7 Reasons to Attend New Student Welcome on September 7 (and 8)
New Student Welcome may be virtual this year, but don’t let that be a reason you don’t register and attend!
We’ve put together a schedule chock full of virtual tours, helpful workshops and panels, opportunities to meet other new students, and an introduction to your faculty, and we’ll wrap it all up with #ThisIsUVic Live, our opening celebration. We’re excited, and we’re pretty confident that you should be too.
Let’s get right to it. Here are 7 reasons why we think you should join us on the 7th (and 8th):
1. Learn about campus services and meet the people who are available to help
Many of the workshops during New Student Welcome will be delivered by staff who work in various campus departments, and who spend the year supporting students just like you.
Not only will you be able to take away their advice and tips for a successful first term, but you’ll also be able to put a face to the various services you may be accessing virtually all term. We’re a community full of people, not just technology!
2. Meet our mascot
We don’t want to give away too much here, but it just wouldn’t be orientation if our mascot, Thunder, didn’t join us to welcome you to the community. And he has a pretty special way of doing so this year!
3. Practice using the same tech platforms your classes will use
Many of the sessions during New Student Welcome will be delivered using Zoom or Microsoft Teams, two platforms you’ll likely be expected to use throughout the year in your classes. Think of attending New Student Welcome as a trial run for using those technologies.
On that note, make sure your UVic Zoom account is working (confirm you can log in to uvic.zoom.us), and make sure you activate Microsoft 365 prior to New Student Welcome so that you’ll have access to Microsoft Teams!
4. Find out the President’s favourite food on campus
Everyone has a favourite food on campus, and it turns out UVic President Jamie Cassels does too. Not only that, but he seems pretty adamant that absolutely nothing beats his choice. You’ll have to tune into #ThisIsUVic Live to find out what it is!
5. Meet your New Student Connect pod
New Student Welcome is your first chance to meet your New Student Connect pod! You’ll have a chance to connect in your Microsoft Teams team for the first time and start getting to know each other.
Your Engage Leader (EL) will be there to facilitate games and conversations, and answer any lingering questions that you have. This will be your chance to start building the community that you’ll be a part of all year!
6. Participate in the sessions you’re interested in
There won’t be any need to sit through sessions you have no interest in this year. You get to choose which workshops you want to attend!
If you want to get some insight on online learning, attend Get prepared for online learning. Interested in equity and advocacy? We have a panel just for you! Want to get a quick workout in? Join us for Rise and shine! Check out our full list of workshops so you can make your choices!
7. There’s no better way to start your UVic experience
There’s really no better way to start your UVic experience than by attending New Student Welcome. We’ll give you the information, advice, excitement and energy that you need to start off the semester strong.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our UVic community!
If you haven’t registered for New Student Welcome yet, visit www.uvic.ca/orientation to do so. What are you waiting for?
