MOOSE JAW — Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus launched the winter semester with a lively welcome week that blended fun activities, helpful resources, and community connections to make students feel at home while showcasing the school’s mission to “inspire success in every learning journey.”
“The main focus (was) to get students settled and connected for most of their academic journey. Just getting that initial connection to the campus is an opportunity for our staff to meet with their new students and faculty to create that initial relationship…,” explained Ben Gamble, the school’s manager of student experiences.
The welcome week began in early January with staff members stationed at the campus entrances to greet students.
“We had snacks for them and greeted them as they came in, and then offered to take them to their orientation if they didn’t know where they were going,” Gamble said, adding that these greeters offered a “friendly, welcoming face when (students) first walked in.”
Gamble said the highlight of the week was the campus and community services fair that came one day later on Jan. 7. The event featured internal groups such as learning services, the campus bookstore and library, as well as external organizations including St. John Ambulance and therapy dog teams.
One measure of the event’s success was the large student turnout, which Gamble said was between 300 and 500 students eager to support their academic success and strengthen a connection to the broader community.
On the final two days of the week-long event the school held its campus kickoff. In Moose Jaw, Sask. Polytech hosted the event on Jan. 8 alongside the Prince Albert campus, and on Jan. 9, the Saskatoon and Regina campuses followed. The Moose Jaw campus partnered with its student union, the Sask. Polytechnic Students’ Association (SPSA), to host the event.
The day included free pizza courtesy of Pizza Hut along with prize giveaways, inflatable axe throwing, soccer, badminton, jewelry making, and even a tie-dye station.
, which traditionally kicks off the academic year with live entertainment such as The Pile of Bones Brass Band show in 2023. Planning for the next fall orientation begins shortly after the winter events wrap up, Gable said.
The winter semester orientation was made possible by title sponsor SaskMilk, and secondary sponsors Innovation Federal Credit Union and SaskTel.
What’s upcoming in winter 2025
: The Moose Jaw Sask. Polytech campus will be hosting a free online workshop for students in partnership with career counselling staff designed to help participants clarify their future goals and career paths on Thursday, Jan. 23.
: Prospective students can explore education paths, connect with high-earning job opportunities, and discover careers they love on Tuesday, March 11 in Moose Jaw.
Students are also encouraged to check the school’s monthly newsletter for further information.
Gamble offered a quick word of advice to this semester’s returning students.
“I would say, ‘Get involved,’” Gamble suggested. “I think that, especially (during) that first week, it’s very easy. I’ve went through it, and it’s easier said than done, but just putting yourself out there and getting involved… and really getting an understanding of what supports are available… creates a lasting impression for your… post-secondary career.
“There are so many supports at Sask. Polytechnic and there’s so many friendly staff and faculty members. You will get (the most) out of your student experience by creating that connection with everyone on campus.”
To learn more about the school and its range of program options visit .
The Moose Jaw Sask. Polytech campus is located at 600 Saskatchewan Street West.
