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waging time; tak- ing tests; living in residence; eating in a diling hall; doing laundry. Theseamjustafew ofthe experiences that make up the life ofa first-year univer- sity student, ‘Most are easy to grasp; others are more difficult; and some are down right tiut one thing is for sure, all can be accomplished. _ In attempt to make the transition easier for those joining the school commu- nity this fall, Wilfrid Laurier University hosted a three- day orientation last week, designed to help incoming first-year students and their families understand and experience post-secondary life, as well as sample some of the lifestyle changes that lie ahead. New students learn about campus life tii) Called Discover Inurier. the fall preview involved both future students and their parents in a variety of seminars and social activi- ties, all intended to adjust the fresh faces to on- and off-campus life. "A lot of students are not successful in their first year of university and end up dropping out," explained Kaiherine Elliott. associate dean of students at WLU. "But it's been proven at other schools that programs such as Discover lander provide students who take part some added support. It helps to strengthen their skills as stu- dents. "Attending the orienta- tion session gives students the chance to get a sense of comfort and community, which can go a long way in improving academic perfor- mance later in the school Elliott described the pro- gram as a head start for stu- dents to begin building the nan stage of their lives. “We focus on two main areas - social community building which helps stu- dents meet new people and make new friends, as well as academic and intellectual preparation," she said. "University is a time when students gain the skills to be independent, and we try to prepare them for that by showing them support." -. 'iiu re, iiudents a, read books and look at calendars Hymn-m Baum OunnlcleSij Katherine Elliott. associate dean of students at WLU, shows incoming Frrst-year student Jill Promoli how to use the laun- dry facilities during Discover Laurier festivities. - - um full of information on the school, but none of that's real," said Sarah Cady, a tbird-year student who helped run the Discover Laurie! program. "This is real. It really shapes you and makes you your own per- In addition to seminars, the program offered stu- dents a chance to meet the dean of their faculties, and visit the social and athletic facilities. Parents were also given similar opportunities, with seminar topics touching on issues like changing rela- tionships and communicate ing with their university- bound children. "Offering programs for parents is one of the more unique aspects of Discover Lsurier," Elliott said. "We focus on some of the key issues parents too will be dealing with when their child goes off to university. "While we don't try to give them all the answers, we do raise questions on Onground Pdol .setites lnground quality a look for thousands less . Lifetime Structural Warranty . Superior Engineering B Design _ . PM for any Backyard Prices starting ' $7250 ' (taxes included) Ask for details I Emerald 53495 Contact us to: a Free Estimate wwwsnyPooipeop1exrm1 issues they will recognize when them come to face them in their own lives." "The program has done a good job to familiarize us with the surroundings," said Helen Smith, whose son lay will be starting school at laurier in the fall. "My only regret now is not putting him in residence. They seem to be really stressing the Laurie: community and it would be a great opportuni- Jay Smith, who is origi- nally from Cambridge, said the Discover Lauder experi- ence helped him prepare for the upcoming challenge. 'Tee met a lot of people already and the seminars have helped out a lot," he said. "The only thing I'm afraid of is all the freedom I will have. There wont be anyone looking over my shoulder anymore, saying when to do this and when to do that. It will definitely be a change, but I'm looking forward to it." 884-1894 or MAM“ xi Pmmoli of Port Plain described lander as a great atmosphere, _ . . "I'rn sababout leaving behind everything and everyone I've known since 1 was tive yam old," she said. "But now that I've met siisw people here, l feel bet- ter. W 'Tm really excited and krokingfbryarxito the ttlL" "As"aduits, we tend to look at 17-, 18- and 19-year- olds as all beigg abou}_th_e same age," Elliott added. "But in reality there are many differences and nuances that you just don't "Over the years at univer- sity, major development takes place. They are differ- ent people from who they were when they arrived." " (mm: Att/st-eu/eva-ttrt-su/aa' W35 qdu41asauuviayar (Nfsuoaeguse, 15W cup, 7mm“, Hrfo A: (bus' 57% Laaem2utiartaw 'A ANNOUNCEMENT DR. GREGORY FICHTER DENTIST is temporarily relocating his dental office to is Westmount Road North, Suite 102, (at Erb) Waterloo as ofJuly 23, 2001. Dr. Fichter will be magma! relocating his office to 5 Father David Bauer Drive, Unit 113, (Seagram lofts Condominium building #2), Waterloo, later in August, 2001! Dr. Fichter can be contacted at his current and future phone number: 884-0887