Almost half of Niagara College’s students will be in their first year

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Published September 2, 2022 at 4:21 pm

Niagara College'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.

When Niagara College starts classes on their Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland campuses next Wednesday (September 7), the school expects to see a lot of fresh faces.

With close to 9,500 students registered, more than 4,500 are new students as the College’s enrolment continues to trend toward pre-pandemic levels.

Unlike the last two years, almost all of the interaction will be physically on the campuses.

“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 us closer to pre-pandemic operations,” says the school.

“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.”

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 the college’s Massage Therapy program, which launched in September 2021, to practice their techniques in a safe, supervised learning environment.

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

Due to the large online presence for the past two years, 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.”

Sam Jemison, Niagara College Student Administrative Council President, welcome back roper Orientation for students this school year

“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 Jemison.

“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.

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