Introduction of Student Services Provided at Centennial College (Part I)
Our Centennial Vision, “Transforming lives and communities through learning ” and our Centennial Mission, “Educating students for career success,” continue to guide our services.
David Ip Yam, Dean of Students at Centennial College, was delighted to introduce the range of student services and programs for all students. He says, “No matter where students come from or what program they’re pursuing,” CC students have the opportunity to:
Experience inclusion
Develop holistically
Get ready to be a change-maker
Prepare for a career and social transformation
“Through our Centennial Advising and Pathways Services (CAPS), students are supported by a network of academic and specialist advisors who facilitate a cohesive student journey. By engaging in one of many co-curricular engagement opportunities, they develop unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that help them stand out, lead and thrive.
Our student services also play a role in amplifying student voices at every opportunity, developing and executing student-related policies and guidelines, and establishing foundational infrastructure to take the student experience to new heights,” explains Dean Ip Yam.
Centennial offers professional mental health services through our Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services. In the next newsletter issue, we will Spotlight Mental Health and Wellbeing supports at Centennial College.
Centennial Advising and Pathways Services (CAPS)
The CAPS team supports students while at Centennial by giving advice, information, and resources. CAPS advisors help students identify goals, make a plan for success, and connect students with the people and experiences they want to see at the College.
There are Success Advisors (MyCAPs) in specific Schools to help connect students with all the services and opportunities at Centennial College. Advisors will also share tips and strategies to help students develop leadership skills and gain experience for their careers.
The different types of advisors at CAPS include:
• Success Advisors (for current students)
• Pathway Advisors (for future students and pathway options)
• Specialist Advisors
• Personal Counsellors
• Program Coordinators
• Faculty
Personal Counselling Services
If you are a Centennial College student going through personal troubles, you may find yourself needing support. Personal Counsellors are available to support you.
After hours:
• 24 hour Services: Good 2 Talk
• Counselling Centre
• Centre for Students with Disabilities
Specialized Advising Services
Specialist Advisors provide students with special information and support. For example, students might need to connect with an International Advisor or a Student Financial Services specialist. And if students are having personal problems, the College also provides free, confidential counselling services to all students.
• Career & Co-op
• Learning Strategist, Tutors, Libraries
• Personal Counselling Services
• International Student Advising
• Students with a Disability
• Women in Non-Traditional Careers
Students helping students: CCSAI is the voice of students on campus.
The Centennial College Student Association Incorporated (CCSAI) plays a vital role in our student community. Student clubs at Centennial are offered through the CCSAI. Clubs are student-run so the number can vary each semester, from five to 50.
In the winter 2021 semester, there are 14 active student clubs, including the Club for Automation and Robotics, Electrical Engineering Student Society, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Language & Culture Exchange Club, LGBTQS2+ Social Club, and the Theatre Club.
Clubs provide opportunities to connect with like-minded students and participate in fun and engaging activities, like game nights, information sessions, and workshops.
Being involved in a club can help students feel part of the Centennial community and help them make friends at college. Clubs can meet in person or virtually and will decide what type of activities to run based on their goals and purpose. For example, the Council for Change (CFC) is associated with Centennial’s Child and Youth Care program. The club promotes positivity and kindness through the events they host for the college community. CFC events include Coat Drives to collect donated coats for those in need, and Random Acts of Kindness events, providing breakfast, lunch bags, treat bags, and positive messages to the student body.
Students can develop resume-enhancing skills through club participation. Students can hold executive positions, participate on a sub-committee, and develop leadership skills. Attending meetings, brainstorming, event planning, and working in groups are just a few of the skills students can develop to help them in their future careers. They can also get credit towards the Student Leadership Passport at Centennial College. The Leadership Passport allows students an opportunity to earn a “Distinction in Leadership” when they graduate.
Festivals, Conferences and Events – In Toronto, On-Campus and Online
The Services and Global Experience (SaGE) team collaborates with other departments at Centennial and forms partnerships with community partners to facilitate activities, conferences, and volunteer opportunities. For example, Centennial’s Career Services and Co-operative Education department hosted the “Get Hired” Grad Conference in April 2021. Students connected with employers virtually and attended workshops on topics like personal branding. They also participated in practice interviews with employers. During this event, Centennial International Student Advisors offered a seminar on Understanding Pathways to Permanent Residence in Canada.
The International Students Festival in Toronto, Caribbean Carnival, and Pride Parade are a few examples of the exciting festivals that CC students, faculty, and staff volunteer with each year.
Centennial’s approach to integrating international knowledge in o the curriculum is showcased by events such as CENTItalia, an Italian culinary symposium featuring master chefs from Italy, hosted in partnership with Ontario's Italian Chamber of Commerce annually from 2016-2019.
Centennial’s Chinese Student Association partners with the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE) for the Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Awards event. Every year, five to 10 Centennial College students volunteer in the gala. The student volunteers earn a certificate of recognition, which they can use to demonstrate their experience and skills to employers.
Interview with the Chairman of Centennial’s Chinese Student Association
Recently, student-led online workshops have included topics such as “Wow your audience with animated PowerPoints and “Sing with us!” showcases. During International Education Week, a live-streamed virtual talent show featured performances from students around the world.
Photo: International Education Week 2019 (IEW) Performers – including SCC Alumnus Gurpreet Singh.
News/ Photos provided by Centennial College
Editing by CIE of Suzhou Centennial College