Mount Allison University Video Project Featured in Academica's Top Ten

This morning the video project I've been working on this summer was featured on Academica's Top Ten list. If you're not familiar with the list here's a little snippet from the website:

Our team of researchers scours thousands of news sources every day – college and university media releases, wire services, government announcements, new statistics and research reports, national and international media, blogs, and more – and hand-picks the ten most relevant, interesting and important stories affecting university and college professionals in public affairs, recruitment, marketing and advancement.

You'll receive a single email first thing each weekday morning, containing bite-sized digests of the top ten stories, with links to original sources. Our goal is to keep you abreast of the news that affects post-secondary education marketing and advancement in Canada – branding, recruitment, retention, alumni relations, youth culture, and emerging technology.

If you haven't subscribed in some form I highly recommend that you do. Thousands of higher education professionals read the top ten every morning and so should you. (As always I would recommend the RSS feed using Google Reader. You can see the mention here or you can go directly to the information page, or see the videos released so far in the player below.

The tips posted so far are listed below. There will be a new video posted every weekday on YouTube. I hope everybody continues to enjoy them. We would love your feedback and encourage you to post comments on our Facebook Page or you can e-mail them directly to me at gbcampbell {at} mta.ca.

#1- Make the most of Orientation.

#2- Choose clubs that match you

#3- Experience Theatre

#4- Get some inside information

#5- Get involved in Athletics

#6- Adapt to Academics

#7- Adjust from Abroad

#8- Transition to University Life

#9- Find a Quiet Place to Study

#10- Stay fit on campus

20 Tips for first-year students: #4- Get some inside information

Fourth in this 20-part video series for the Class of 2015, Alex Dalton (fourth-year international relations) and Avery Wheeler (fourth- year environmental studies) share what they wish they knew before they came to Mount Allison.

Alex mentions the very useful reference librarians and Avery mentions that rain boots are a must have as, you know, it sometimes rains in Sackville.

The one thing I wish I knew is that with a little bit of effort and being social the first few weeks, there’s really no way you won’t meet a great group of people. Mount Allison is known for its close-knit community and building lifelong bonds. The bottom line is that while you may not become the closest of friends with everyone you meet during Orientation Week, you'll find at least a few you will be friends with long after your time at Mount Allison. I know I did.

Geoff Campbell
Communications Assistant
Mount Allison University

20 Tips for first-year students: #1- Make the most of Orientation

Your first days at Mount Allison are approaching quickly. In the first of a 20-part video series, below you will find a tip featuring fourth-year student Beth Whitfield (honours biology). The tip is about making the most of your first few weeks at Mount Allison.

The most important thing to do in September (besides go to class, of course) is to really branch out and step out of your comfort zone as much as possible. My first day at Mount Allison I was unpacking my stuff in residence, thinking about all the technical things I had to do (open a bank account, figure out my classes and get some food) and someone walked by and said hello. Today he is one of my best friends and we are roommates in an apartment this year.

I really can’t stress enough how important the first few weeks are to your success here. Doing well in class and being involved in extracurriculars is important, but your first couple of weeks is really meant for you to adjust to life on your own and make lasting friendships. The upperclassmen are so welcoming and all the first-year students are just trying to find where they fit in, just like you. I met some of my closest friends during Orientation Week and I’m sure you will too.  

Before I share with you the video I have to give credit to the others without whose hard work these videos wouldn't have been made. In particular, credit goes to Tony Frost for direction, Nadine Leblanc for videography and Melissa Lombard for editing and other support, and of course to all the students who volunteered their time and experience to help. While we were unable to use all of the footage we'd like to that you all for your time and effort in helping new students to successfully adjust.

Again, I simply asked the questions and what you'll hear is honest and hopefully helpful advice relating to your time at Mount Allison. We hope you enjoy and find these videos helpful as you begin your journey to University life.


Geoff Campbell
Communications Assistant
Mount Allison University