TechTeams

Follow SIAT TechTeams on Instagram at: @siat_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.

Meet your TechTeam mentors for 2024

Jami | 3rd year IAT students

Hey there, aspiring designers! I'm Jami, your friendly neighbourhood TechTeam leader. I'm a 3rd year SIAT student with concentrations in creative media and designing interactions. My journey to become a UX designer began during Covid when I started taking online design courses and fell in love with the combination of tech and art. As an international student, I faced unique challenges, but leveraging campus resources and getting guidance from advisors empowered me to overcome them. Now, equipped with insights gained from my journey, I'm excited to light the way for others transitioning into university life here at SFU SIAT.

Rochelle | 6th year IAT student

Hi everyone, I'm Rochelle! I'm 1/3 of your TechTeam leaders this year and will be entering my 6^th and final year at SFU. Having been here for so long, I have a lot of tips and tricks on how to survive and get the best experience out of SIAT (talk to me if you want unfiltered advice). I transferred from engineering to SIAT literally at the start of the pandemic, so I really understand the struggles of transitioning into a new major and environment. Within SIAT, my interests include UX research and interaction/speculative/sustainable design. You can catch me on campus looking sleep deprived, thinking about my next meal, and talking about whatever my niche interest is at the moment.

Sandra | 3rd Year IAT student

Hello everyone, I’m Sandra! Entering my third year into SIAT, I’ll be one of your TechTeam leaders this year. I’m currently thinking of concentrating in Design Interactions and maybe something else (but we’ll see :0). In my spare time, I enjoy dabbling into media arts like illustration and animation — but outside of class, I like listening to music, chatting with friends, and building white board barricades in Studio B.

TechTeams Fall 2024 Schedule:

Sessions are held weekly. For Fall 2024 sessions will be held on campus on Tuesdays from 12:30-2:30pm. See below for the current Fall 2024 session plan. This plan could change slightly so stay tuned for updates as we go through the semester!

Location: SRYC 3875

Date	Time	Topic
Tuesday, September 17th	12:30-2:30pm	Welcome! This will be our first TechTeams session where we will be introducing everyone to what exactly TechTeams is, the people behind it, and loads of other important facts to know during your first term at SFU. During this session, you will not only learn more about your TechTeam leaders, but also some academic and survival tips compiled by senior SIAT students. Some other topics that will be covered include Financial Aid (scholarships, bursaries, student loans, tuition deadlines) and International Services. You will also get a chance to meet other SIAT students and share what happened during your first week.
Tuesday, September 24th	12:30-2:30pm	Getting Involved / Clubs Day Learn more about the clubs at SFU, which ones SIAT students often join, and other fun opportunities to get involved at school. We will hear from multiple student speakers on how you can gain valuable and memorable experiences, useful SIAT based skills, and new connections/friends by joining clubs and being active outside of academics!
Tuesday, October 1st	12:30-2:30pm	SIAT Seniors Showcase Get a chance to see some of the amazing projects that students in SIAT have done in upper division courses! A variety of senior SIAT students from different concentrations will be showcasing their works and opening the floor to Q&A on their academic experiences.
Tuesday, October 8th	12:30-2:30pm	Health and Counseling Come to this informative session to hear all about the free on-campus and online resources SFU offers on mental health, work-life-balance, self-management, and other forms of wellness. Hear from a representative from Counseling services to understand the type of support out there available to all students.
Tuesday, October 22nd	12:30-2:30pm	Treasure Hunt Event Take a break from the stress of classes to enjoy a fun Treasure Hunt event with fellow SIAT friends to get the chance to win prizes! Work together in group-based activities to build your communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
Tuesday, October 29th	12:30-2:30pm	Course Planning 101 Come to Course Planning 101 in preparation for Spring Enrolment to receive assistance and information on SIAT courses! Receive a rundown of SIAT’s course map and concentrations, hear from SIAT’s academic advisor, and get the chance to ask questions specific to you with insights from an academic advisor, upper year SIAT students, and your TechTeam leaders.
Tuesday, November 5th	12:30-2:30pm	Study Session for Midterms Enjoy a chill study session in preparation for midterms and midpoint projects with friends. Snacks and board games will also be provided. Participate in the Kahoot/questionnaire featuring commonly asked midterm questions to help you get through those 100 level courses.
Tuesday, November 12th	12:30-2:30pm	Co-op Info Session Get a chance to hear more about SFU’s Co-operative Education program from a Co-op advisor. Learn how to apply and what to expect for Co-op. During this session, students will get a chance to see portfolio examples, receive resume tips, and ask questions.
Tuesday, November 19th	12:30-2:30pm	Higher Studies and other Academic Opportunities Explore exciting academic paths at this loaded event! Hear from a SIAT professor about their cutting-edge research, get insider tips on grad school expectations, and learn more about studying abroad and field schools.
Tuesday, November 26th	12:30-2:30pm	Project Feedback / Peer Review Session Bring your work to the Project Critique Session for valuable feedback and insights. We'll discuss how to give and receive constructive criticism and what’s a TechTeam session without snacks! Meet the people around you for a productive and collaborative work session.
Tuesday, December 3rd	12:30-2:30pm	Mini Design Challenge Participate in the TechTeams Design Challenge! Team up, use your class-honed skills to create and design something unique with limited supplies, and present your work. With fun prompts, a time limit, and prizes on the line, it's all about creativity and collaboration!
	12:30-2:30pm	First Year Project Showcase Don't miss the last TechTeams Session of the semester! This is your chance to showcase your awesome projects to peers, get questions answered, and enjoy snacks and drinks to ease those pre-finals nerves. Plus, dive into fun activities before we say our final goodbyes!

School of Interactive Arts & Technology