Pilot project earns grant

A new project for nursing students is getting a $1,000 investment thanks to a grant from the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA), matched by Nipissing University.The New Student Transition pilot project provides an innovative summer orientation day for students who are upgrading an RPN to a BScN. It was developed in collaboration with Nipissing’s Nursing department.
The Nursing Transition Seminar will run annually just prior to the fall semester. The goals of the program are twofold; to increase the understanding of the unique needs of the RPN/BScN bridging students and to establish effective programming that will further best practices in supporting their transition. Students and supporters both leave the session with a plan for academic success by learning to manage the commitments of school. Research on the program will contribute to the development of best practices for transition programming.
Christina Forsyth, transfer resources and development coordinator in Nipissing’s Office of Student Development and Services, earned the NODA grant, one of only six awarded this year.
Forsyth will now submit an article to either the NODA Review or the Journal of College Orientation and Transition and submit a proposal to represent Nipissing University at next year's NODA Conference. The NODA Grant Fund recognizes activities and initiatives that further NODA's mission, vision, and values.
NODA is a North American association that seeks to create a community of practice that defines and enriches the fields of orientation, transition and retention.