New Student Orientation
Welcome to Fall 2023 NSO!
What is New Student Orientation (NSO)?
Starting university means big changes and lots of questions! NSO is a great way to learn about important student services, help you understand who to ask for supports both in your courses and out, and teach you about the academic expectations of being a first year student. We want to support you in knowing what you’re experiencing as you begin and continue as a first-year ULethbridge student is normal, and it is manageable. We also want you to know that sometimes, we all need a little help, and we have resources and supports here on campus for you!
For NSO 2023, you'll be in groups with other students in your program major and faculty so you can begin to meet some of the students you'll be learning with this semester! You'll have the chance to tour campus, with special focus on buildings and classrooms where you'll be doing your learning, and don't bring a lunch, it's on us! You'll have the chance to not only start to build friendships with students in your program, you'll have the chance to meet your Faculty leadership, instructors and student support teams!
Event schedule coming soon! Save the date for Tuesday, September 5, 2023!
IDENTITY
In your first year, you will have the opportunity to learn more about who you are as an individual, as a student, and as a member of the ULethbridge community. By exploring and learning the layers of your identity, you will better understand your needs and goals as a student and determine how you will navigate your first year.
Reasons to seek support:
You are feeling...
- Unsure about whether you will be accepted for who you are; or,
- Curious about who you are or who you want to be in university.
Supports include:
Academic Advisors in each Faculty/School are available at workshops and for walk-in and scheduled appointments to assist students with academic regulations, course selection and program planning.
A student led safe space located on campus that works to foster an environment wherein individuals may seek empowerment, guidance, and resources while feeling recognized and validated.
Career Bridge offers exceptional work-integrated learning, experiential learning, and career services so that every participating student can benefit from an outstanding academic and professional development experience.
Individual counselling is confidential and can help students with a variety of personal issues including: adjusting to university life, anxiety, disordered eating, relationship issues or if you just need a friendly ear. We are here to support you.
Indigenous Student Affairs (includes Aboriginal students, Elders, chiefs, business leaders and more) provides access to a free confidential service for those students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
International Student Services assists international students in adapting to campus life socially, academically, and culturally. We are here to support you as a uLethbridge student and as a visitor to Canada.
Student mentors are uLethbridge students who provide guidance and support to new students as they transition to university life. Every new student is assigned a mentor who communicates to their students through Mentor Mail and personal emails.
The Student Success Centre is here to help you make the grade. We offer a number of free services such as study skill appointments, tutorials and help centers, and much more,
The Students' Union offers many essential services to students, addressing students’ needs and representing students at all political levels. The ULSU is your voice to the municipal, provincial, and federal governments, as well as to University administration.
Q-Space is a club on campus to support 2SLGBTQ+ students and ally students by providing a place of advocacy and inclusion. They are open for everyone to stop by, say hi, and meet other queer individuals!
WELLBEING
Many students in their first year will feel a mix of emotions and need to find new ways to cope with this transition. The excitement of entering university life can be challenged with the fear of loneliness and not making friends. The interest in your program can be coupled with grade anxiety and the fear of failure. There will be highs and lows, so it's important to learn strategies to maintain your health and wellbeing as you take on and succeed at your studies.
Reasons to seek support:
You are feeling...
- Anxious;
- Overwhelmed; and/or,
- Unsure of strategies of your wellbeing.
6 Areas of wellbeing include: Mind, Body, Peer Support, Classroom Rights, Discrimination, and Financial
Counselling Services
Counselling is a process where the client and counsellor work together to come up with different ways to experience various situations. We are here to help students shine personally and professionally!
Sports and Wellness
The University of Lethbridge Centre for Sport and Wellness provides a wide range of sport, recreational, and leisure activities for anyone and everyone to enjoy.
Scholarships and Student Finance
The Scholarships and Student Finance office offers a variety of services to help guide students and parents through university life.
COMMUNITY
When you enter university, you are joining a large community of students, faculty (professors, instructors) and staff that will all be a part of your journey. A lot of ULethbridge students just graduated from high school and we know the transition can feel daunting and intimidating. Even transfer students, that have experienced post-secondary before, can feel overwhelmed by the transition to university.
Reasons to seek support:
You are feeling...
- Worried that there isn’t a community for you; or
- Scared about socializing and not making friends.
Supports include:
The Campus Collective Centre is a student led safe space located on campus that works to foster an environment wherein individuals may seek empowerment, guidance, and resources while feeling recognized and validated.
CKXU is a volunteer driven radio society that provides independent campus and community radio and opportunities through programming, tools, training and events in the Southern Alberta region.
Clubs provide opportunities to meet new people on campus, develop a support system, connect with other students in your program, or try out a new interest. You may even discover a hidden talent.
Indigenous Student Affairs (includes Aboriginal students, Elders, chiefs, business leaders and more) provides access to peer support, social interaction, cultural/spiritual celebrations as well as our Education Resource Library.
Our International Student Advisors assist international students in adapting to campus life socially, academically, and culturally. We are here to support you in all aspects of your life, both as a uLethbridge student and as a visitor to Canada.
Organized by the Horns Recreation staff and student employees, the Intramural and Club programs are designed to increase opportunities for active living and social engagement.
The Meliorist is a monthly publication that provides an open forum for all members of the university community and the surrounding area of southern Alberta.
Student mentors are uLethbridge students who provide guidance and support to new students as they transition to university life.
There are more than 70 clubs on campus that provide social and athletic activities, travel, religious fellowship, and charitable and cultural support.
Q-Space is a club on campus to support 2SLGBTQ+ students and ally students by providing a place of advocacy and inclusion. We are open for everyone to stop by, say hi, and meet other queer individuals!
LEARNING
The shift from high school to post secondary education is a big one, and for some it can take time to adapt to the new learning and teaching models in the university setting. Once you develop your own strategies and understand what works best for you, you can be confident in your academics and proud of your work.
Reasons to seek support:
You are feeling...
- Nervous about managing your course load and keeping up with academic expectations; and/or,
- Worried about the difficulty level of your courses.
Supports include:
SYSTEMS & STRUCTURES
There will be new processes, policies and platforms that you will experience and use as a university student. For example, there are platforms you will use to register in a course and to pay student fees. There are also important policies surrounding academic integrity, the student code of conduct, and addressing sexual violence that we encourage students to become familiar with. By understanding the university’s policies and procedures, you will learn when it is important to advocate for your needs and rights as a student.
Reasons to seek support:
You are feeling...
- Worried about registration and how to use the Bridge;
- Confused by the online platforms that you need to know; and,
- Concerned about the “rules” and policies?
Supports include:
Accommodated Learning Centre
The Accommodated Learning Centre facilitates equitable learning supports in the university environment for students with a wide range of documented disabilities.
The Bridge
The BRIDGE is a secure way for you to see your information in Payroll, Benefits or Student Services via the web. You may view it from anywhere by logging on to the internet anywhere it is available to you.
Human Rights Act
The provision of academic accommodations is a federally and provincially legislated requirement, accommodations although can be flexible and adapted based on reasonable considerations, they are not optional and must be provided.
ULETHBRIDGE YOUR WAY
From your first year to graduation — the university experience is not linear and will look different for everyone. We encourage students to pave their own way and access the resources and services available that support your academic, personal and professional development. You will also have the opportunity to take part in unique programs in your faculty, to gain invaluable skills and prepare for your future career.
Reasons to seek support:
You are feeling...
- Curious about the different opportunities available to you;
- Excited to gain work or volunteer experience to apply your learning; and/or,
- Interested in what you have access to as a university student?
Supports include: