Thunder Bay Campus Brims with Students and Activity: 2011 Orientation Begins

(September 9, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead launches the new academic year with a full slate of academic and social events that are all part of Fall Orientation 2011: Navigating Your Way. Orientation is a joint effort between Residence Life, Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU), and the new Student Success Centre (SSC). Fall Orientation events are planned throughout the second week of September to promote a successful transition for students into university life while highlighting Lakehead's commitment to academic excellence.

Orientation activities are geared toward first-year undergraduate students, with specific programming events planned for students living in residence, mature and transfer students, and off-campus students.

"Orientation events ensure that students experience a successful transition to the Lakehead environment, and feel engaged with both the campus and the community," says Danielle Ruel, First Year Experience, Leadership & Programming Coordinator. "Students who are involved on campus and feel connected to their environment are more likely to be academically successful, and more likely to stay at school."

On Friday, September 9, faculty, staff, administration, and students welcome new students to campus at a Welcoming Commencement. Throughout the day, activities are planned to introduce students to the campus community, including class and faculty expectations. The day culminates in an event co-sponsored by LUSU and the SSC: a circus-style outdoor carnival. Thunderwolves' pride takes centre stage at Lakehead Athletics' Varsity Midnight Madness, a high-energy pep rally that follows after the carnival in the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse.

Orientation concludes on Saturday evening with the President's Dinner " a semi-formal occasion hosted by Lakehead University President, Dr. Brian Stevenson. New students can start to build their network by connecting with Lakehead alumni, University dignitaries, and staff. The President's Cup will be awarded to the Orientation team who displayed the most school spirit throughout Orientation.

Fall Orientation 2011 couldn't come together without the dedication of staff, faculty, volunteer student ambassadors, the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU), Residence and Conference Services, Special Projects and Protocol, the Alumni Association of Lakehead University, and a range of corporate and community partners, including: Provincial Alliance Credit Union, Shaw Cable, Intercity Shopping Centre, Rock 94, 91.5 CKPR, and Tbaytel. Many local businesses are student-friendly and have already posted signs to welcome students to their establishments, with many providing student discounts. These local businesses include: Boston Pizza, Gear Up for Outdoors, Intercity Shopping Centre, Eat Local Pizza and Pastry, Kangas Sauna, Moxie's, Ruby Moon, Take a Hike, and Quality Market.

For more information about Fall Orientation 2011 events please visit the Orientation website at http://orientation.lakeheadu.ca/thunderbay.

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Media:Danielle Ruel, First Year Experience, Leadership & Programming Coordinator, can be contacted for interview at 807-766-7290 or dnruel@lakeheadu.ca. For more information, please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.