Niagara University in Ontario, Vaughan Campus, welcomed approximately 184 new students from across all programs during its inaugural joint orientation, held Aug. 26–28. The three-day experience brought students, faculty, and staff together to build community, share important resources, and help new students begin their Niagara University journey with confidence.
The orientation was led by LeChelle Saunders, director of student experience and success, and Dr. Carol Doyle-Jones, associate dean and associate arofessor in the College of Education, with support from colleagues across both the Vaughan and Lewiston campuses.
Day One: Building Connections and Community
The first day of orientation was open to all students and began with an opening smudging ceremony led by Robert Cutting, who is of Kanienkeha’ka ancestry.
Smudging is a tradition practiced by many Indigenous Peoples and can represent cleansing, renewal, and the beginning of a new chapter. Its inclusion in the orientation program offered students a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the start of a new academic year and the journey ahead.
Students then participated in an information session led by colleagues from across both campuses. Sessions covered a range of topics, including finances, student records, academic supports and services, student supports and services, and campus operations, ensuring students had access to the information and resources they need to succeed.
The afternoon focused on academic program sessions and faculty meet-and-greets. These smaller gatherings gave students the opportunity to connect with faculty and peers, learn more about their programs, and begin developing relationships within their academic communities.
Day Two: Supporting Our International and Newcomer Students
Day two focused on international and newcomer students, providing valuable information to help students navigate their transition to life and studies in Canada.
The day featured sessions on Canadian immigration, insights into life in Canada, and a workshop on completing mandatory student forms. Together, these sessions provided students with practical resources and an opportunity to ask questions as they begin this exciting new chapter.
Day Three: Community Beyond the Classroom
The orientation experience concluded with NUO’s third annual trip to the Toronto Islands. Students and staff spent the day connecting, socializing, and getting to know members of their Niagara community while enjoying the outdoors and beautiful surroundings.
The trip offered a relaxed and welcoming way for students to build connections beyond the classroom and continue developing the sense of community established throughout orientation.
A Community Effort
As Saunders and Doyle-Jones noted, the success of this event would not have been possible without the many faculty and administrative colleagues across both campuses who contributed their time, expertise, and support.
A special thank you to everyone who helped make this inaugural joint orientation a success. Your collaboration and commitment helped create a welcoming experience for our newest students and set the stage for a strong start to the academic year.
We look forward to continuing to collaborate as a community and to supporting our students throughout their Niagara University journey.
