Stay the Course Students

Start at KPU with support behind you — plus a $700 tuition credit.

Stay the Course. Support, connection and guidance for your first year

Starting university is exciting and — Stay the Course is here to help you make the most of it. Through personalized advising, peer mentor connections, and skill-building opportunities, you’ll have support as you begin your first year at KPU. Eligible students who complete the experience can also earn a $700 tuition credit towards Year Two

Through Stay the Course, students can:

✔ Get support with course planning and registration
✔ Connect with advisors and peer mentors
✔ Build confidence for university success
✔ Learn how to navigate KPU resources
✔ Feel more connected during the first semester
✔ Explore goals and next steps without pressure

Designed for Busy Students

Stay the Course is designed to support your transition to university - not add stress to your schedule. 

Who is this for? Stay the Course may be a good fit if you:

  • are still figuring out your direction or goals
  • want help planning courses
  • are balancing school, work, and life
  • want to feel more connected at KPU
  • are looking for guidance while you transition to university.

Who can apply? Eligible students must:

  • be new Fall 2026 students
  • be domestic students or permanent residents
  • be enrolled-full-time
  • be in Undeclared Arts, Business, Science or Pathway 3
  • have 8 or fewer transfer credits

How do I apply?

Check your KPU student email for your invitation and application link. Look for the subject line “Start Strong at KPU with Stay the Course — and Earn Up to $700 Toward Year Two”.  Can't find your invitation? Email us at staythecourse@kpu.ca

DEADLINE: FRIDAY, SEPT 11, 2026

What to expect in Stay the Course

Stay the Course is designed to support you through your first year at KPU — without adding a big extra workload. Most activities are short, flexible, and can fit around your classes, work, and other commitments.

First Semester (Fall 2026)

In your first semester, you will:

  • Meet with your Academic Advisor to talk about your goals, questions, and plans for the semester (about 30 minutes)
  • Check in with your Peer Mentor for support, tips, and connection to campus resources (about 15 minutes)
  • Share feedback about your experience through a short student survey (about 20 minutes)

  • Complete a transition skills workshop or course to help you build confidence and prepare for university learning (time varies depending on the option you choose)

    Choose one of:

    • KPU 100 Workshop - Introduction to KPU (8-10 Hours) before classes start. Find out more or sign up here. (ONLINE  Aug 24-28)

      OR

    • Supported Learning Foundations: English Workshop (6-12 Hours) before classes start. Find out more or sign up here. (IN PERSON at Surrey Campus, Aug 25-28)

      OR

    • Register for one of these approved courses: EDUC 1100 (Introduction to Higher Education), WRIT 1100 (Writing for University), IDEA 1100 (Exploring Self and World: Transcultural, Creative, and Interdisciplinary Inquiry), BUSI 1115 (Emotional Intelligence for Academic and Career Development), CBSY 1120 (Work Smarter with Artificial Intelligence)

Second Semester (Spring 2027)

  • In your second semester, you will:

    • Meet with your Academic Advisor again to plan next steps and check in on your progress (about 30 minutes)
    • Connect with your Peer Mentor for another brief check-in and support conversation (about 15 minutes)
    • Choose one of four support streams based on your interests and goals, and complete a few related activities (time varies depending on what you choose)

    Choose the support stream that fits you...

    📚 Build Your Skills
    Strengthen your study skills, learning strategies, and confidence as a university student.

    🧭 Discover your Path
    Explore your career curiosities, educational pathways, and future opportunities.

    🤝 Find Your People
    Build connections, get involved on campus, and find community at KPU.

    Many activities offer flexible scheduling, virtual options, or self-paced formats so you can participate in ways that work for your schedule.

     

    Stay the Course Success Team:

    • Theresa Voorsluys - Project Lead
    • Christina Page - Faculty Champion
    • Dave Bhatti - The Learning Centre (Representative)
    • Oksana Nhuien - Peer Mentor Program (Representative)
    • Calvin Tiu - Academic Advisor (Central Advising)
    • Jocelyn Choy - Academic Advisor (Central Advising)
    • Dominique Cambay - Academic Advisor (Central Advising)