A successful start to a year of firsts

by Jodi Szimanski, Student Success Office

Almost 2,000 first-year students entered the PAC on Friday for FYE: Waterloo on Friday, September 7, an Orientation Week event organized by the Student Success Office (SSO). Upon entry, each student received a passport for the day and a “W” pin in the very same place where they’ll receive their diploma when they graduate. Associate Provost, Students, Chris Read kicked off with this statement: “We already know who the most successful students are – they’re here this morning.” He continued to tell that students that “It’s not what you know, it’s who you are that will make you successful.”

Read touched on the importance of connections in his opening remarks, as did Andrew Noble, president of the Federation of Students. Noble started his welcome with a rendition of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air rap to introduce his tips for success:

• Learn how to cook, clean and organize.
• Save money when you can.
• Find study buddies in your program.
• Connect with other students outside your bubble.
• Prioritize your time.

Andy Thibodeau then took the stage letting students know that he was simply one of them, just a few years later. From photos of his high school years sporting the “flow” (otherwise known as a mullet), to showing off 80s dance moves like the sprinkler to getting everyone on their feet clapping a rhythm, Thibodeau had the audience in stitches. (You can see Andy again on October 18^th when he returns as part of the SSO Your First 6 Weeks program.)

Outside of BMH, Orientation leaders chanted to convince students to take the subs they were handing out (I think turkey and cheese won). After lunch, first-year students filed back into the PAC for James Cunningham’s Funny Money. A comedian, and the host of the Food Network’s Eat Street, Cunningham shared valuable money tips with humour. He even handed out cash to students just for answering questions and volunteering. He had three tips to help students with their finances and wean themselves off the bank of mom and dad:

• Know your flow.
• Control what you owe.
• Invest some dough.

With a final dance contest between six audience members, Cunningham helped the winner start investing with a $100 cash prize.

The day closed off with three rotating workshops by Counselling Services, Success Coaches and Organizational and Human Development – all based on helping students succeed and understand what resources are available to them. After students attended all the sessions, they submitted their stamped passports to receive a Waterloo USB key full of resources and handouts and the SSO entered their name into the draw for the grand prize of $500 towards their winter term tuition.

First-year students who attended: be sure to check your emails on Wednesday to see if you won.

Photograph by Jodi Szimanski.

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Knock knock knockin' on student doors

On Monday evening, volunteers from the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University took part in the Door-Knocker Program organized by Waterloo Regional Police Services. This was the first year that volunteers from uWaterloo’s Student Service departments, including Housing and Residences and the Student Success Office, as well as the Federation of Students, took part in the program to welcome students into the community.

The majority of houses visited were student households.

"Overall, the intention of the universities being involved is to emphasize the support available to students living in the community – we’re here to help students navigate their off-campus experience," writes Ryan King, co-ordinator, Off-Campus Living and Neighbourhood Relations. "For permanent residents living near campus, we want to instill the message of students being good neighbours and active community members."

"Thanks again to all the volunteers who gave their time," concludes King.

For more information about uWaterloo’s Off-Campus Housing program please visit the Off-Campus Housing website.

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Wednesday's notes

Feds Welcome Week 2012 continues today with a free poutine-soaked Carnival on the BMH Green.

The Student Life Centre will be throwing its doors open just a little wider than usual today for its Open House event. All businesses, services, and offices will be on hand in the Great Hall. "It is a great opportunity for new students to learn about what is inside the SLC," writes SLC Operations Manager Scott Pearson.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg Lloyd Axworthy will be delivering the 2012 Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Service Lecture on Thursday, November 15 in the Humanities Theatre. Admission is free but registration is required. The annual lecture is co-hosted by St. Paul's University College. Axworthy will deliver a talk entitled "Indigenous Peoples and the Search for Human Security." For more information email Stephen Loo, advancement co-ordinator, or call 519-885-1460, ext. 218.

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