A celebration more than a decade in the making, Wilfrid Laurier University officially welcomed its first undergraduate students to Milton during Laurier Orientation on Thursday, Sept. 5. As the day began, the Milton Academic Centre buzzed with energy and excitement in recognition of a new chapter in the university’s history.
“It’s very exciting to welcome Laurier’s first undergraduate students to Milton,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “Meeting today with the incoming students, faculty, staff, student union representatives and community supporters has confirmed how engaged people are in this campus and how much everyone is working to ensure student success.”
Laurier Orientation in Milton provided students the opportunity to become familiar with the Milton Academic Centre, where classes are held, as well as meet student colleagues, faculty, staff and university leaders. The day’s activities included games and informal mingling, along with an introduction to student support services and information about how students can get involved on campus.
Laurier faculty and staff provided a warm welcome during Laurier Orientation at the Milton Academic Centre on Sept. 5.
“We’ve been waiting for this day for weeks, months and truly years,” said Laurier Milton campus manager Patricia Kousoulas. “All of the work that we’ve been doing was to prepare for our students. It is so amazing to see the organic conversations between them while hanging out here on campus today and taking part in Laurier Orientation.”
Initially, Laurier is tailoring its Milton campus programming to local and commuter students to meet the needs of the significant number of students in Halton Region and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) seeking to attend university close to home.
Inaugural Milton campus programs include Computer Science and Psychology, with elective courses offered in User Experience Design, Leadership, Criminology and Business Technology Management. The university is actively planning future Milton campus programs, including Software Engineering, subject to approval. Numerous experiential learning opportunities are available to Milton students, including co-op placements, volunteer opportunities, workplace projects and community service-learning.
Laurier and Town of Milton leaders, including Mayor Gordon Krantz and Town of Milton CAO Andrew Siltala, gather for a celebratory photo during Laurier Orientation.
In the coming years, Laurier will work to develop a full campus in the Milton Education Village, on land donated by the Town of Milton, where thousands of students, faculty and community partners will work, learn and conduct research.
First-year Computer Science student Ridhwan Muntasir said he was excited to be a part of Laurier Orientation in Milton and is planning to make as many connections as possible during the upcoming academic year.
“It seems like most people have already made groups of friends, which is really nice,” said Muntasir. “It’s a smaller school community and, being here, it feels more attached to the people, unique and fun.”
“We’ve worked very hard over a decade to bring Laurier to Milton. It’s an exciting day for us and I hope you feel that excitement, not only today but throughout your program.”
Dean Anthony J. Clarke, Faculty of Science
Laurier Orientation in Milton began with welcome remarks from Dean of Students Adam Lawrence, Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union President Ben Jesseau and Faculty of Science Dean Anthony J. Clarke.
“The Laurier community is special, and you folks are all a part of that now,” Jesseau told the students. “What’s exciting about today is that this day is special in a different way. We have the opportunity to create a new community here and see what makes this campus special. I’m excited to go on that journey with you.”
Clarke congratulated the first-ever Milton campus students on choosing Laurier.
“We’ve worked very hard over a decade to bring Laurier to Milton,” said Clarke. “It’s an exciting day for us and I hope you feel that excitement, not only today but throughout your program.”
Laurier Milton Computer Science students during their first class at the new campus.
Laurier and the Town of Milton have shared a partnership for more than a decade, part of a shared vision to bring postsecondary education to Milton. Among those in attendance at Laurier Orientation in Milton were longtime Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz and Town of Milton Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Siltala. Also attending to greet students, faculty and staff was Milton Member of Parliament Adam van Koeverden.
“It was always our vision to have a university campus – and it has finally happened,” said Krantz. “What this is really all about is making provisions for people to be able to live, work, play and be educated in their own community.”
Kousoulas noted that initiatives at the Milton campus will be student driven.
“With a small campus and tight community, we can act on suggestions from students,” said Kousoulas. “Moving forward, these students are going to be the ambassadors of this experience for future generations.”
Laurier Milton campus manager Patricia Kousoulas speaks with Milton MP Adam van Koeverden (left), Laurier President Deborah MacLatchy and Laurier director of government and community relations Matt Grills.
Conveniently located in the GTA, Laurier’s Milton campus offers local and commuter students the opportunity to study close to home and enjoy a comfortable learn-work-live lifestyle. Course schedules are designed around a Monday to Thursday week, ideal for local and commuter students looking for a strong academic and student-life experience. Laurier Milton students have access to free on-site parking and the campus is serviced by Milton Transit.
