Asheley Cowie, coordinator of orientation and transition in the University’s Student Affairs team (University of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

New student orientation goes virtual at the U of L

Aug 29, 2020 | 8:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge is preparing to welcome new students to school.

Over 1,990 new learner will be joining the U of L family this fall. The usual in-person new student orientation (NSO) has been moved to an online format.

“New Student Orientation has always been a crucial first step for new students because it lays the foundation for their engagement with campus and their learning,” said Asheley Cowie, coordinator of orientation and transition in the University’s Student Affairs team.

“NSO is a chance for students to learn how things work at uLethbridge, meet faculty and staff and other new students.”

NSO 2020 will run from August 31 to September 8. The orientation was kickstarted with the delivery of welcome boxes that began arriving at students’ residences earlier this week.

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The boxes are similar to the Kodiak Kits from Lethbridge College.

READ MORE: New students at Lethbridge College receiving ‘Kodiak Kits’

• Fall 2020-specific student services and support department resources
• Commencement coin and page
• Faculty-specific information and giveaways
• NSO giveaways
• U of L ID card (if submitted)

Current students who are a part of Asheley Cowie’s transition team helped design and build the welcome packages.

“In my first year, NSO provided me with my first true sense of belonging at the U of L,” said Courtney Derksen, a fourth-year science student and current student mentor on the team.

“Attending the sessions and meeting staff and students helped me feel more confident in beginning my university experience. I hope students who receive a box feel the connection and support that I did when I attended [new student orientation].”

Inside one of the welcome boxes (University of Lethbridge)

The virtual orientation experience will take place through an official webpage.

Once signed in, students can learn all about the available student services to make their first year as comfortable as possible.

“Starting university is a huge transition for all new students, but it is fair to say starting university from home during a global pandemic creates additional stressors,” stated Cowie.

“We want students to know we created this NSO understanding they are uncertain and hopefully our support will help them get the best possible start. New students normally have a lot of questions, and this year will not be an exception, so we want to ease as many concerns and provide as much support as we can from day one.”

Student mentors, staff and individual faculty members are also available to new students through virtual sessions scheduled throughout the week. The online sessions cover everything from how to order and pick up textbooks, student life in Lethbridge, tutoring and working on campus opportunities, to individual faculty meet and greets and more.