聽 聽 聽The transition from High School into university is often challenging for students.聽
聽 聽 聽Along with learning how to be a new kind of student, those entering their first year at university are often coping with their first experience of living away from home. These immense changes, coupled with the financial pressures that these changes bring, can make it difficult for students to set down a solid academic foundation for themselves during their first year.
聽 聽 聽Now, Southeast College and the University of Regina are teaming up to help make that first year less daunting for students.
聽 聽 聽As Sheena Onrait (Manager of Marketing & Communications for Southeast College) explains: 鈥淪outheast College and the University of Regina are partnering in order to offer students the option of taking their full first year through Southeast College. More and more people are interested in staying home while they take their first year courses. So, we are offering a full slate of first year courses that would allow students to move into several University of Regina programs such as Social Work, Health Sciences and Education.鈥�
聽 聽 聽Sheena notes that this option offers a number of different advantages for students: 鈥淔or students making that transition from Grade 12 into university, having the chance to remain at home while they do their first year can offer several benefits. Having that parental support can make it far easier for students to ease into university studies. Students can more easily hold down a part-time job if they choose. And remaining at home during their first year will mean that students and their families save, on average, about $10,000 in living expenses. So, the cost savings can be substantial.鈥�
聽 聽 聽Sheena notes that students taking their first year of university through Southeast College are not limiting their options if they choose to pursue studies at an institution other than the U of R.
聽 聽 聽鈥淭hese first year courses are transferable to academic institutions other than the University of Regina. However, if a student is planning to attend an institution other than the U of R; they should consult with an academic adviser at that institution. That way, they can have a full understanding of how the first year courses that they are taking will fit into the program that they plan to enter.鈥�
聽 聽 聽Sheena says that while 鈥渢he professor teaching these courses will be located in either Weyburn or Estevan鈥� the students taking the courses do not have to be.聽
聽 聽 聽鈥淪tudents will be able to attend these courses through computer technology...most likely Skype. At Southeast College, we have very up-to-date technology available. So, we will test the technology that the students have at home and make whatever arrangement are necessary with the student prior to the start of classes.鈥�
聽 聽 聽She adds that registration for these courses is open now and students registering in these courses early may also enjoy an added financial benefit.
聽 聽 聽鈥淭here are ten $1000 Entrance Scholarships being offered for first year students that are registering for a minimum of three courses.鈥�
聽 聽 聽Sheena says that Southeast College and the University of Regina plan to deepen their partnership in the years ahead.聽
聽 聽 聽鈥淎t one time, Southeast College was the top deliverer of university classes in Saskatchewan. During the economic 'boom' demand for university courses dropped off somewhat. But there is now renewed interest. So, we plan to offer other upper year courses in the future, and will continues to offer a full slate of 'core' first year courses as well.
聽 聽 聽Sheena invites students interested in finding out more about this option to visit the Southeast College website (www.southeastcollege.org).
聽 聽 聽鈥淭here are multimedia brochures on the website that will provide students with more information. On the website, students can gain a better understanding of how the first year classes that they will take can relate to their second year classes. A university program is made up of courses that are quite intricately connected. Students may find it helpful to obtain more information on how these classes will connect with the other courses they plan to take in the future.鈥澛�
