule of Orientation activities, visit http://orientation.niagaracollege.ca/

International Orientation

More than 1,500 new international students arriving at Niagara College for the new academic year will be greeted with a variety of sessions and activities designed to introduce them to life at college and in Canada. NC’s International Division will be hosting International Orientation prior to the campus-wide Orientation Week. Most activities will take place on September 1 at both the Welland and NOTL Campuses (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

“International Orientation is designed to support international students on their transition to Canada, the Niagara region and to their studies at NC,” said Sean Coote, director of NC’s International Division.

Several orientation features have been enhanced for international students this year, including a NC International Orientation app; a ‘Canada corner’ featuring Canadian themed activities; and a pal mentor program (including online mentor selection with instant chat feature). International Orientation continues with a trip to Niagara Falls on September 2, including a Hornblower boat tour and shopping.

Residence Move-in Day

Tearful goodbyes and cheerful new beginnings will abound on September 2 –  Residence Move-in Day – when college staff and volunteers will help hundreds of students settle into their college dorms on-campus in Welland and NOTL  (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).  A ‘welcome weekend’ is planned for the new student residents, including a roster of activities from September 2-4.

New programs

NC is launching two new programs in September 2017. Designed to address a growing international need for qualified English language teachers, Teaching English as a Second is a one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program. Visit http://www.niagaracollege.ca/english-language-studies/programs/teaching-esl/

Industrial Automation is designed to meet the demand for highly skilled grads in the automation and control systems areas of the industry. This one-year, Ontario College Graduate Certificate program emphasizes programmable logic control, robotics, industrial networks and project management. Visit http://www.niagaracollege.ca/technology-studies/programs/industrial-automation/

Classes for most full-time programs will begin for the fall term on September 6

Currently celebrating its 50th year as a College of Applied Arts and Technology, NC is a leader in applied education and a key contributor to the economies of Niagara and Ontario. A regional college with global reach, NC offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs. Visit niagaracollege.ca