September 6, 2005 Source: Trinity Western University:
http://www.twu.ca/news/view-specific.aspx?newsID=432 The Amazing Race back to University Decked out in their legendary blue or red Hawaiian shirts, Trinity Western University's 45 student life staff and 72 student leaders are welcoming and familiarizing the 700 first-year and transfer students to the University during TWU's annual Orientation Week (also known as “O-week”). Since September 4, the campus has been buzzing with live music, soccer matches, free caricature drawing, chill-out lounges and campus tours every 15 minutes. New students have been learning how they can be part of campus life through educational opportunities at TWU both in and out of classroom. There are also orientation sessions geared for international, U.S., transfers or mature students—as well as for parents. Classes begin Thursday September 8 and O-week officially concludes September 10. This year O-week incorporates a special twist. The new students kicked off the week with TWU's “The Amazing Race,” a real life spin on the popular reality TV series. The teams consist of the students' Connection Group, a group of 10 to 12 first year students and one student leader, who meet once every two weeks as part of their University 101 class. The contest ends September 7 at Ikea, where the students will be given a surprise challenge and will be required to build something inside the store. “What we're trying to do through O-week is introduce the students to living in community,” says Cathy Chapplow, director of the first year experience. “This involves ownership, membership, friendship, partnership and service. Through this sort of participation they're getting to know each other and developing friendships while familiarizing themselves with campus.” And despite the fact that orientation participation is not mandatory, 85 percent of new students get involved. In fact, the results of TWU's orientation initiatives have been so positive that other schools are learning from it and applying it. “We've set the bar high for orientation,” says Chapplow, who has presented TWU's first year orientation methodology and results to universities across North America. “Other schools have indicated that they would love to do what we do.” Orientation isn't the only place where TWU sets the bar. Each year, the Canadian Undergraduate Survey Consortium surveys students from University's across Canada to determine how well their University is meeting the needs of students. TWU students have consistently ranked their university above the rest in virtually all areas of satisfaction among students. And no doubt a solid orientation for new students helps put them on the path for academic success. For the full O-week schedule visit: www.twu.ca/life/experience/oweek or www.twu.ca University Communications
DeVonne Friesen, Executive Director
devonnef@twu.ca
604.513.2027 Keela Keeping
Media Relations Specialist
keela.keeping@twu.ca
513.2027 ext. 3369
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