Brock summer orientation aims to assist new students
Brock University says students can get the most out of their university experience by participating in orientation programs this summer.
“I didn’t do any of the summer orientation programs and because of that my first year was tougher,” Kailene Jackson, a fourth-year political science and sociology student, said in a news release.
“I just went to class and then went home. I now know how differently it could have gone if I put myself out there and got more involved before classes started.”
The 20-year-old St. Catharines resident is now serving as the events and programs assistant in the Student Life and Community Experience department.
“I just want to tell students to take the first step,” Jackson said. “We want them to succeed and LEAP can help them get ahead before they arrive here in the fall.”
As part of LEAP, new students can stay at Brock overnight and participate in campuswide activities, including seminars and workshops and a community outreach experience. The program gives students a chance to familiarize themselves with both Brock and St. Catharines.
Second-year concurrent education student Lia Strazzeri said LEAP helped her transition into life at Brock.
“I was nervous to come into Brock for the first time,” she said in a release. “But LEAP offered a lot of resources to help me feel more comfortable, especially being able to stay in residence for a night.”
Sheena Erhardt, the student transitions co-ordinator for Brock’s Student Life and Community Experience department, said LEAP gives new students a chance to make friends even before classes start. She also said the program allows students to “test drive” the university’s services.
“By connecting with upperyear students, they’re able to get a better understanding of how to make the most of their Brock experience.”
LEAP sessions begin today and run until Aug. 23. Visit the LEAP website for more details.