TechTeams

TechTeams is our first year mentorship program and an integral part of helping students transition in to SIAT. Our mentors, with the support of our academic advising team, provide first year students with the opportunity to participate in the university community by offering weekly workshops that cover different aspects of university life such as:

What to expect in your first year
Information about co-op
Insights from senior students
Learning about campus resources
Help with course planning

TechTeams offers a relaxing and fun environment and is an opportunity to meet fellow students. We look forward to seeing you there.

Follow us on Instragram at: @siat_techteams

Meet your TechTeam mentors for Fall 2022

Rain - Third Year IAT student

Hi everyone, my name is Rain (she/her)! I’m a third-year BA SIAT student and I’ll be one of the TechTeam Leaders for the upcoming Fall semester. I’m an international student who started her journey at FIC and transferred to SIAT major, so I am aware how challenging it could be to be a first-year student. I remember often feeling lost within a major institution like SFU, so I would be happy to help make your journey as smooth as possible. To break the ice here are couple of things about me: I love reading fiction books, playing digital cozy games and trying new foods from all around the world. I’m really excited to meet and get to know all of you! See you in fall!

Amanda - Second Year IAT student

Hello first-years, welcome to SIAT! I’m so excited to meet you all. My name is Amanda (she/her), second-year BSc SIAT student and one of your TechTeam Leaders! I’m from Victoria, BC, and moved to Vancouver during my first year. I know transitioning to university (and to a new city) can be challenging or stressful — which is why we’re here to support you! After graduation, I’d like to do graphic or UX/UI design, or maybe teach design at a high school level. I love movies, musicals, drawing, desserts, and flooding my camera roll with sky pictures. Feel free to say hi anytime!

Therese - Second Year IAT students

Hiya friends! I'm Therese (she/her)! I am a second year SIAT student, and I am super excited to be one of your TechTeams leaders this year! Welcome to SIAT! I remember how overwhelming it was for me when I first came to SFU. I hope that I can help make your transition into university a bit easier! A little bit about me is that I have an interest in all things design, graphic design, web design, fashion design, cake design (but I am not very good at it) and I have a strange love for Photoshop. Again, welcome to SFU and I can’t wait to meet you in the new year!

TechTeams Fall 2022 Schedule

Location: Studio A

Date	Time	Topic
Tues Sept 13, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 2: Meet the Profs + SIAT Study Tips Nervous about starting university classes? Totally normal! Join us this week and discover how to succeed in IAT classes, manage multiple projects, and learn when, where, and how to ask for help. Guests: IAT 100-level profs, Student Learning Commons (SLC), International Student Services (ISS).
Tues Sept 20, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 3: Mini-Clubs Day + IATSU Excited to get involved in the SFU community? Join us this week and hear about a variety of SFSS clubs, as well as our IAT Student Union. You might even get a sneak peek of the Frosh 2022 merch! Guests: upper-year students, IATSU executives.
Tues Sept 27, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 4: Adulting 101 Budgeting? Cooking? Laundry? When the heck did I become a grown-up?! Join us this week and learn how to manage your time, stay safe, and be responsible for yourself as a university student. Guests: upper-year students, Campus Public Safety (CPS).
Tues Oct 4, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 5: Health + Counselling Midterms overall can be stressful and it’s important to still put yourself first! Join us this week to learn about services offered by SFU Health & Counselling, and hear a few student mental health tips. Guests: SFU Health & Counselling (HCS).
Tues Oct 11, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 6: Get Outside! Physical health is important too! Join us this week for a chance to step away from your screen. We’ll meet by the classroom, and then walk to Holland Park as a relaxing break from your projects!
Tues Oct 18, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 7: Board Game Cafe Time for another fun session! Join us this week for a couple hours of snacks, teas, and board games. Refreshments and games provided — feel free to bring your own games as well!
Tues Oct 25, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 8: Co-op Info Session Want to gain work experience in your field and integrate your learning with your studies while earning money? Join us this week to learn all about co-op, what jobs you can get, and how to apply for it. You’ll also hear from a few current SIAT co-op students! Guests: SIAT Co-op advisor(s), upper-year co-op students.
Tues Nov 1, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 9: Course Planning 102 Can you believe it’s already time to plan for Spring 2023? Join us this week to learn about program requirements and get advisor/student suggestions on how to organize your courses.
Tues Nov 8, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 10: Return of the Alumni! The question you(r parents) have been waiting for: what are you gonna do with this degree? Join us this week and meet some extra special guests: IAT alumni! They’ll share their experiences since graduating, and offer tips for current students. Guests: SIAT alumni!
Tues Nov 15, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 11: Study Abroad Info Session Ready to travel again, but don’t want to postpone your education? Join us this week to learn about your options for studying abroad, where you might get to go, and how to apply for it! Guests: SFU Study Abroad advisor(s).
Tues Nov 22, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 12: SIAT Mini Showcase! We’re reaching the tail end of your first semester! You've done a couple projects now, but what happens next? Join us this week for a sneak peek into the projects our SIAT upper-years have been working on! Guests: upper-year students.
Tues Nov 29, 2022	11:30am–1:30pm	Week 13: Winter-themed fun activity! This is our final TechTeams session! Join us this week for an awesome wintery low-stakes competition to destress before exams. Let us know beforehand if you have dietary restrictions…

School of Interactive Arts & Technology