Student Life
Orientation and Transition
We understand that starting university is an adjustment for students on many levels. By getting involved in our orientation and transition programs, you will be better equipped for Brescia’s academic structure and requirements – and you'll get introduced to the wide array of social activities offered on campus!
To help you get acquainted to the Brescia community, there are a number of orientation and transition initiatives throughout the year, specifically for new students:
Orientation Week
Brescia’s Orientation Program is designed to welcome new students to the Brescia community and support them with their transition to their new academic, physical, social, and cultural environment. This program is held in conjunction with Orientation events at The University of Western Ontario, King’s University College, and Huron University College. Participation in the Orientation program will help first year students meet new friends, get involved in a week of exciting activities, and get to know the campuses before classes begin!
- O-Week 2013: More information will be available in the spring of 2013
- For information about Residence, please contact the Residence Manager, Jacqueline DeLeebeeck at: jdeleebe@uwo.ca
Brescia’s Soph Team
When you arrive on Brescia’s campus this fall for Orientation Week, you will be greeted by enthusiastic, friendly, and helpful student volunteers called ‘Sophs’.
What is a Soph?
Sophs are upper-year students who have dedicated themselves to welcoming first-year students to Western and the Affiliate University Colleges (Brescia, Huron and King’s). Between the Affiliate University Colleges and Western there are approximately 800 ‘Soph’ volunteers divided into Residence, Affiliate, Faculty, Off-Campus, Charity, and Info teams.
Sophs are carefully selected and trained to ensure the positive orientation and transition of each first year student. Your Brescia Sophs are your leaders, resources, and friends throughout Orientation Week and throughout the rest of the year.
Welcome Message from Emily Bamford, Brescia's 2012 Head Soph
"Welcome first year Brescia students and CONGRATULATIONS on making the best decision of your life: attending Brescia University College! I understand this may be a scary time of change and growth. To ease your sentiments I would like to tell you about a little something that happens during your first week of university. This little something is called ORIENTATION WEEK!
My name is Emily Bamford and I will be your Head Soph this year! Myself, and the other 32 Brescia Sophs are so excited to meet each and every one of you in September! If you were wondering, a ‘Soph’ is an upper year student who volunteers in order to help you feel welcome and comfortable here at Brescia and Western. Each constituency at Western has their own Soph team, and as I mentioned before, Brescia has a fabulous group of ladies that cannot wait to meet you! This O-Week we want to share with you our passion and love for what Brescia has done for us. We want to introduce to you the community of Brescia and help you discover your own path and story. We want to show you that this is a supportive, comfortable, inclusive, inspiring place to call home.
This September, when you arrive to Western you will be entering Western’s Imaginarium and here at Brescia you will have the opportunity to be Breaking Barriers. The theme for Brescia’s O-Week, Breaking Barriers was inspired by all the opportunities university has to offer. Whatever you dream is possible here. Don’t be afraid to push your own limits and break barriers as you discover your own path and goals. This already sounds amazing doesn’t it? There is more!!! O-Week is jam packed full of exciting events from Concerts, Affiliate events and Faculty day to the Midway Carnival, Diversity day and your first UWO Mustang’s Football game! Did I mention that Western has the best Orientation Week in Canada? The Orientation Kit is your key to Western’s Orientation Program...make sure you get your O-Kit early!
Any questions can be directed to odirector@bucsc.ca."
'Bridging’: Brescia’s International Student Orientation Program
All international and out-of-province students are invited to join this orientation program designed to allow you to adjust to campus and your new city before our regular orientation week. You will receive guidance about academics, accommodations, shopping, eating, entertainment, classrooms and other facilities, transportation, and thriving in the Canadian culture.
Summer Orientation Days
From June to August, Brescia’s Summer Orientation Days (SOD) will prepare you for the transition from high school to university.
At your SOD, you will have the chance to learn about academic choices, financial aid, select your courses with an Academic Advisor, and map out your timetable. You will also register for some of your courses, have the option of taking a campus tour, and meet some current Brescia students!