As the number of students who enroll at Niagara University in Ontario increases, so does the university’s commitment to providing them the comprehensive support and career services they need to successfully achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. LeChelle Saunders, manager of student services and international student advising, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, is leading efforts to help students build connections.
“Student Services spearheads a variety of events and initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and community across our campus,” said Saunders. “Our goal is to ensure that every student not only feels genuinely welcomed, accepted, and valued within our community, but also feels empowered to cultivate academic, personal, and professional relationships throughout their journey at the university and beyond. As we continuously improve our services, our office remains committed to ensuring that our students thrive through change.”
Saunders, who joined NU in Ontario in November 2023, hit the ground running with an end-of-term glow bowling night for graduate students. Since then, the office has hosted a Tote & Paint Lunar New Year event, during which participants learned about the Lunar New Year and created artwork based on that theme or their own personal interests; a Valentine’s Day celebration in collaboration with the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) Student Council; and a snow tubing excursion to Snow Valley Ski Resort. A Black Students Community Mixer is planned for Feb. 23.
Saunders also collaborated with the university’s MBA program and Dr Galina Boiarintseva, assistant professor of management, to host an Open Speaker Series to support student career development. William E. Donald, associate professor at the University of South Hampton Business School, presented “Bridging the University-Employer Divide” on Jan. 27; Jane Albright, chief human resources officer at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, discussed developing organizational leaders on Feb. 3; and Michael Genova, chief, communications and economic development for the City of Vaughan, talked about “Attraction and Recruitment in the Post COVID-19 Era” on Feb. 10.
