"Trinity Western University is a warm, wise, and welcoming place. We will care for you, because we know that you are deeply loved by the God who has given you talents, life, and a hunger to make a difference in the world. It is our deepest joy to nurture your heart, and to encourage the development of a courageous mind and a purposeful soul."
— President Mark Husbands
This weekend marks the start of Orientation Week at TWU, a week-long transition to University life.
At TWU's Langley main campus, international students received a special early welcome on Friday, September 3. Students were greeted at a friendly check-in station outside Reimer Student Centre, and hosted for dinner at Alumni Hall. Residence move-in and commuter connections took place on Saturday, September 4.
On Saturday, TWU also hosted a special session for parents of first-time university students, to better support families who are transitioning their young adults to this new life stage.
“We’re here for you,” Janice Nikkel, Executive Director of Alumni and Families, said to university students and parents.
Focus on holistic care at the Wellness Centre
In anticipation of student health and wellness needs this year, TWU is caring for students’ medical and mental health through one centralized service, called the Wellness Centre.
Joelle Turner, Director of Mental Health Services, said, “We are privileged to offer medical services and mental health services out of the same office. That allows our staff to collaborate really well, and serve our students better.”
TWU’s Wellness Centre is staffed by a team of campus physicians and nurses. There are four doctors plus nine nurses, including six nurses who specialize in public health.
To support students’ mental wellness, there is a team of on-campus registered clinical counsellors and intern counsellors, who provide individual and group counselling.
Facilities on campus have also been upgraded to support health and wellness, as Turner describes, “We’re really excited to welcome students back to our newly renovated space, that we call The Well.”
The Well provides massage chairs, a variety of stress-relieving activities, and room for quiet reflection.
“This is a relaxation space where students can come and de-stress, unplug and just relax,” Turner said.
New Service Hub provides a "one-stop shop" for campus inquiries
Students and families are also seeking access to resources in hybrid formats – both in-person and online. TWU’s new Service Hub is one example that meets this demand for increased accessibility.
Accessible online, by phone and in-person at the Reimer Student Centre, the Service Hub centralizes campus services by providing a “one-stop shop” to solve student needs varying from course registration and payment, to parking passes and meal plans.
“Students don’t need to go running all over campus to get their problems solved or questions answered," said Dan Burnett, Enterprise Service Management Director, commenting on the Service Hub.
Support for launching well after graduation
In response to students’ need to build their careers after graduation, TWU’s new Centre for Calling and Career Development provides one-on-one coaching to help students discover and pursue their career ambitions.
“We’re launching this centre to help students to wrestle with calling and purpose, and how to make a difference in the world, while preparing practically for their career and their life after graduation,” said Brian Kerr, Senior Vice President of Enrolment, Personal and Career Development.
Community Worship Service
A Community Worship service took place on Sunday September 5, welcoming new students and their parents to attend and experience spiritual life on campus. The service featured student-led worship and a message by President Husbands.
"It’s a joy to be with you," President Husbands said, addressing new students. "And yes, being at Trinity Western has the potential to change your life, forever."
Referencing TWU's 2021-22 annual theme, "Equipped for every good work," he added, "Our commitment to equip you for every good work, has everything to do with our calling, and it has everything to do with God’s calling on your life."
He continued, "Trinity Western University is a warm, wise, and welcoming place. We will care for you, because we know that you are deeply loved by the God who has given you talents, life, and a hunger to make a difference in the world. It is our deepest joy to nurture your heart, and to encourage the development of a courageous mind and a purposeful soul."
The Fall semester at TWU officially commences on September 8 with Convocation Chapel. TWU’s Orientation Week continues on through to September 11, with the finale being a TWU Spartans soccer match.
See also — Fostering a “Beloved Community” at Trinity Western, a Global Christian University:
TWU News
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.