King's Edge Program Eases Your Transition to University

New students can transition to university through the exciting new King's Edge program.

Post-secondary education can be a huge adjustment, even without the added uncertainty of starting school in a pandemic. New students may wonder: Where will I turn if I need support? The new King's Edge program helps provide answers.

"King's University College has always been a place of community and we have always gone the extra mile to help students transition to post-secondary as smoothly as possible. This year, given all the uncertainty around COVID-19, we feel it is critical to help support our students," says Dr. Tracy Cunningham, Associate Registrar at King's.

The King's Edge transition program

To support incoming first-year students, The King's Edge, a student transition program that is a collaborative effort between King's Enrolment Services, the Academic Dean's Office and the Student Affairs department, is designed to ensure students have the necessary tools to help them succeed in their first year of studies.

The King's Edge combines existing programming including Summer Academic Orientation (SAO), the International Student Bridging Program, the Mature Student Transition Program, the Peer Guide Program and the King's Academic Mentoring Program (KAMP), with a new initiative—the Smart Start program designed by Western University's Faculty of Education.

Virtual summer orientation

During the summer of 2020, Summer Academic Orientation (SAO) will be virtual with one-on-one appointments held with an Academic Counsellor via ZOOM, to talk about interests and long-term goals to help students make great course selections, create their schedule and register for classes.

International Student Bridging Program

One of King's long-standing traditions, the International Student Bridging Program, will be incorporated into the King's Edge. For International students able to come to London, Ontario to be part of the physical King's community (including in the single occupancy residences on or near campus), this program provides students with the opportunity to become comfortable with King's, Western University and the city of London prior to the start of the traditional Orientation program, that comes during that time. For international students unable to travel to campus, they will be able to participate in virtual Bridging Week activities.

Mature Student Transition Program

The Mature Student Transition Program supports new mature students with a dedicated program designed specifically for their needs. The program pairs upper-year mature students known as Transition Assistants with their incoming peers to offer guidance and advice throughout the year.

Throughout the Academic Year, King's peer-to-peer programs connect new and upper-year students to provide tips and strategies to help navigate through their first year at King's. The King's International Peer Guide Program is a voluntary program designed to assist international and exchange students new to King's in the adjustment to university life and Canadian culture. Students benefit by developing cross-cultural skills and a diverse friendship network.

Academic Mentoring Program

The student-led King's Academic Mentoring Program (KAMP) provides support in many aspects of the transition period of a student's first year of university. Pairing incoming and senior students, the KAMP program mentors provide guidance on strategies for academic success, health and wellness, goal setting, extracurricular activities, course information and services at King's.

Additionally, King's is pleased to partner with Western University in the Smart Start Program to help students bridge any gaps in their academic skills due to the COVID-19 pandemic or strengthen skills with modules in Math and/or English/Writing. Students from the KAMP program will work as Learning Coaches in the Smart Start program and members of several King's student support services will provide seminars on a range of topics throughout August.

If you have questions about any aspect of life as King's student, please email us at kings@uwo.ca.