On Wednesday, Oct. 16, UFV held its annual Arts Expo in the Envision Athletics Centre. The event was an informal gathering, with representation from each department in UFV’s extensive College of Arts. The atrium was full of students eager not only to grab some free pizza, but to learn about the various programs College of Arts offers.
I never realized just how many programs fall under College of Arts. The event had tables representing communications, English, graphic and digital design, history, philosophy, economics, political science, psychology, peace and conflict studies, global development studies, Indigenous studies, geography and the environment, and general studies. As well, there were representatives from the School of Creative Arts, the Modern Languages Institute, and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Professors and students manned these tables, eager to answer any questions students may have about their discipline.
The arts department advisors from UFV’s Advising Centre also had a table equipped with career counsellors ready to book an appointment with students to discuss their academic and career goals. If a student is ever unsure about what to major in, or exactly what classes to take to graduate on time, making an appointment with an academic counsellor can be extremely beneficial. They help students navigate through the myriad of programs and courses UFV offers and plan their semesters far in advance so they are not adding and dropping courses last minute.
Aimee Fauteaux, communication strategist for the College of Arts dean’s office, organized this year’s Arts Expo, and said that this casual networking event was mainly about building connections.
“It is showcasing all of the departments of the College of Arts and it’s a way to connect students to other students, their peers and faculty, and they can ask any types of questions that they have about any of the programs or courses or anything in relation to the College of Arts,” said Fauteaux.
The starving student that I am, I snagged a couple slices of pizza, and stuffed my pockets full of the mini candy bars that were on seemingly every table. College of Arts had the best collection of freebies I have ever seen at an event like this: water bottles, tumblers, notebooks, sunglasses — this is the kind of free stuff I dream of.
Whether you have your major and minors declared and your academic journey laid out perfectly, or if you are dabbling in various courses from different programs to see what you like, it is always beneficial to connect with your professors and other students. Not only will this help you currently as a student, but will potentially be a source of employment opportunities as well.
Image: UFV College of Art Facebook
Andrea Sadowski is working towards her BA in Global Development Studies, with a minor in anthropology and Mennonite studies. When she's not sitting in front of her computer, Andrea enjoys climbing mountains, sleeping outside, cooking delicious plant-based food, talking to animals, and dismantling the patriarchy.
