Daily Bulletin

Countdown to orientation week

And what a framework: with 4,100 potential participants in orientation week, all faculty and residence orientation committees have carefully orchestrated activities that complement those of other groups. "FOC [Federation Orientation Committee] worked very collegially this year," says Woloshyn, "I think the frosh will notice a holistic approach." FOC is made up of about 40 students who are the senior volunteers coordinating all orientation activities -- throughout the week, they'll be identifiable in their bright yellow vests and black hats.

There will be campus tours all week long, complete with lots of cheering. "It's going to be a lot noisier on campus," says Woloshyn, "with cheering from 9 a.m. 'til the wee hours of the morning."

While each faculty and residence committee has its signature events for first-year students, there are four major events that bring all of the frosh together -- a concert, Monte Carlo night, a pep rally and the toga party.

Woloshyn says some things will be different about this year's week, as FOC and the rest of the orientation leaders have worked at overcoming some logistical challenges. For example, this year's orientation week concert will be held at the PAC, where all first-year students will be able to see the band Moist. Previous concerts have been for Village frosh only.

Monte Carlo night will attempt to make use of the entire Student Life Centre, including staging a coffee house outside in the courtyard. In addition, there will be some special guests at Monte Carlo night, thanks to skilled impersonators. "Marilyn Monroe and Austin Powers will be there!" exclaims Woloshyn.

The traditional pep rally will have a new twist: a 500-foot-long (152.4 metre) submarine sandwich, built and devoured by UW staff and students in a bid for a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

And this year's toga party will try to address noise concerns by moving to the centre of campus. It will be held on the BMH green rather than the Village green.

As of late last week, Woloshyn said pre-registration for orientation was at about 70 per cent -- right on track for her 90 per cent participation goal as the fun begins. She says UW's first-year student enrolment is about 600 fewer than last year, which poses another challenge to orientation. "We're trying to do the same programming we did last year on a smaller budget," she explains, but adds that FOC has done an admirable job of stretching the $45 registration fee of participants to ensure a quality week of activities.

Library lattés: Carpenter Trevor Bendo puts the finishing touches on the front counter at Browsers, the Dana Porter Library café slated to open later this week. The food services outlet will keep library hours, serving a selection of coffees, teas and other beverages, as well as take-out snacks such as sandwiches, salads, pastries and bulk candy. Adjacent to the coffee shop will be an array of seating featuring study, café, and lounge chairs. The venture is a response to student demands for "the Chapters feel" in the library, says Jeff Chalmers, food services assistant director.

Woloshyn urges faculty and staff to get out and have a look at some of the activities during the week, if they have the time. "These leaders have worked so hard," she says, "Most of them have taken a week off work to do this before they come back to school."

Distance program is called a success
-- reprinted from the annual report of the faculty of engineering

The third class started in September 1999 with 30 students, nearly double the size of the first class the year before. Many of the new students are employed at firms where others work, a sure sign of customer satisfaction. "I never hesitate to recommend it over conventional MBA programs for those in the engineering field," says Toronto student David Sullivan.

"This program is designed to help managers contribute to the competitiveness of their high-tech enterprises," says Paul Guild, the program's director, and holder of the university's chair in management of technological change. Most of the students enrolled in this on-line, part-time route to the MASc are engineers and scientists working in IT-based companies. Their employers see the $25,000 tuition fee as an investment, often underwriting all or part of the cost. (One of the university's first professional full-cost recovery programs, MoT@D receives no government subsidies.)

Busy students appreciate the program's flexibility. Students otherwise isolated from each other and the professor enjoy the lively interactive on-line tutorials featuring web-cam video images, live sound, and simultaneous keyboard input.

During 1999, MoT@D began admitting students from outside North America. "A great program, very relevant and very timely for my job" is the word that comes from Walker McBryde in Tokyo.

This extended reach can also make a difference for students already in the program, students like Mike Briscoe, who was offered the opportunity to work in Australia for several years starting early in 2000. "This would mean that I would be finishing my MASc while in Australia," he wrote. "Do you have a problem with my remote location from Waterloo for the distance learning?" Guild's reply: "No problem at all, Mike. That would make you our first Australian participant!"

Monday notes

The Graduate Students Association is planning a trip to Canada's Wonderland for September 9. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $25 at the Grad House. Questions about the trip may be directed to the GSA's vice-president (student affairs), Angela Kyveris.

And the Carousel Dance Centre is holding two open houses this week: August 29 and August 31 from 6 - 9 p.m. at East Campus Hall. Drop by to see what Carousel's dance program has to offer, or call ext. 3147 for more information.

Avvey Peters
alpeters@uwaterloo.ca

Editor of the Daily Bulletin: Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
credmond@uwaterloo.ca | (519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
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