Lakehead University's Fast Pass a hit with new students
Over 600 new students are expected to begin classes at Lakehead Orillia this fall, including students who are completing one-year professional programs and those transferring from other schools. All first-time university students are invited to attend Fast Pass and a large percentage have registered and are taking advantage of the program, which takes place at the University Avenue campus during July.
"We have been overwhelmed by the response," says Frank Cappadocia, Assistant Dean (Student Affairs), at the Orillia campus. "This is the first time we have offered the program, so we really didn't know what to expect."
Each of the four sessions offered were quickly filled to capacity. A total of 50 students, along with their families and guests, can be accommodated at each session.
The Fast Pass program is an opportunity for new students (and their parents) to meet faculty and staff, register for courses, tour the campus facilities, learn about the local area and have their questions answered.
New Lakehead
student Stephanie Dunford and her mom Elizabeth, of Sunderland, Ontario, visit the
Orillia campus bookstore during the Fast Pass orientation day.
"Most new students have some anxiety about starting university," explains Katie Fraser, Administrative Assistant for the Lakehead Orillia Wellness Centre. "Worries about money and how to get registered into courses properly are two of the most stressful aspects of starting university. We have found that giving students opportunities to register for courses onsite with staff assistance, and sharing information about financial aid and funding sources, has really helped ease anxiety levels."
Workshops for parents have also proven to be very popular. "Parents said they found our Parent Panel discussion sessions to be extremely valuable," notes Cappadocia. Parents new to university life hear tips and suggestions from parents who have already experienced the challenges of post-secondary student parenting.
Both parents and students benefit from a session that provides an overview of Orillia and local community services. Most of the students attending Fast Pass are from out of the area, so the introduction to the community is appreciated. Many of the out-of-town students will live on campus in residence. The registration number for the Lakehead Orillia residence has already surpassed the total number from last year, reports Residence Manager Jean Acharya.
Fast Pass continues with the fourth session on Wednesday, July 25. An additional date may be offered to accommodate student interest in the popular program.Fast Pass does not replace the traditional orientation for all new students, which takes place September 7 to 9, prior to the start of classes on September 10.
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Media: For more information, please contact Lakehead University's Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.