Current Durham College students operate an information booth during the school's Get Prepared for September (GPS) initiative. GPS kicked off on July 31 and will continue throughout August, helping new Durham College students as they prepare to first year students in the fall.
Making the transition to college can be intimidating for some. That's why the Get Prepared for September (GPS) initiative is a welcome aid for Durham College-bound students.
GPS provides students with an opportunity to navigate through the steps of becoming a Durham College student. Students have the option of completing their college business by coming to campus, going online or through a combination of both.
"During the first two days, approximately 100 students came to the campus and an additional 680 students have registered for upcoming dates," said Krista Watson, student development co-ordinator, Durham College. "So far, the student feedback has been positive. They appreciate the customer service and the personal attention they are receiving from our staff and upper-year student volunteers."
Campus tours and orientation sessions, which are 45 minutes in length, run every Thursday and Friday, from July 31 to August 22. There are four daily GPS groups offered, giving students the option to attend in the morning or afternoon.
Students attending GPS can design their day by selecting exactly what they would like to experience. Throughout the day, students can pick up their campus identification card, purchase a parking pass, take a campus tour and attend the complimentary barbecue lunch. Students registered in a mobile learning program can also pick up their laptop.
There is also free time allotted for those who wish to complete personal college business or visit a specific service area.
For students unable to make the trip to the college's campus, GPS online provides them with the opportunity to plan their first year of college from the comfort of their own home, with the exception of picking up their campus identification card and laptop computer (for students in mobile learning programs).
GPS online allows students to virtually navigate through the campus and its services, including purchasing their parking pass, locker and books, arranging housing, paying their tuition, setting up their MyCampus account and registering for a mentor.
In addition to the GPS initiative, first-year students will have the opportunity to ask current Durham College students any questions they may have, by e-mailing the Ask Me I'm Orange program at askmeiamorange@durhamcollege.ca.
The new school year begins on Tuesday, September 2, with Orientation Week 2008 promising to give students a great start to the year both academically and socially.