Orientation | Academic Newsletter | Seneca Polytechnic

by Christine Blake and Karen Del Monte, Student Services

in the Spring 2017 issue

Service areas across the College have been working hard to organize orientation activities and workshops (which started on May 8) to welcome our new students.

The projected intake numbers (by campus) for this semester are explained in the table below:

Projected Intake by Campus – Semester 2174

The College’s orientation website was redesigned last fall to ensure that all of the information new students require could be found in one place. It contains a calendar of events, a services guide, FAQs, directional information, and a link to the International Student orientation page. In January, a new Program Orientation tab was added so that students could access program-specific orientation information as well. Usage of this website has steadily increased.

Results from an orientation survey administered to students in January indicate that students felt warmly welcomed when they arrived at the college, and that their overall orientation experience was positive.

Responses to the statement “Overall, my Orientation experience was positive”:

In open-ended questions, students stressed the need for good communication between the college and students as well as interdepartmentally.

Responses to the statement “I learned about the following in my classes during the first two weeks of the semester (Select all that apply)”:

Planning has already begun for the Fall 2017 orientation, and both students and employees will be invited to participate as ambassadors to help welcome a much larger intake of students. Participation of the academic areas will be key, as students are consistently indicating an eagerness to communicate with staff and faculty from their programs to help them make the challenging transition from high school to college.

Some student quotes from the survey:

“Tell us orientation day and our advisor’s location as soon as possible.”

“I would've liked to know more about studying habits, how to conquer first semester, as it is a big transition from high school or work life.”

“Give better expectations and respond to emails more for any concerns or comments.”

“Seneca's Orientation was great! Thanks!”

View the Spring 2017 issue of the Academic Newsletter.