U of R office prepping new students for post-secondary success

Summer doesn’t last long. When it’s over, many students will be in new schools.

For those going to the University of Regina, the Student Success Centre helps first-year students transition to university life.

It starts with orientation, which is planned out for the students.

“It’s a great way to meet your faculty advisers, meet new students and figure your way out around campus,” said Krissane Gossard, assistant director at the centre.

The centre also helps students with the UR Guarantee program.

“We work with them to help them build goals for the year, after university, get them involved on campus,” Gossard said during a conversation on The Greg Morgan Morning Show.

“Students who don’t find career-related employment within six months after graduation, they’re invited to come back to the University of Regina for one year of undergrad classes, tuition-free.”

The biggest challenge for new students, Gossard said, is time management. The learning is independent, with students responsible for theirs.

Even though a student’s schedule might only list three hours of classes, students will be expected to keep up with readings and homework, she said.

Her most important advice is to attend class.

“No one’s going to check in anymore but it’s your job to be there. Go to class. It’s such a big one,” she said. “And of course, get involved. Find something that’s fun, (that) you enjoy.

“We have so many different campus clubs and societies … There’s something for everyone and we want you to have fun while you’re here.”