UBC Reports | Vol. 48 | No. 11 | Sep. 5 , 2002

Imagine your Life on Campus

New programs offer support, information to first-year students

By Michelle Cook

Five thousand new students descended on campus Sept. 3 for Imagine UBC, but the university's day-long undergraduate welcome program isn't the only orientation initiative aimed at helping first-year students connect to university life.

Every week, all first-year students will receive FYI (First Year Insight) an e-newsletter offering information, advice and guidance about the first-year experience.

Also new this year is the Emerging Leaders Initiative, a program designed to help first-year students develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge they need to prepare them to take leadership roles at UBC and beyond. Connected to the Learning pillar of the university's Trek vision statement, the program was created to help students - especially those who commute - find ways to get involved outside the classroom during their first year on campus. The program kicks off the last weekend of September with a Ropes challenge course. The course, made up of a series of ropes and steel cables strung between trees at the southern end of campus, presents teams with problem-solving challenges. Students can sign up by calling 604-822-3680 or e-mailing chad.hyson@ubc.ca

Students new to campus can also access academic support services and resources at the Chapman Learning Commons. Opened in the Main Library last spring, the Commons is a central source of learning support and development for everyone, but particularly new and commuter students. The high-tech learning space boasts wireless Internet capabilities, 34 state-of-the-art flat-screen computer stations, and a laptop-lending program.