With the 2016-2017 academic year about to kick off, Durham College (DC) is busy getting ready to welcome more than 5,600 first-year students to campus during its annual Orientation Week, which runs from September 1 to Friday, September 9.

Designed to help new students acclimatize to college life, meet college employees, explore student services (many of which are open extended hours) and most of all, enjoy the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses, Orientation Week also provides students with an opportunity to learn about program expectations as well as student clubs and societies, all while making new friendships.

“At Durham College, Orientation Week is a very important time of year for new and returning students,” says Kirsti McNabney, student orientation and transitions co-ordinator, Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions. “Our programming helps students get comfortable around campus as it will be their new home away from home for the next couple of years. It’s also a fun way for everyone to gear-up for new and continuing studies while learning DC traditions, values and culture – before their first day of classes.” 

Activities include: International Student Orientation, Program Orientation, Fun Fair, Fieldhouse Yoga, Opening Prayer/Smudge, Cedar Tea and Bannock, Campus Cup Pep rally and game play, Whitby Campus Welcome BBQ, Drive-in Movie, #makeyourbedday, and mature learner workshops with more details available on the college’s orientation website.