Orillia Orientation
Welcome to Lakehead
Welcome! This is your online orientation, which is designed to familiarize you with important details about your new journey at Lakehead University. Here, you can find anything from course registration, to financial aid, to what you can expect in residence.
International Students: Please visit our international student information pages
First Steps
Steps 1-4 are the things you should become familiar with as soon as you have accepted your offer. Click through them to learn important information about being a student at Lakehead University.
1. Know your Tools |
myInfomyInfo is your Lakehead University student information portal. MyInfo is the place where you can perform a variety of functions related to your enrolment both as an applicant and as a student. Through MyInfo you can apply for bursaries, apply for residence, register for classes, view your class schedule, check your tuition fees and account balance, track your degree & program progress and so much more. myEmailmyEmail is your Lakehead University email account. The username and password to access MyEmail is the same as your MyInfo account. All communication from Lakehead University will be provided to you through your Lakehead email account. You must check this often and use it to correspond with Lakehead University personnel. Important information regarding registration, orientation, scholarships and bursaries, residence, upcoming events and more will be delivered to you using your Lakehead email account. MySuccessMySuccess is your student success portal and is operated by the Student Success Centre (SSC). The username and password to access MySuccess are the same as your MyInfo and MyEmail accounts. You can use this portal to book one-on-one appointments related to academic support and skills, writing support, career services, and co-operative education. In MySuccess you will find information regarding the tutoring schedule and can access the Lakehead University Job Bank and volunteer opportunities, see upcoming SSC events, sign up for leadership programs and workshops, and update your Lakehead Co-Curricular Record. myCourselinkmyCourseLink is Lakehead's online learning management system for your online courses and the online, web-based components for your on-campus courses. The username and password to access MyCourseLink are the same as your MyInfo and MyEmail accounts. Through MyCourselink you can access online course materials (e.g., syllabus, course readings, audio, and video material, etc.), take online tests and quizzes, participate in discussion forums and other communication tools, submit and retrieve assignments, view grades, and much more! |
2. Registering for Courses |
Registering for your university courses for the first time can feel like a daunting task - but don't worry! Follow these steps for success, and consider joining Fast Pass, which is a pre-orientation program designed to help you register for your courses. Review the university academic calendar
Review your program requirementsTo view your program requirements, go to the Programs & Faculties section of the University Academic Calendar. Select your Faculty followed by either Undergraduate Programs or Graduate Programs, depending upon what you have been admitted to. Next, find your specific program within that department in order to get a detailed description of all courses you will need to take to complete your program. Learning the languageYou may come across some unfamiliar terms while registering for courses. Before doing so, make sure to familiarize yourself with course codes and lingo. Pre-plan and build your timetableIt is always a good idea to start planning your timetable before registration opens. In doing so, you will be able to ensure your schedule is best-suited to your needs without having to rush. It will also allow you more time to review alternate choices for electives. Download the Lakehead University Registration Guide for additional help. Sign up for Fast PassAs mentioned above, attending Fast Pass is a great way to get help with setting up your timetable, understanding your program requirements and registering for classes.
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3. Planning your Finances |
Knowing how to manage your finances at university is important. In addition to knowing how to create and keep within a budget, Lakehead also offers a wealth of financial aid opportunities through scholarships, bursaries and awards. Visit the scholarships page for information about entrance scholarships and bursaries. Ontario residents can also apply for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program), which offers both grants (money you keep), and loans (money you repay). Visit Lakehead University's Student Central for additional information about financing your education. Please note: International Students are NOT eligible for OSAP. |
4. Intro to D2L, Your Online Learning Environment |
Remember when you learned about MyCourseLink, under the "know you lakehead tools" section? Well, D2L stands for "desire 2 learn" and it is the program used for MyCourseLink. Every student needs to learn how MyCourseLink works because even for on-campus classes, professors post important information there. You can log in in to myCourseLink a few ways(requires the use of your LakeheadUniversity account username and password):
Tour Now!
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Pre-Arrival
Once you have registered for courses and before the semester starts, become familiar with steps 5-9. These are helpful pieces of information that can help make your transition as smooth as possible.
