The halls of St. Clair College were alive with energy as new students met with fellow classmates and professors, touring the facilities and getting introduced to College life during day one of Fall 2025 Orientation.
Thousands of students are taking part in a week of sessions from Aug. 26 to 29, tailored to each different school and program offered at St. Clair College.
"College Orientation week is all about making new students feel at home in Saints Nation,” said Rich Garton, the Communications and Public Relations Manager at St. Clair College. “In some cases, this is the first time students have been on campus, and with just a week to go before the start of classes, we want to greet them with open arms and show them we’re here to support them throughout their College journey.”
“During Orientation, we offer a mix of detailed information, icebreakers and faculty information sessions to ensure students start College armed with all the information and resources they need to succeed, both socially and academically,” Garton said.
It's also a chance for educators and support staff to meet incoming students and help familiarize them with the facilities and people with whom they'll be spending the bulk of their time.
“I hope everyone here today is excited for what we have to offer,” said Corrin Primeau, the Chair of the School of Nursing, noting coming to College is about more than just academics. “It’s really about embedding yourself into life at St. Clair College. The facilities are top notch, we have tons of support services and know that you’re not alone going through these programs.”
Ciera Gerard, a recent graduate of Riverside Secondary School in Windsor, is going into her first year of the Paramedic program. She said she’s nervous about the transition to College, but excited for what lies ahead.
“I’m excited to learn something I’m really interested in and go into a career that I’m interested in going into,” Gerard said. “I wanted to do something in health care, but I want to be on the road, seeing new things every day and having stories to tell. I felt that a career as a paramedic fits me best.”
She was happy to meet up with some fellow Riverside students on her first day to ease the transition. Together they engaged with activities planned by the Student Representative Council and Saints Student Athletic Association, including swag giveaways and free barbeque.
“Everyone’s smiling and everyone’s so happy to be here,” she said. “Everyone’s so willing to help me out and offer me a helping hand. It’s just super welcoming.”
Orientation is designed to assist new students in many ways, including:
Smooth Transition: Orientation helps students transition from high school to college by familiarizing them with the campus, its resources, and the overall environment.
Building Connections: It's an excellent opportunity to meet fellow students, faculty, and staff, which can help in forming friendships and support networks.
Academic Preparation: Students often meet with academic advisors during orientation to plan their courses and understand the academic expectations and policies of the institution.
Resource Awareness: Orientation introduces students to various campus resources, such as health services, libraries, and student organizations, which can be vital for their success and well-being.
Campus Navigation: Getting to know the layout of the campus, including key buildings and facilities, can reduce anxiety and help students feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Engagement and Involvement: Many orientation programs highlight ways to get involved in campus life, such as clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities, which can enhance the overall college experience.
Orientation is a week-long event, but you need only attend the session which pertains to your program offering.
Tuesday morning’s session at the Main Windsor Campus was for the School of Health Sciences, while the afternoon session was tailored to the School of Nursing at the Student Life Centre.
On Wednesday Aug. 27, students attending classes at the Downtown Windsor Campus will meet at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. The session for students in the School of Community Studies, Zekelman Schools of Business and I.T. starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Skyline Room A & B, while Academic Information Sessions run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
On Thursday, Aug. 28, there will be two sessions: One at Main Windsor Campus for the School of Community Studies, and the Zekelman Schools of Information Technology and Business at 9:30 a.m. The other session is at Chatham Campus at the HealthPlex, where students from all programs at the school will gather starting at 9:30 a.m.
The last day of Orientation is Friday, Aug. 29 at Main Windsor Campus, where the Schools of Skilled Trades and Engineering Technologies will assemble starting at 9:30 a.m.
To visit St. Clair College’s Orientation website, click here.
