tepping into university for the first time can be scary, and not just for the students. To make the experience a little less stressful for all parties involved, UFV is offering two orientations designed especially for the parents and families of new students.
"As students transition to university they often experience challenges that may overwhelm or confuse them," explains Jill Harrison, UFV Student Life manager. "By partnering with parents and family members, we are able to offer a unique, student-centred support system that enables students to thrive."
There are two orientations this year aimed especially at parents and the families - one in the new building at the Chilliwack campus in Canada Education Park, and one at the Abbotsford campus. "Attending one of our family orientation sessions will provide family members with a glimpse into the student experience," Harrison explains. "It'll provide a sense of comfort and support, and let parents know what services are available to students on campus and give them a chance to see our facilities and grounds."
The Chilliwack orientation will take place on Tuesday, June 19, at the new building at the Canada Education Park campus on Caen Ave off of Keith Wilson Road. Things will kick off at 6 pm, and registration will open at 5:30 pm in the atrium. The orientation will include a welcome from UFV president Mark Evered, a Q&A, information booths, and campus tours.
The Abbotsford orientation will take place the following Thursday, June 21, at the Abbotsford campus on King Road. Registration will once again open at 5:30 pm, and the orientation will start at 6 pm in the foyer of the Envision Athletic Centre. Parents will introduced to student services and have the chance to take a tour and be part of a Q&A.
"We truly believe our students will have the best student experience if UFV builds strong partnerships with our students and their families," Harrison says, "and that's really what we're doing here: starting to build a partnership."
UFV's new Chilliwack building is located at 45190 Caen Avenue at the Canada Education Park, off of Keith Wilson Road. To find UFV's new building, you have several entry options. If you enter the CEP grounds at Keith Wilson and Dieppe Street, drive south on Dieppe Street and turn right on Caen Ave.
If driving from Abbotsford, take the Evans Road exit and head south on Evans until it turns into Tyson by veering to the left. Continue on Tyson until you reach Keith Wilson Road. Cross here and you will enter the Canada Education Park. You will see the UFV Trades and Technology Centre (TTC) on the right. Continue along south on Tyson (past the TTC), and turn left on Caen Ave.
The new UFV building has a dark grey exterior. There is currently parking to the south and east of the building. Do not park in the RCMP training centre lot north of the building. Pay parking will be in effect in UFV Canada Education Park lots soon.
The Abbotsford campus is located at 33844 King Road, adjacent to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre. Enter off King Road or McKenzie Road. Pay parking is in effect.