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A small school experience with big city impact is the thinking behind the Truro Start program which welcomed its first Faculty of Science students to campus in 2022.

"I'm incredibly grateful I get to be part of the Truro Start program,” said Ayva Perepelitza, Cold Lake Alberta. “By starting my degree at a smaller campus, I am able to navigate university easier, and feel as though my learning matters."

The program has since expanded to include the Faculty of Computer Science in 2023 with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences not far behind.

“I am so pleased to see this program expanding on our campus and students from a variety of disciplines living and studying together, said Acting Truro Campus Principal Dr. Gefu Wang-Pruski. “Providing a variety of experiences for a variety of learners can only aid in their success within Dalhousie University.”

Truro Start students have the option to complete the first year of their chosen degree on a smaller campus in Truro before transitioning into their second and final years in Halifax.

“Offering a new point of entry in the Computer Science discipline is important,” said Associate Dean Academic for Computer Science Christian Blouin. “The experience in Truro is different than in Halifax, and if this environment allows our students to build a strong foundation, then the Truro start program is a success for us.”

The BSc Truro Start enables first-year students to take advantage of smaller class sizes, to meet other students in their cohort through a first-year interest group, along with having a dedicated program coordinator and advisor.

“For the past two years, I have had the pleasure of working with students on their transition to university, academic goals, and going to Halifax, explained Program Coordinator Ashley Coffin. “Students are enjoying the small class sizes, the one-on-one support, and living in a small town on a smaller campus.  It’s rewarding to experience their growth throughout their first year.”

Kristin Gaudet, a first year Computer Science student from Digby County, chose to take advantage of the smaller class sizes in Truro her first year.

“I was accustomed to class sizes smaller than eight, so my 25 student classes actually feel pretty big,” she explained.  “It's nice starting off in a smaller area. I've made a lot of friends here and it already feels like home.”

Truro Start students benefit from studying at Dalhousie, with its great reputation, while also living in a small, active town with a guaranteed a room in residence. 

“This is a great way to start your computer science studies in an environment that will help foster your abilities and prepare you for moving to the Halifax campus in your second year,” said Instructor Christine Faion. “Our aim is to help build a student’s confidence.  It's all the Computer Science fundamentals, and with our smaller class sizes we can often have chats about what we are learning. If you've hesitated to start your degree, this can be a great way to get back into education too. “

For more information on the program or reach out to Ashley directly at Ashley.coffin@dal.ca or phone 902-890-0027