What happens at Orientation?

Open Door Welcome for Family and Friends of First Year Students:  Monday, August 30th – Friday, September 3rd.
At UCC, we believe that family and friends play a significant role in the student’s adjustment to university life.  Our Open Door Welcome provides tours of campus, the Boole Library, the Glucksman Gallery and a presentation on student support services.  For further details:  www.ucc.ie/orientation

Workshops during Orientation:
The programme includes interactive workshops and information sessions. Each student receives a tour of the library given by their subject librarian and an IT Workshop given by staff of the Computer Centre.

Peer Support Leaders:
All students are assigned a Peer Support Leader from matching programmes. Peer Leaders are enthusiastic, friendly and approachable students who involve new students in ice-breaking activities so that they get to know their class mates before lectures commence.  Peer Support Leaders are critical to the success of the Orientation Programme and  maintain regular contact with their group to provide vital information and assist with questions, academic concerns or personal issues at various times throughout the year. 

Tours :
Tours of Campus and areas off campus (where lectures are held) are scheduled so that students become familiar with their physical environment.

Academic session:
All students attend Academic Orientation to meet with both academic and administrative staff.   During this session students get a sense of what is expected from them in terms of assignments and attendance at lectures, labs, tutorials etc.

The teaching timetable is also explained to students and they are given an opportunity to meet with students from their degree programme who have successfully completed first year.  These students give new students a presentation on ‘how to survive first year’. Science students meet with academic mentors during this session also.

Evening Activities during Orientation:
UCC Peer Support Leaders, Clubs and Societies have organised music, competitions and mystery events each evening from 5pm – 7pm.

Welcoming events, team-building adventures and festivities:
The UCC Freshers Fest on Saturday 18 September celebrates the very best of student life – from the serious business of attending essential workshops, both academic and non-academic, to the fun side of music, sport and theatre performances. There are over 20 workshops, from the ‘Crazy Delicious’ demonstration by  Cully&Sully to ‘Academic Writing and Referencing’ by Dr Orla Murphy. Crystal Swing will perform at 2pm on the Quad.  A soccer tournament will kick off in the Mardyke Sports Arena at 3pm. The Fest welcomes families and friends and concludes with a Welcome Reception for students, families and friends on Sunday 19 September at 6pm.

Access Programmes:
Specific orientation programmes and transition workshops are scheduled for mature students.  Staff in the Disability Support Office organise introductory sessions for students registered with a disability. There is also a one week residential orientation programme organised by UCC PLUS + commencing today, Monday, August 30th. 

For further information: www.ucc.ie/orientation

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