New students get set to “Experience Lakehead” at Orientation 2013

August 28, 2013 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University Orillia launches the new academic year with an Orientation schedule that is sure to impress. Orientation 2013: Experience Lakehead will introduce new students to university life from September 6 to 8, following residence move-in on Thursday, September 5.

Over 600 new students will begin studies at Lakehead Orillia this fall, including first-year students and one-year professional education program students. Over 200 students will be living on campus in residence.

“Orientation allows students to gain an understanding of the University environment and the support systems that are available to them,” said Lakehead Orillia Acting Dean Dr. Herman van den Berg. “The aim is to help students be prepared to start their academic year with confidence.”

During the three-day Orientation, students will take part in a variety of social events, teambuilding activities, and many opportunities to connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty. By the end of the weekend, students will have a better sense of their new community and what life and learning at Lakehead is all about.

Orientation activities are led by a team of upper-year students who have been trained in how to guide new students.

“Our leaders attend a three-day training retreat where they participate in workshops, teambuilding, and leadership activities to learn how to minimize the anxiety and concerns that are common among first-year students,” said Katie Fraser, Lakehead staff member and co-chair of the Orientation Planning Committee.

The 2013 Orientation kicks off on Friday, September 6 with a buffet breakfast where students will be welcomed by Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. Students will then head downtown (Orillia) to explore their new community. Many local restaurants are offering a “Loonie Lunch” deal for the new students.

On Saturday, the highlight will be a barbeque and EXPO beginning with a “Cheer Off” challenge, featuring a human formation of the letters “L” and “U”. The EXPO will introduce students to campus and community groups, showcasing opportunities to volunteer or get involved with recreation and athletic activities. The day’s activities will wind up in Midland, where students will climb aboard the Miss Midland for a boat cruise, complete with food, fun, music and dancing.

On Sunday, the final day of Orientation, students will experience the ultimate school spirit event. Following a corn roast and pep rally, students will head over to Rotary Place for the second annual Orientation Cup. The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team will face off against their cross-town rivals, the Georgian Grizzlies, in hopes of defending their 2012 title.

“Without the consistent support of the community, we could not have provided our new students with such a fantastic Orientation 2013,” said Fraser. “The community has been there every step of the way and has helped make our Orientation events a big hit with students.”

For more information about Orientation 2013: Experience Lakehead, visit Lakehead University’s website at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Orientation 2012

New students to Lakehead explore downtown Orillia as part of the University’s 2012 Orientation activities. Orientation 2013 takes place September 6 to 8.

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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.

 

Lakehead University is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 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. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Media Photo/Interview HIGHLIGHTS

Note: All activities take place at Lakehead Orillia, University Avenue campus unless otherwise noted. Download complete schedule here:

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/new/or/fall-orientation/schedule

Thursday, September 5

Residence Move-In

Friday, September 6

  •  Presidents Breakfast and Welcome: 8:30 - 10:30 am
  •  Downtown Orillia Loonie Lunch: 12 noon - 3:30 pm

Saturday, September 7

  • Cheer Off, BBQ and EXPO: 11:30 am - 2:00pm
    See students in colourful team t-shirts form a spirit-building “LU.”
  • Miss Midland dinner/dancing cruise: 6 pm – 9 pm
    presented by the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU)

Sunday, September 8

  • Corn Roast/Pep Rally: 5:30 pm – 7 pm
  • Orientation Cup, Rotary Place: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
    (West Orillia Sports Complex, University Avenue)