5. Understanding University Expectations |
University is a very different experience than high school. Let's talk about it! Especially if you are coming to university straight from secondary school, these differences might seem big. One of the first differences you may notice is that you aren't sitting in class or participating in labs for as long each day. In fact, in some programs, you may only be attending a few hours of class each Another major difference from high school to university is your level of independence. In high school, you may have had some really nice teachers who would remind you of deadlines and tests. In university, not all professors will do that. The expectation is that you are in charge of your own education, which includes showing up to class on time, asking questions, studying for tests, and handing in assignments by their due-dates. VIDEO HERE University students are required to act ethically and with integrity in academic matters, as well as demonstrate behaviours that support the university's academic values. Students are responsible for being aware of and demonstrating behaviour that is honest and ethical in their academic work. Before classes begin, make sure to become familiar with Lakehead University's Student Code of Conduct. Here is a link to a summary of the Student Code of Conduct. View the entire Code of Conduct at lakeheadu.ca/studentconduct. As a university student, you are also expected to maintain a level of professionalism. Treating your classmates and professors with respect is an absolute must. This includes showing up to class on time, taking ownership for your actions and words, and communicating properly with your professors. When emailing a professor with a question, be sure to include the course-code for your class in the subject line of the email. (E.g. "GEOG 1111-YA, Student Question") |
6. Campus Supports |
Lakehead offers many supports to students on campus and online. Below is a detailed list of some of the many supports available to every Lakehead student. Student Success CentreThe Student Success Centre has many programs and support services in place to help you achieve your academic and personal goals while studying at Lakehead University. We provide academic support through tutoring services, career exploration, co-operative opportunities and leadership development. Student CentralWhether you are a new student arriving to campus for the first time, getting ready to graduate or anything in between, Student Central provides you with a more convenient way to conduct your business and access support in one, central location. Here you will be able to access everything you need - from enrolling at Lakehead through to course registration, financial support, academic advising and so much more. Student Accessibility Services
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU)The Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) represents all students studying at Lakehead University. We are over 8,000 strong, uniting undergraduate and graduate, full- and part-time, and domestic and international students across Lakehead’s two campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia. LUSU’s mandate is to ensure that all students can pursue academic excellence as well as personal and social growth at Lakehead, free from barriers related to income, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, family status, or ability. Through LUSU, students access a wide variety of services, supports, job and volunteer opportunities, and social life like clubs and events. Gender Equity CentreThe GEC is a feminist action centre that provides peer support, education and advocacy and promotes progressive changes to attitudes and policies on campus. It deals with diverse issues including gender equality, sex-positive education, and sexual violence. Food BankThe Food Bank provides free, healthy grocery options to students in financial need. The Food Bank also educates about a variety of food-related issues like food insecurity and sustainable food production practices, and skills like gardening and cooking. Pride CentralPride Central provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, queer, intersex, and allies (LGBTTQIA) students. It is open to all Lakehead University students (and community) with a focus on ending discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Indigenous InitiativesAt Lakehead, we are proud to offer a culturally supportive environment to all Indigenous students who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, and Métis. Our aim is to help Indigenous students to achieve success in their academic goals through a variety of support services. As well, we offer a continual welcome to all students, staff, and faculty who wish to learn more about Indigenous culture, traditions, and teachings. Visit Indigenous Initiatives SecurityLakehead University Security Service provides a professional, uniformed, security service that is licensed under the Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005. (SO 2005, c 34). Each member of our team is a licensed security guard in the Province of Ontario and is identified by a Lakehead University InternationalLakehead University International is committed to helping with your transition to your new life in Canada! International Student Services is dedicated to supporting your exceptional academic and social experience by providing engaging events and activities, advocacy, and focused support that will help you get involved in the community and plan for your future career goals and success. Our International Center provides a culturally supportive environment with International Student Advisors prepared to provide you personalized one-on-one guidance in all the matters specific to you as an international student. LUI, We're here for you! Student Health and WellnessKeeping a healthy body and mind is important while you are at university. At the Thunder Bay Campus, we have a team of registered nurses, doctors and counsellors available for you to have your health needs addressed right on campus. The Orillia Campus provides you with access to a Wellness Centre that includes a Naturopathic Doctor, counselling services and resources on health and wellness services in Orillia. View a list of services offered by Student Health and Wellness OmbudspersonThis is an impartial, independent and confidential support service provided to ensure you receive fair and equitable treatment throughout your time at Lakehead. The Ombudsperson deals with a variety of issues and complaints and provides information for both academic and non-academic concerns.
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7. Health and Wellness |
It is crucial to take good care of your emotional and physical health while attending university. Thankfully, there are a number of incredible resources
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8. Residence Life! |
Lakehead University residence strives to provide students with a clean and safe home, where academic success and personal growth are promoted. It is our goal to provide a community and environment that is rich and diverse. Lakehead University Residence provides a wide range of opportunities that are social, In Orillia, we provide students social opportunities such as off-site excursions (Pumpkinferno and bowling), game nights, movie nights and holiday activities (snow globe and painting classes) as well as other activities such as snow tubing. Before packing for your adventure to University, take a good look around the house to think of what things you'll need during your stay in Residence. Your Residence room will be your home away from home so you will want to surround yourself with things that make you feel comfy and cozy. Here are some suggestions:
And just to be sure, here is a list of what NOT to bring to university:
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9. Social Media to Follow |
Check out these pages on Facebook to stay up to date on campus happenings! |
Arrival
Steps 10-13 are designed to set you up for success during your first couple of weeks at Lakehead. Make sure you take a look at these upon your arrival!
10. Setting Goals |
You may not know what to expect in your first year at university, and that is okay. What is important though, is that you identify some of your hopes so that The Student Success Centre has lots of resources to help you excel in your academics. Access them by visiting our resource library.
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11. Your First Week |
Your first week on campus will be fun and busy! You'll meet other students and staff, and participate in great orientation activities (specific details about your orientation will be provided to you before you arrive). You will also get to buy school supplies, and orient yourself to the layout of campus.
We are so lucky at Lakehead University to have such small campuses. You'll know your way around in no time! Your orientation activities will help familiarize you with the layout of campus, but it is still a good idea to give yourself lots of time to find your classes during the first couple of weeks. Take a virtual tour before your arrival to get a head start. |
12. Explore the City |
Lakehead Orillia
Below is a list of 10 great spots in Orillia accessible by bus from campus. Be sure to check them out and get to know your new home!
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13. See You on Campus! |
Congratulations! This marks the end of your online orientation. Thank you for taking the time to become familiar with some of Lakehead's important policies and student supports. We hope this has helped you feel prepared and excited - we can't wait to see you! Finally, don't forget to register for Welcome Week by clicking any of the "Sign Up Now!" buttons on this page! |