Canadore's summer institute a success

Canadore College
News Release

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Last week Canadore College welcomed over 40 students with a unique orientation to help them prepare and transition into their new college life.

Canadore's Summer Institute, an orientation program for students with learning disabilities, ran from August 27 to 30. Last summer was the first year the program ran at Canadore, and the numbers have increased from the 30 students who first attended.

The orientation program offers students a series of workshops that introduces them to the college, resources, vital special needs technology, learning strategies, financial assistance programs and special bursaries, and stress management skills.

Students also had early move-in privileges to Canadore's residence. The week at residence and the program was at no additional cost to the students.

Students had the unique opportunity to meet the Special Needs team and start identifying resources and strategies before the start of their academic year. There were eight full-time staff and six student mentors available for the incoming students.

Abby Cave, 2nd year Graphic Design student and mentor, attended the Summer Institute in 2006 and found it to be vital to her academic success. She said she didn't want to attend initially because she didn't want to be labeled as a person with a learning disability, but now she is glad she did.

"I don't know what I would have done without coming here. They address everything and attended to all of my needs in a comfortable environment. They really opened up all the doors for me," said Abby.

"This year I am a mentor, helping out. I just think the world of this."

Abby had a GPA of 3.93 in her first year.

Each year the Special Needs department helps over 600 students.

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