During a season known for winter blues, TWU Richmond Student Life leaders made a special effort to encourage students.
From February 23–25, 2022 (Reading Week) TWU Richmond hosted a series of outings and group trips to Vancouver in an initiative called "Together is Better." The purpose was to encourage students to re-connect with their campus community and meet other students, and to support students’ mental health during the challenging months of January–February.
Together again
The initiative is particularly timely as this week, students return to in-person learning at TWU Richmond’s Lansdowne location after many months of remote classes.
TWU Richmond students took the opportunity to meet their peers and professors—some for the very first time.
Kim Chen, Director of Student Life at TWU Richmond, said in reflecting on last week's events: "A highlight for me personally was one recent graduate... This student had completed his degree completely online during the pandemic and just wanted to see the campus and meet some of his faculty in person for the first time."
Back to campus
The TWU Richmond staff and faculty are warmly welcoming students back to campus at TWU Richmond’s Lansdowne location. "Our team is excited to welcome and greet students coming back for in-person classes this week with coffee and snacks each day!" said Chen.
Ahead of classroom learning, last week's "Together is Better" initiative offered students a variety of opportunities to enjoy some local sightseeing. They visited Lonsdale Quay and Granville Island, tried snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain, enjoyed biking at Ambleside Park, and toured the Museum of Vancouver. The finale of the week included campus visits for those who have been studying online, as TWU Richmond’s Lansdowne location prepared to welcome students back to in-person classes this week.
"Our team is excited to welcome and greet students coming back for in-person classes this week with coffee and snacks each day!"
— Kim Chen, Director of Student Life at TWU Richmond
The outings were a great success with over 50 participants coming out to meet other students, staff and faculty. "Students were excited to step into the campus for the first time and learn about our Student Services and Student Life resources available to support them throughout the semester," Chen said.
For an added personal touch, TWU Richmond staff prepared encouragement cards for each student that included some fun get-to-know you facts along with a word of encouragement.
Throughout March, TWU Richmond continues to encourage students through community events that celebrate the diverse cultures on campus, including a Cultural Awareness Conference on March 9, and an Instagram video series called "Beat the Blues," which features students speaking words of hope to uplift other students.
About TWU Richmond
Located in the heart of the city, TWU Richmond provides programs tailored to the urban and international audience in Richmond and Metro Vancouver. The expansive, modern spaces are designed for students to engage in TWU bachelors degree and masters degree programs. TWU’s innovative education delivery modules allow students to choose from a variety of delivery models. Learn more about the programs offered at TWU Richmond.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier global Christian liberal arts University. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting 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 and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.