August 31, 2006 Source: :
http://newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca/news.php?id=4765 Orientation week offers balanced introduction to university life WATERLOO, Ont. (Aug 21, 2006) -- More than 1,000 volunteer leaders will welcome five times as many first-year students when the University of Waterloo begins a new academic year on Monday. Close to 5,000 new students will begin their careers in higher education with a week of activities designed to help them make a successful transition from high school to university. Orientation week helps first-year students begin the sometimes- difficult transition from high-school studies to university learning. The five-day program, which officially begins on Monday, Sept. 4, offers a balanced mix of academic information and social activities. While most activities are designed for students in particular faculties or departments and residences or colleges, several target all first-year students. All are encouraged to attend one of several showings of Single and Sexy, a play that raises issues ranging from sex to social responsibility, and most will write an English language proficiency exam. Other campus-wide events include a Monte Carlo semi- formal and an evening of improvisational comedy. "Our goal during orientation week is to introduce first-year students to a range of new things, academic or otherwise, that will help them as they adjust to a new environment, new expectations -- in many ways a whole new world," said Heather FitzGerald, UW director, student life. "It’s also an opportunity for the university and its federation of students to showcase their services. And it’s a tremendous leadership experience for the more than 1,000 leaders." While the leaders will help students move into residence on Sunday and Monday, most of their real work begins Monday afternoon when orientation activities officially get underway. An afternoon of games will allow students to meet and mingle with their residence or off- campus ‘roommates’. Students will gather from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to participate in team-building activities on the Village Green. Tuesday is largely an academic day. Students will meet their faculty deans and/or other members of their faculties and departments. They will also tour campus and learn about the range of services, from athletics to counselling, at their disposal. The day finishes with a village variety night, with movies and live performers at various locations across campus, beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday offer a mix of planned events and free time. Students can use the latter to finalize schedules, purchase textbooks, set-up computer accounts, pick up financial documents and decorate residence rooms. Faculties and departments will offer program-specific information sessions. Thursday’s big event is Monte Carlo Night, starting at 8 p.m. in the student life centre and physical activities centre. Friday offers students an opportunity to settle in with their residence or program peers. Each faculty is planning social events for Friday evening. Environmental studies, for example, will hold an Amazing Race event that has students crisscrossing campus, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday offers students an opportunity to show their Warrior spirit during Black & Gold Day. Carnival games, involving large ‘inflatables’, run from noon to 4 p.m. Students can cheer on the Warrior men’s rugby team, when it kicks off against Toronto at 1 p.m. on the Columbia Lake ice fields. A special program organized by off-campus dons is offered to students living off campus but still need to meet people and build community. Information on all events, on or off campus, can be found at www.orientation.uwaterloo.ca
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