Strong enrolment, refreshed campus spaces, and a social events calendar packed full of fun and welcoming orientation activities for students signal the start of a new academic year at Niagara College.
On September 4, the College will welcome more than 10,000 new and returning students to its campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. This year marks the largest increase in domestic enrolments since 2019. This is due in part to the new Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program launching in September and the associated pre-health streams. Ambitious plans will make it a year of growth and renewal at the College.
“Every fall, we look forward to welcoming new and returning students from across Canada and around the globe,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “With the support of our dedicated faculty, staff and NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), we’ll kick off this new academic year with tremendous momentum so our students have an exceptional start to their college experience.”
For many, that experience will start on Labour Day weekend, when hundreds of students will move into campus residences.
Between Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, a full complement of 232 students will move into residence at the Welland Campus, while between 200 and 218 students (full capacity) will move into residence at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Residence Life Staff from the College will be on hand to help students get settled into their home-away-from home on campus.
Fall Orientation
The Athletics and Student Engagement departments and International Division have been preparing all summer for the start of classes on Sept. 4, beginning with virtual pre-orientation sessions throughout the month of August, where students could get information about timetable selection, student services and communications tools.
In the summer, NC employees travelled to India to host in-person pre-departure sessions for incoming Fall semester students. Pre-departure sessions were also offered virtually for international students, providing them with an opportunity to gather information to prepare themselves for their studies at NC and life in Canada. Between the two sessions, more than 1,300 students participated.
During KickSTART Prep Week, Aug. 19-30, students had a chance to tour their campus, pick up their ID card, and visit the Bookstore ahead of the start of the Fall semester.
“This is one of the most exciting and inspiring times of the year: The halls are full of people pursuing their dreams and greatest aspirations, and knowing we can play a huge part in that journey is simply incredible,” said NCSAC President Dipal Patel. “September is often – for many students – their first-time experiencing college life. This comes with so many firsts… and we like to think of ourselves as a student’s best friend on campus helping them through all those firsts.”
Orientation Day will take place on Sept. 3 at the Welland and Daniel J. Patterson Campuses. Program Information Sessions and Co-op Information Sessions for every program have been scheduled and will provide an opportunity for students to meet faculty and classmates from their program, review their courses, and ask questions. All sessions are listed on NC’s Orientation website. Information booths for international students will be set up at both campuses and at the NCSAC Carnival in Welland.
Weeks of social events will fill the month of September in collaboration between the Athletics and Student Engagement department, International Division and NCSAC.
Among this year’s Orientation activities:
- NCSAC Carnival (Welland): This flagship event is back on Sept. 3 from 2 to 7 p.m. on the front field at the Welland Campus and will feature a Ferris wheel, carnival rides, inflatables, a vendor fair, free food for students and more. Free, direct shuttles will run from the Daniel J. Patterson Campus to the Welland Campus at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- NC Knights Soccer Home Opener (off-campus): The season officially begins for the Knights Women’s and Men’s soccer teams on Sept. 6 at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland. Students can cheer on the women’s team starting at 6 p.m. and the men’s team at 8 p.m.;
- Niagara Falls Boat Trip (off-campus): Students can see Niagara Falls up close and personal on a Niagara City Cruise ride (Sept. 7, all day);
- Friendship Social: Fun activities and prizes await students at the Welland Campus Wellness Lounge on Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus Wellness Lounge on Sept. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
- International Coffee Corners: Two are scheduled at each Campus on Sept. 17 and 19 – one with information about fraud prevention, and the other focusing on Library Services for Academic Success.
A full list of events for September and beyond is available on the Orientation social events calendar.
What’s new at NC
As the Fall semester kicks off, students can look forward to working in expanded academic and student gathering spaces; a number of revitalization projects to renovate and improve NC’s campuses will continue throughout the year. This includes renovations to classrooms and student gathering spaces, as well as expansions to academic labs including, hair styling, renewable energy program, and more.
September also marks the start of the College’s new Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program. With an inaugural intake of 45 students, the program was introduced to expand options for students in nursing education and help meet the urgent demand for more registered nurses in Niagara and beyond.
The program will have a strong clinical focus supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs and placement partnerships. Combining theory and practice, the BScN program will prepare students for careers in the nursing field or further study at the graduate level. It was designed with an emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusivity, and holistic care for aging adults, young children, young families and underserved populations, including those living in rural areas and those impacted by mental health and chronic health challenges.
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