STUDENT LIFE
The first year at college is a time of excitement, anticipation and transition. The Student Life office strives to ensure that students are offered the best supports for a smooth transition throughout the entire year. The first-year student web pages offers students one location to access information about orientation, student resources and campus services, the first-year student experience and student life. The parents and families resource section features information to assist family members with becoming supportive partners in their student's education.
SUMMER ORIENTATION PROGRAMMING
The Student Life office is very excited about the launch of our expanded orientation programming for 2008. This year, orientation starts in the summer. First-year students are able to start their transition to college life through the Get Prepared for September (GPS) summer orientation program. For the first time ever, first-year students will have the opportunity to design their own summer orientation experience. GPS provides students with an opportunity to navigate through the steps of becoming a Durham College student on their terms. Students have the option of completing their college business by coming to campus, going online or through a combination of both. There are several GPS days scheduled from late July to mid August. Students can select the day that works best for them, the sessions they will attend and the services that they will visit. GPS online provides students with the opportunity to virtually navigate through the steps of becoming a Durham College student with two exceptions: Campus Identification Cards and for students in the Mobile Learning programs, laptop computers must be picked up in person. For more information, click
here.
STAFF TO STUDENT MENTORING PROGRAM
In support of the college mission the student experience comes first at Durham College, the Student Life office offers a Staff to Student Mentoring program for first-year students. The Staff to Student Mentoring program eases the academic and social transition for new students by matching them with a supportive staff person who is knowledgeable about Durham College, its services and activities. Students will be paired with a mentor who will offer support to students throughout the first year of college, assist students with developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encourage student engagement in campus activities, help students connect with campus services and assist students in having a positive college experience. Interested staff members and students can register online.
To learn more about what this role entails and how to apply to become a mentor, click
here.
FALL ORIENTATION PROGRAMMING
Fall Orientation begins on the Tuesday after Labour Day with a variety of fun activities and informative sessions planned to assist students with the transition to post-secondary education and help them adjust to their new environment. Watch your e-mail to learn about how to plan an engaging and effective program orientation for your first-year students!
Students are encouraged to participate in Student Life programs on campus which promote intellectual growth and the development and integrity of the whole person. The Student Life office connects students to existing campus opportunities and assists students in developing new initiatives. Staff liaise with the Student Association, Student Centre, residence, student clubs, academic units and all Student Services to enhance student satisfaction. Students should visit the Student Life office if they wish to investigate available services on campus or want to become involved with their campus community. Information on the fall orientation schedule can be found by clicking
here.
CO-CURRICULAR RECOGNITION PROGRAM
The Student Life office also offers Durham College students a unique and cutting-edge Co-curricular Recognition Program though MyCampus to support and recognize student participation and leadership in campus activities. Through this program, students can analyze and evaluate the skills gained through their participation in campus activities and use this document to augment their resumes and portfolios. Also incorporated in the program is a system to track the level of leadership a student has demonstrated. Students involved in leadership roles on campus will then be eligible for various Student Leadership Awards as a way of recognizing their valuable contributions. Be sure to check the Student Life
website and MyCampus for details.
Oshawa Campus, Gordon Willey Building, B205
Telephone: 905.721.2000
Fax: 905.721.3112
E-mail: studentlife@dc-uoit.ca
Web:
www.durhamcollege.ca/studentlife
Contacts
Tara Blackburn, Director ext. 2428
Lucy Romao Vandepol / Melissa Bosomworth, First-Year Experience Co-ordinator ext. 2103
Krista Watson, Student Development Co-ordinator ext. 2616
