College kicks off 10 days of student orientation activities

WHITEHORSE – Over 540 new and returning students starting classes next week can look forward to 10 days of music, food, games, and competitions during orientation activities at Yukon College.

This will be capped off with a live concert, “Fallin’ Back” at the College Gym on September 14th. The concert will feature one of Canada’s best live independent bands, Wassabi Collective, local acts, Old Cabin and Wrong Track Freight Train, and hosted by Claire Ness.

“College is more than just class schedules, lectures and exams,” said Lauren Tuck, Orientation Activities Coordinator. “Engaging students in everything college life has to offer is what orientation is all about.”

“It’s also an important way to provide students with opportunities to have fun, make friends, and ease the transition from high school, or wherever they’re coming from in life.”

Activities kick off on Tuesday September 4th at 9 a.m. in the refurbished and restyled Kinnikinnick Kaff. Daniel Ashley will be hosting and spinning tracks in the morning. There will also be a BBQ lunch and the popular, annual pie-eating contest.

Information sessions held across the campus throughout the day will provide new students with important details on college services and computer help, as well as advice on health, personal safety and security.

Other activities include a First Nations feast, Miles Canyon hike, a Cultures Connect diversity celebration, and lots of games and contests. An iPad, a Kobo, or two tickets to the Fallin’ Back concert are just some of the prizes students can win each day.

During the second week of orientation there will be an Opportunities Exchange Fair where 26 non-profit organizations in the community will showcase, to students, instructors and the public, opportunities to gain experience and build skills towards their career goals.

The Fallin’ Back concert is not just for students. Tuck designed it as a party for everyone across the city to jump-start the fall. She hopes to see lots of people enjoying the music and dancing up a storm.

“Wassabi Collective is a fantastic live act. You can’t sit down when they play. They blend everything from pop, rock, hip hop, roots reggae, funk, and jazz and give it their own twist,” said Tuck.

“They have been racking up awards and kudos across the country and I am thrilled they are coming to Yukon to party here too.”

Concert tickets are $20 / $15 for students (with a valid YC student ID) for this 19+ licensed event and are on sale at the College Bookstore and Well Read Books. The event is sponsored by Air North and The Historical Guest House B & B. Proceeds from the bar will go to the Frostbite Music Society.

A full list of orientation activities can be found online at www.yukoncollege.yk.ca

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For more information, contact:
Michael Vernon
Communications Coordinator
College Relations
Yukon College
867 668 8786
867 332 4722
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca

Kirsti Wallace
Acting Director
College Relations
Yukon College
867 456 8619
kwallace@yukoncollege.yk.ca