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Summer Orientation Program 2009

BY ELIZABETH LEAL, FYEO STUDENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Attention incoming first year students!

The First Year Experience Office (FYEO) has developed the Summer Orientation Program to help first year students with the transition into academic life at McMaster. The dates of the Summer Orientation Program are June 26, June 30, July 2, July 3 and July 6-9 2009. When you come to the days you will get a folder full of items that will be useful for you and your family in your first year, including our Student Success Guide, Parent Calendar, and some other resources to make your transition into University smooth and successful.

Our office works together with various departments in order to offer students an abundance of information from various McMaster services. We also coordinator with facilities in order to provide students with information on what programs they are going into and what classes they should be taking. Below is a quick summary of all the FYEO programs, but for more information feel free to visit our website at http://fye.mcmaster.ca

Academic Success Series
Dr. Joseph Kim, the first year psychology professor and his team will be delivering this session. This program explains how expectations in the university classroom differ greatly from those of secondary school. The session teaches different learning strategies that will help you in your first year. In addition, it explains how classes in university work. Finally, the session encourages new students that they can complete their first year successfully, and acknowledges that although they may be overwhelmed that if they persevere they will complete them.

Creating a Life Map: Setting the Direction for First Year Session
The Life Map session introduces an online goal setting activity for students to do voluntarily at their leisure over the summer. This session will introduce the concept of how to set goals and determine the direction the students wish to take in their first year and onwards.

Experience Your Degree: Career Services
At McMaster, you will be presented with many opportunities to experience your degree outside of the classroom. During this session you will have the opportunity to listen and ask questions of Career Services' staff and senior students who share the positive outcomes that resulted when they were open to the opportunities that surrounded them. Come and learn how a willingness to experiment, try new things and perhaps make a few mistakes - can positively impact how you experience your degree.

Inspirational Video Session
Dr. Nick Bontis is an award-winning and tenured professor of strategic management in the faculty of Commerce. He is starring in a video that has been designed to deliver the following three messages: strong academic skills, live a balanced lifestyle, and making friends. The video lists various services and important tidbits about McMaster as well!

Transitional Activity!
The transition activity is a fun filled, interactive and informative session that students will be taking part in. Students will be placed within groups and will have to locate various clues and visit various McMaster locations in order to do so. The winning team is rewarded with an awesome prize and this activity is a great way for students to learn about and located various important McMaster offices and services.

Parent Program
FYEO has designed a program especially for parents during the Easy Summer Orientation Program. It covers the common transitional issues that parents may face while their children are attending university.

Faculty Sessions
Each faculty is offering their own academic counseling sessions that will help you in choosing the right courses to fulfill your degree requirements. This is what is known as the academic component. After receiving information on what courses you will need to complete your degree, you have the option of going into a computer lab on campus and accessing SOLAR, McMaster’s online course selection program.

Although attendance for these days is not mandatory, it is highly suggested that you attend! Parking is free, as is your participation throughout the day.

Do you still have questions about the Summer Orientation Program please email the FYEO at [email protected]

Are you an upper year student and want to volunteer for these days?
You can send an e-mail to [email protected] ter.ca to get more information.