Lakehead’s Fall Orientation helps students make transition to university

Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Action-packed, informative and fun experiences await students participating in Lakehead University’s Fall Orientation.

Thunderwolves Howl! 2014, which will be from Thursday, Sept. 4 until Wednesday, Sept. 10, is focused on helping students make a successful transition to Lakehead University. Faculty and staff at Lakehead look forward to welcoming new undergraduate students and their families to the Thunder Bay campus.

Events and activities cater to varied student populations including students entering from high school, college/university transfer, international, Aboriginal and mature students.

“All of our programming is focused on engaging students in the University experience and assisting them in their transition to university life and the academic community,” said Marian Ryks-Szelekovszky, Vice-Provost, Student Affairs.

“We want students to find their place at Lakehead, to feel a part of the Lakehead community, and we want to provide them with the information and strategies to facilitate their success at university,” Ryks-Szelekovszky said.

“We want to provide students with the tools and resources to help them succeed,” said Robert Perrier, Director, Student Success Centre. “The 2014 Orientation will prepare students for university by introducing them to their classmates and professors, and ensuring they are aware of the many services and supports available to them.”

Organized jointly by the Student Success Centre, Residence & Conference Services, and the Lakehead University Student Union, the Thunderwolves Howl! 2014 Orientation runs from Thursday, Sept. 4 until Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Media are invited to do interviews about orientation on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 2:30 pm in the Agora. Media may also attend any of the activities listed below:

Thursday, Sept. 4

  • Starting at 9 am: It's Residence Move-in Day!
  • 10 am-3:30 pm: All new students can pick up their Orientation T-shirts and Welcome Bags, take campus tours, and sign up for LUSU day-trips in the Agora.
  • Residence students will participate in their “Biggest Event Ever” at 7 pm at the Residence Field, and the entire university community is invited to join in the annual Outdoor Movie at dusk.

Friday, Sept. 5

Whether they are living on- or off-campus, all new students at Lakehead participate in The BIG ORIENTATION DAY, which is also for family and friends so don’t miss out on this!

  • 7:30 am: Breakfast in the Residence Cafeteria.
  • Noon: Barbecue lunch overlooking Lake Tamblyn beneath the President’s balcony.
  • 3:30-4 pm: Opening commencement in the Hangar.
  • 5:45-7 pm: Everyone celebrates in style at The President's Dinner - an honoured annual tradition hosted by Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead's President & Vice-Chancellor in the Residence and Main Cafeterias.
  • 7:30-11:30 pm: The BIG ORIENTATION DAY kicks into high gear after dinner with the Monte Carlo night in the Agora (7:30 pm), the Tailgate Party in the Outpost (8:30 pm), and the ultimate pep rally at Varsity Madness at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (Thunderdome) (9:30 pm).

Saturday, Sept. 6

  • The Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) has planned several fun and exciting Day-Trips
  • Some activities include hiking the Sleeping Giant, visiting Kakabeka Falls, Frisbee Golf Mini Tournament, biking in Centennial Park, bus tours of the City of Thunder Bay, paintball.
  • LUSU is also planning a Sailing Adventure for Parents and Mature Students.
  • More information will be available at the LUSU Information Table in the Agora on Thursday, Sept. 4 and Friday, Sept. 5, or by calling 343-8259.
  • 12-5 pm: Maadaadizi Post-Secondary Aboriginal Student Orientation at Marina Park. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

Sunday, Sept. 7

  • This is one of Residence Life’s main orientation days
  • Residence students will compete with their houses in the Residence Mini-Olympics, take part in Rez Talk, and prepare their rooms and houses for the upcoming school year.

Monday, September 8

  • It’s the First Day of Classes!
  • 9 am-3 pm: The Agora will be bustling with the Student Services Fair occurring. New and returning students can learn more about the various student supports and services available on campus.

Tuesday, Sept. 9

  • 10 am-3:30 pm: It's time for Lakehead's community and retail friends to visit the campus for Vendor's Fair 2014 in the Agora. Learn more about services and opportunities within the Lakehead community, often with special promotions exclusively for students.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

  • 8-10:30 am: The Mature Student Coffee House will bring together mature learners in a welcoming setting in the Study. Students will have a chance to mix and mingle with fellow mature learners, as well as connect with student support services at Lakehead.
  • 3-7 pm: The Student Success Centre (SSC) will host an Open House throughout the afternoon in the Centre. Students can drop by to learn more about the SSC’s services.

 

 

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education.  Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community.  About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education and Graduate Studies. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1st in Ontario and 2nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource).  Visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca.