New students to "Take the pLUnge" as Lakehead University presents Orientation 2012
(September 5, 2012 - Orillia, ON) Lakehead launches the new academic year with a full slate of exciting events that are all part of Orientation 2012: Take the pLUnge. Over 1,300 students are enrolled at Lakehead's Orillia campus this fall and many are first-year students who will take part in Orientation activities from September 7 to 9.
Orientation focuses on introducing students to the basics of life at Lakehead and in their new community through social events, team building activities, interactive workshops and many opportunities to connect with other students, staff and faculty members.
"The sooner new students feel comfortable in their new environment, the more receptive they are to learning, which helps their academic success," notes Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean and Vice-Provost, Orillia Campus. Many of the Orientation activities will be led by Student Ambassadors, who are upper-year students who have been trained in how to guide new students. "Their training teaches them how to help minimize the anxiety, apprehension, and concerns that are common among first-year students," says Katie Fraser, Lakehead staff member and co-chair of the Orientation Steering Committee.
Orientation activities get started Friday, September 7 with welcome activities at University Avenue, followed by a trip to Downtown Orillia for the third annual Loonie Lunch, and skits performed by Student Ambassadors at Couchiching Beach Park's Aqua Theatre. Students can top off the day's activities by going to the movies - on the lawns of the University Avenue academic building.
Lakehead Orillia's Student Ambassador team, along with Orientation co-chairs: (l to r, in grey hoodies) Katie Fraser and Liz Ross, get set to welcome new students.
On Saturday, September 8, students will have further opportunities to get to know the faculty at a Pancake Brunch; will be tested on their knowledge of the campus at Orientation Family Feud; and will have the opportunity to participate in various workshops on budgeting, study skills, and coping with stress. In the evening, students will cruise Lake Couchiching aboard the Island Princess, hosted by Lakehead University's Student Union (LUSU).
Orientation activities will conclude on Sunday with a BBQ and Pep Rally leading up to the first ever Orientation Cup hockey game at Rotary Place (West Orillia Sports Complex) where the Lakehead Orillia Thunderwolves will face off against cross-town rivals, the Georgian College Grizzlies.
"We could not have put together such a great package for our new students without the dedication and support of our corporate and community partners," says Fraser. "The community has been enthusiastic and extremely helpful."
For more information about Orientation 2012: Take the pLUnge events, visit Lakehead Orillia's website at orillia.lakeheadu.ca.
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Note: All activities take place at Lakehead Orillia, University Avenue campus unless otherwise noted. Download complete schedule here.
Thursday, September 6
- Residence Move-In: 9 am to 4 pm
- Motivational Presentation for residence students: 8 pm (OA 1033)?Blake Fleischacker, author of Campus Gets Wasted (http://blakefly.com/)
Friday, September 7
- Welcome: 10 am - 11:30 am
- Downtown Orillia and Waterfront: 12 noon - 4:30 pm
- Bookstore Fashion Show: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturday, September 8
- Pancake Brunch with Faculty: 11 am - 12 noon
- Orientation Family Feud: 12 noon - 1:30 pm
- LUSU Island Princess boat cruise, Port of Orillia: 5 - 8 pm
- Activities on Campus "RecFest": 1 - 5 pm
- BBQ and Pep Rally: 5 - 7 pm
- O Cup (Lakehead vs. Georgian) at Rotary Place: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
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Media: Contact Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, at 705-330-4008 ext.2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca or ororient@lakeheadu.ca.