First Year Experience
Your Georgian College experience begins here! Whether you’re attending Orientation, preparing for day one, or navigating through your first year, we’re here to provide a warm welcome and transition programming for new all students.
Orientation and transition programs
Welcome to Georgian! We’re very happy to have you join the Georgian family and begin your studies this winter. Whether you’re studying remotely or a combination of in-person and remote learning, it’s going to be a great year! Our faculty and staff can’t wait to connect with you.
Our Orientation and transition programming is aimed to successfully transition and prepare you for your college experience.
We know the summer semester will look a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’re busy planning a fun, engaging and informative virtual orientation schedule for you to participate in!
Our programming will be delivered online in three stages, outlined below.
Step 1: Online Orientation
We have created an online Orientation pages on our student portal that includes information about supports and services, outlines our Head Start and Orientation schedule, the New Student Checklist, as well as virtual student life opportunities and activities. There is also a section dedicated to our international students about topics such as immigration, housing, insurance and cultural adjustment. Take a look here!
We have also created a New Student Orientation Blackboard shell! You will use Blackboard throughout your academic journey and it is important that you become familiar with this online learning system. This orientation module has plenty of great tips, tricks and resources to prepare for your Georgian experience. Access the New Student Orientation Blackboard shell here.
*Note: You will need your student login to participate. By default, your ID is your student_number@student.georgianc.on.ca and password is your six-digit date of birth YYMMDD. If you experience issues, contact ITsupport@georgiancollege.ca.
Step 2: Head Start, your first step to success
Head Start is our pre-orientation programming where you can connect and engage with Georgian services, supports and resources to ensure you are successful. You can ask questions you have prior to your first day!
Summer 2021 Head Start programming will take place virtually from May 10 to 14. View our Head Start schedule here.
Key features
- Discover Registrar’s Office supports and services
- Learn about Blackboard, student portal and MyPath systems navigation and supports
- Meet your Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA)
- Meet our awesome Peer Mentors!
- Explore international supports and services
- Find out how Georgian supports your mental health and well-being
- Learn about our counselling and accessibility supports
- Learn about student co-op experiences
- Find out more about changemaking at Georgian
- and so much more!
Step 3: Academic Orientation
Academic Orientation is our opportunity to welcome you to Georgian College and introduce you to your academic program! You will meet your dean, program co-ordinator, faculty, classmates, and learn all about your program and student expectations. View your Academic Orientation schedule schedule here.
Peer Mentors: What we do!
Our Peer Mentors are upper-year Georgian students who play a pivotal role in building community, a sense of belonging and connection at Georgian, and empower students to flourish through their first-year experience at college and beyond. Now more than ever, students are connecting with their peers for support, highlighting the incredible importance of building a strong foundation and sense of virtual community among students early in their academic journey.
Peer Mentors are Georgian students who:
- foster community and a sense of belonging on campus
- build trusting and supportive relationships
- facilitate peer-to-peer discussion and connection
- role model student behaviour and integrity
- provide referrals and resources for students
- promote leadership and professional development opportunities
What our mentors and mentees have to say about the program
Want a Peer Mentor? Apply as a mentee!
As a mentee (first-year or new student), you will be matched with one of our awesome mentors who will support you through your transition to college, inform you of all the great services and supports Georgian has to offer, and provide opportunities for you to connect with other peers!
Get involved: Maximize your first-year experience
The best way to maximize your first-year experience is to immerse yourself into everything Georgian has to offer! We have a variety of student clubs, volunteer opportunities and workshops available to students. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Participate in Head Start and Orientation Day to ensure you start off your experience right!
- Peer Mentor program – Apply for a Peer Mentor and connect with an upper-year student to support you through your transition to Georgian.
- Join a club – Check out the variety of clubs offered at Orientation and during Clubs Week.
- Contribute to your community as a volunteer – Register on Tandempark to see upcoming volunteer opportunities (Barrie Campus only).
- Be a changemaker! – Georgian’s Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation provides experiential learning opportunities, skill development, teamwork and networking that will inspire you to influence social change in your community.
Common questions (FAQs)
Of course! Many of our campus partners come out to celebrate and welcome you to Georgian! There are planned events and activities, opportunities to win swag and more. We want to ensure you experience everything Georgian has to offer!
Yes! On the first day of school, you will have the opportunity to meet your program co-ordinator, review program and student expectations, as well as ask any questions you have regarding your academic choices. Each program will have an academic program session to participate in. More information will be provided in your campus orientation schedule (released a few weeks before the start of the semester).
There are many amazing support options Georgian has to offer including various academic resources and social/emotional supports and services. Check out our Guide for New Students for more details!
Georgian values excellence, community engagement, integrity, inclusion and sustainability. As a new student in our community, it is expected that you represent these values in all aspects of your student journey.
Definitely! Georgian College is committed to improving access to all college premises, facilities and services at all campuses. If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility while attending our orientation programming or student events, please email orientation@georgiancollege.ca.
Photo gallery
Contact us
We’re here to help you navigate campus, learn more about student services, find a peer mentor or get involved with events, programming and activities on campus.
Barrie Campus
Email: Orientation
Phone: 705.728.1968 ext. 1920
Location: Room K207
Office hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Orillia Campus
Email: Mike Zecchino
Location: GCSA office, A111
Owen Sound Campus
Email: Terri Edmonstone
Location: GCSA office, D102
