Welcome to Bow Valley College — we’re so glad you’re here!

Hit the Ground Ready
Start Strong. Stay Strong.

New Student Orientation isn’t just about finding your classroom. It’s about setting you up for success from day one.

At Hit the Ground Ready, you will:

  • Learn how to navigate college expectations
  • Discover the supports available to you
  • Connect with advisors and support teams
  • Build confidence before classes begin
  • Meet other students starting their journey

Starting strong isn’t just about your first week — it’s about building the habits, connections, and supports that help you stay strong all semester long.

At Bow Valley College, we are your partner in success — from acceptance to graduation and beyond.

sports_esports

Did you know that Bow Valley College has an Esports Arena?

The arena is free to access for all students, and is home to the Bears, the College's varsity esports team. The BVC Bears compete in NACE, the National Association of Collegiate Esports, and receive exclusive access to the varsity training room, coaching, travel and networking opportunities, campus perks, and honorariums for competing. Take a tour of the Arena!

The Bears are currently recruiting!

Fall 2026 New Student Orientation

Please check your Bow Valley College email for details on registration for New Student Orientation.

Day 1 (August 25)
All Student Orientation

Join online sessions

New Student Check-In and Technology Desk

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
2nd floor, South Campus

Registration and technology Support.

In person only.

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Land Acknowledgement

8:30 a.m.- 8:35 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

Join in person or online.

Join online

Welcome Presentation

8:35 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

A warm welcome to BVC by members of our College Leadership team & SABVC. Get important information on available resources and supports at the College that will set you up for success.

Join online

Keynote:  Isaiah Neil

8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

Isaiah Neil is a keynote speaker and former Golden Bears Football player. Before he was speaking to thousands of students, he was a full-time student-athlete for the Golden Bears Football Team at the University of Alberta.

On the field, he was dominating some of the best teams inthe country, but off the field, he was in a fight for his life, battling withhis mind, and slowly losing the will to live.

Isaiah is now using his lived experience to make an IMPACT with every moment of opportunity he’s given. He’s spoken to thousands of students, been featured on CTV and CBC News and has worked with two ofCanada’s largest charities and initiatives — Jack.org and Bell Let’s Talk. He is currently a member of the youth council for the Mental Health Commission of Canada supporting policy and research related to mental health outcomes for Canadians.

Isaiah is taking every moment of opportunity hehas to make a REAL IMPACT and empower youth facing challenges with mental health across Canada.

Join online

Break

9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m

Academic Advising Session

9:45 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

The Academic Advising team’s purpose is to help you achieve your goals. Whether it’s selecting courses each term, understanding student policies, or creating a program plan, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Join online

Financial Empowerment Session

10:05 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

Take Control of your money. In this presentation, you will learn to create a plan for your money and get tips for reducing your spending.

By the end of this session, you will have a solid understanding of how to use these essential platforms to be successful in your academic journey at BVC. We look forward to supporting your success!

Join online

Library and Learning Commons Session

10:25 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

Learn about all the resources, technology, and space you need to get your work done.

Join online

Career Services Session

10:45 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

Learn about how career services can get you thinking, planning, and involved in finding your future career.

Join online

SABVC Health and Dental Session

11:05 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

Learn the key components of your health and dental plan, including coverage, how to make a claim and who to contact for questions. (SFL students do not need to attend.)

Join online

Student Success Session

11:25 p.m. - 11:45 a.m.
TransAlta Hall (S2009), Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231) & online

In this session, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical strategies to thrive in your academic pursuits and beyond. Discover how to overcome obstacles, manage academic stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing your education.

Join online

Students Association – Bow Valley College Hosted Lunch

11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Market, 2nd floor, South Campus

Receive a free lunch, provided by your Students' Association of Bow Valley College. Lunch will be available in the Market, on the 2nd floor of South Campus.

In person only.

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Day 1 (August 25)
Things to do

Get set with technology

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
RGO Library, 2nd Floor, North Campus

Meet with the Technology team and get ready for your first day of class. Get a free copy of Office 365, install MS Teams, set up your Wifi, and more!

In person only.

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Pay your fees

Anytime
Office of the Registrar

Pay online at mybvc.ca or at the Office of the Registrar, 1st floor, South Campus

In person only.

