Student life may get a little easier for some Portage College learners thanks to “Night” and “Day” advice and guidance offered during the recent Student Awareness Day and the Night Against Procrastination.
Hosted by Portage’s Library Services department, Student Learning Services and the Students’ Association at Portage College, both events took place on January 15. The awareness day activities included information sessions and handouts on student support services like counselling, the students’ association, recreation and the library. The Night Against Procrastination offered tips and resources to build better study habits for students starting a new semester.
Both events offered free snacks and a chance to win door prizes.
“An online participation option (was) also available for virtual students where they (could) also complete quick online activities and get a chance to win a $25 online gift card,” said Portage College Library Services Coordinator Christina Wac.
This year’s events were another overall success, she said, with more than 60 attendees engaging with library staff across Portage College campus locations to learn about “the incredible support services offered across our campuses.”
The events are also a great way to learn from participants about student needs.
“Student feedback aligned with previous years, with many participants expressing appreciation for the relaxed, low-key format of the event,” said Wac.
The Night Against Procrastination events – including sessions on managing exam anxiety, navigating online and open book exams, nutrition, mental health and relaxation yoga – helps students to “start on the right track,” says Sarah Williams a Learning Facilitator with Student Learning Services.
“These events are nice for creating connections between students as well as between students and the various service areas,” she says “It is an informal learning event where students can learn from each other as well as from the provided presentations. The idea is that we can reach a larger group to provide strategy support before they experience the first big exams of the semester, setting them up for success.”