Yukon College Opens Its Doors for Student Orientation

Yukon College will welcome students for the new school year during Student Orientation September 8th � 18th. Student Orientation Coordinator, Kieran Slobodin has organized events to help students transition into college life including, school tours, a barbeque and a pie-eating contest on the first day of school.

Orientation events are another way the College supports an active student life, where students can learn, meet, socialize and engage in healthy activities.“These events help to create a welcoming atmosphere for students, especially those coming from outside of Whitehorse,” Slobodin says. “It gives students a chance to develop friendships early on in the school year.”

On September 8th Yukon College will host speakers including, Yukon Senator, Dan Lang; Education Minister, Patrick Rouble; Mayor, Bev Buckway; President of Yukon College, Terry Weninger and Yukon College Chancellor, Rolf Hougen. They will give their welcoming remarks beginning at 9 a.m. in the Pit.
The first week of orientation continues with a First Nations feast and Dene Games on September 9th, giving students and staff an opportunity to participate in some great cultural events.
Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) will give an alcohol awareness presentation on September 10th, which will include a driver simulation and Alcohol and Drug Services will be serving up some delicious ‘mocktails.’

On September 11th students new to Whitehorse will have the opportunity to take a tour of the downtown core on a bus provided by the City of Whitehorse.
In the second week of orientation, there will be gym sports, a pizza lunch and a talk on H1N1 in the Pit.
Students can also keep entertained with a movie night at the Arts Centre and a family barbeque.
Director of Student Services, Colleen Wirth, says research shows that student engagement in college life is a strong contributor to student academic success and orientation is the opportune time to make those connections.

In addition to the orientation events, the College will be promoting the photography, outdoors and arts and craft clubs as well as student job opportunities and community volunteer opportunities.
Student Orientation wraps up on September 18th with a concert in the gym.