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Find my classroom

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
RGO Library, 2nd Floor, North Campus

Not sure how to find your classrooms on campus? Let a library staff member help you.

In person only.

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Campus tours

1:00, 1:15, 1:30 and 2:00 p.m.
1st floor, North Campus

Meet our Welcome Centre staff on the 1st floor of South Campus for a guided tour of our campuses.

In person only.

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Day 1 (August 25)
Program Breakout

Administrative Professional Certificate

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

This is for students starting the Administrative Professional Certificate program.

Join online

Cybersecurity Solutions Diploma / Information Technology Solutions Diploma

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Data Management and Analytics Post Diploma Certificate

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Digital Design Apprenticeship Diploma

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Digital Design Diploma

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Digital Marketing Post Diploma Certificate

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Education Assistant

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
South Campus, room S6021

This is for students starting the Education Assistant Certificate program.

In person only.

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General Arts and Sciences Certificate, Diploma, & University Transfer

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

This is for students starting either the General Arts and Sciences Certificate, Diploma, & University Transfer program.

Join online

General Arts and Sciences - Health Sciences

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

This is for students starting the General Arts and Sciences - Health Sciences Certifiacte program.

Join online

Health Data Analytics Diploma

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

This is for students starting the Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant Diploma program.

Join online

Legal Assistant Diploma

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

This is for students starting the Legal Assistant Diploma program.

Join online

Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Online via Teams

This is for students starting the Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk Certificate program.

Join online

Pharmacy Technician

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Online via Teams

This is for students starting the Pharmacy Technician Diploma program.

Join online

Software Development Apprenticeship Diploma

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Software Development Post Diploma Certificate

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Software Development Diploma

1:00 p.m.
Online via Teams

Please note: late joining may not be possible for this session.

Join online

Day 2 (August 26)
Indigenous Student Orientation

Join online sessions

New Student Check-In

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
2nd floor, South Campus

In person attendance only.

In person only.

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Indigenous Student Orientation Welcome

9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Iniikokaan Centre, 2nd floor, South Campus & online

A warm welcome from the Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Dr Maurice Manyfingers and Iniikokaan Centre staff. Arm yourself with the tools to succeed in your post-secondary journey. Meet other fellow new Indigenous learners. Learn about Indigenous specific resources available at BVC.

Join online

Iniikokaan Centre Overview

9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Iniikokaan Centre, 2nd floor, South Campus & online

Learn about the Iniikokaan Centre, our Indigenous Student Centre. Meet the Iniikokaan Staff, learn about upcoming semester Programming and resources.

Join online

Counselling Session

10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Iniikokaan Centre, 2nd floor, South Campus & online

Starting college is an exciting journey, but it can also come with challenges, questions, and adjustments. We invite you to connect with Brandy White, our Indigenous Counsellor, in this session who is here to support Indigenous students throughout their academic journey.

Join online

Financial Empowerment Information Session

10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Iniikokaan Centre, 2nd floor, South Campus & online

This presentation will be on Indigenous financial empowerment. Topics will include how our culture and historical trauma impacts our relationship with money. Information will be shared on Indigenous coaching and how the Indigenous Matched Savings program can help indigenous students build a better relationship with money and build their credit. The Blackfoot Hierarchy of Needs is used as a structure to focus on building self-esteem and confidence.

Join online

SABVC Health and Dental Session

11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Iniikokaan Centre, 2nd floor, South Campus & online

Learn the key components of your Health and Dental Benefits Plan, including coverage details, savings opportunities, claims information, and contact information for inquiries. Register now on the mystudentplan Benefits App, set up your profile, and download your Benefit Cards. You can now access your plan anytime, anywhere!

Join online

Academic Advising and Career Services

11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Iniikokaan Centre, 2nd floor, South Campus & online

Learn how Academic Advisors can support your educational journey, including the services they provide, how to access advising through appointments or drop-in options, and key academic dates and processes every student should know. This session will also highlight important student resources and supports, with a focus on services and opportunities available to Indigenous adult learners.

Join online

Lunch

12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Iniikokaan Centre, 2nd floor, South Campus

In person lunch.

In person only.

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