New academic year kicks off with a lineup of Orientation events

Niagara College is kicking off a new academic year with an increase in on-campus learning, services and activities for students this fall.

When classes begin on September 7, Niagara College expects to welcome close to 9,500 students, including more than 4,500 new students, as the College’s enrolment continues to trend toward pre-pandemic levels.

This fall, students will benefit from flexible course delivery as NC will continue to offer a mix of hybrid and in-person delivery that will vary by program. While the College saw a significant increase in on-campus learning during the spring, Fall 2022 term will see a greater increase that will bring NC closer to pre-pandemic operations.

Many key student support services will also continue to be available both in-person and virtually this fall – a list is available on NC’s Return to Campus website.

“It is tremendously exciting to be returning to campus this fall in a more fulsome way,” said College President Sean Kennedy. “We’re so pleased to offer our students a balance of the unique energy, engagement and experiential opportunities that our campuses provide, along with the benefit of flexible course delivery across our programs.”

Upgraded campus spaces

Students coming to campus this fall can look forward to updated spaces and facilities that will enhance their college experience.

Upgrades to the library at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake feature new and reconfigured spaces for independent and group study, a dedicated peer tutoring room and a remodelled Test Centre with adjustable standing desks for accessibility. The Tim Hortons – located outside of the library on the second floor – has also been renovated and is now a full-service kiosk.

At the Welland Campus, highlights include a newly completed space in the Learning Commons that consolidates all open access computers – 86 in total – into one area for students. The hub also includes an expanded ITS Help Desk, offering students a range of in-person technology supports and services.

Also in Welland, the School of Allied Health opened a new on-campus Massage Therapy Clinic in May. The Clinic provides a space for students enrolled in NC’s Massage Therapy program, which launched in September 2021, to practice their techniques in a safe, supervised learning environment. Students, employees and community members can book appointments by visiting niagaracollege.ca/alliedhealth/massageclinic/.

New programs

On the heels of launching its Supply Chain Management program this spring, the College will welcome its first class of Business Analytics and Social Media Management students this September.

The new programs, all of which are graduate certificate programs, are in step with current times and respond to an increasing demand for talented industry professionals.

Fall Orientation

The College’s Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership, International division and Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) have teamed up to provide incoming students with a robust line up of in-person and virtual orientation programming.

The offerings will also benefit returning students who may be experiencing Orientation in person for the first time.

“Orientation is important for all students to help set them up for success as they begin their studies in September,” said Director of Athletics and Student Engagement Michele O’Keefe. “Students are encouraged to participate in as many activities as possible to learn about making the most of college life at our campuses, to meet fellow Knights, and to connect with faculty and staff. We’re looking forward to meeting everyone during O-Week.”

“Student life is at the heart of what we do, and to see the return of more students on campus – the energy and excitement – is something NCSAC is really excited for,” said Sam Jemison, NCSAC President. “Frosh 2022 is about making memories, meeting those life-long friends, and starting the year off the right way. We’ve really focused on partnering with all corners of the College this year to truly define #NCTogether.”

While Orientation activities began earlier this summer with a slate of online and in-person information sessions, campus tours and student services fairs, the week of September 6 to 9 – “Orientation Week” – will see the return of several popular events, capping off seven weeks of programming.

Tuesday, September 6 – the day before most classes start – has been set aside for program and co-op information sessions. The sessions will run through the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be hosted both on-campus and online depending on a student’s program delivery.

Another highlight for Sept. 6 is a Welcome Knight Lawn Party, to be held at the Welland Campus from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students can enjoy lawn games, activities and free food, earn prizes and ‘NC cash’ and listen to music from local artist Gabe Bergsma. Free bussing will be available for students between campuses.

Orientation Week will also include a Vibin’ in the Vineyard event on Wednesday, September 7 (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.) at the NC Teaching Winery and free student BBQs (beginning at 12 p.m. while supplies last) on Thursday, September 8 at the Welland Campus and Friday, September 9 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus.

The NC Knights home opener varsity soccer games will close out the week on Friday, September 9 at 6 p.m. (women’s team) and 8 p.m. (men’s team). Students can cheer on NC’s student-athletes at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland, while enjoying prize draws and free food (with voucher) from Cucina A Go-Go food truck. Free bussing from both campuses will be available for students.

For the full Orientation schedule, and registration information for certain events, visit orientation.niagaracollege.ca.

Health and safety

Niagara College continues to actively monitor COVID-19 trends, and provincial public health guidance and directives. In line with government direction, the College’s mandatory masking and vaccination policies have been suspended. Masking is still encouraged on campus and continues to be required in some instructional spaces. Members of the college community are also encouraged to get vaccinated, stay up to date with boosters and stay home when feeling unwell. The College will adapt operations and on-campus policies as needed should conditions or government direction change.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Photos:

Orientation_students: Niagara College expects to welcome close to 9,500 students – including more than 4,500 new students – this fall.

Orientation_group: NC’s Fall Orientation programming helps set new and returning students up for success as they begin a new academic year. Pictured are orientation leaders at the Welland Campus in 2019.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-328-2532
jgreco@niagaracollege.ca

Michael Wales
Director, Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
mwales@niagaracollege.ca