Getting the Peak UVic experience

Up to 400 first-year residence dwellers are determined to reach new heights this autumn, having signed on to participate in the University of Victoria’s first-ever Peak UVic life and study skills program.

“Lots of universities do something like a ‘Residence 101’ and the idea behind Peak UVic is similar, but we’re hoping that ours covers a bit more ground content-wise,” explains Michelle Maynard, coordinator of residence programs at UVic’s ResLife office.

“It should help make that transition easier from high school to university, and it covers topics that will help first-year students be more successful in both their classes and life choices.”

This year’s program, co-partnered with Counselling Services, will explore a number of topics that range from exam prep and campus community-building to sexuality and personal wellness.

The course will be comprised of 10 professional weekly lectures and an equal number of small workshop-style group projects to complement the learning objectives of each week’s topic.

“The smaller study groups will be organized according to the particular classes a student is taking academically—we’re hoping to really connect with the academics so that they have a presence in UVic residence,” explains Maynard.

Dr. Jennifer White, a faculty member in the School of Child and Youth Care, is one of several academics taking the plunge with Peak UVic this fall, partnering with UVic counselor Rita Knodel and graduate student Jonny Morris to deliver a lecture aimed at creating an open campus community.

“It’s a one-hour workshop, but we’re aiming for more of an active conversation, with students sharing their experiences of being part of a community,” explains White, adding that her research has shown that feelings of connectedness and belonging reduce student stress.

Maynard cites the results of a smaller program organized by UVic counselor Joe Parsons called “Doing Well, Being Well” as the inspiration to finally create an expanded version for first-year residence students.

“Students who completed Parson’s program stayed at UVic, a higher percentage completed their degree and achieved higher grades,” says Maynard. “This program will help parents help their students out in the long run.”

Peak UVic will begin during the first full week of classes in September at a nominal cost of $60 per student to cover the cost of course materials and photocopying.

More at: http://web.uvic.ca/peakuvic/

This article is reprinted with permission from “The Fountain,” UVic’s online parent newsletter, produced by the Student Transition Centre (http://transition.uvic.ca/fountain/).