Skip to content Skip to main navigation

TechTeams

Follow SIAT TechTeams on Instagram at: @siat_techteams

TechTeams is a first-year mentorship program designed to help students transition into university life. With the support of advisors and mentors like us, you’ll have the chance to get involved in the SIAT community through weekly workshops. Each session covers key topics and practical tips to help you navigate your first year and thrive at SIAT. Some of the core topics include...

  • What to expect from first year
  • Information about co-op
  • Information about studying abroad
  • Assitance with course planning
  • Insights from senior students

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 2026

Vinay Kumar | 3rd year SIAT student

Hello guys, I’m Vinay! I am currently a third-year student at SFU majoring in IAT. I am a transfer student from Computer Science (BSc) to Interactive Arts & technology (BSc.). My interest within our program includes UI/UX design and AI for HCI ( Human Computer Interaction). In my free time I like to go for hiking, driving, travelling, and looking at different designs I can take inspiration from. I am one of the  two TechTeams leader running this fall, and I am excited to share my experiences, help new students discover what SIAT has to offer, as well as creating a supportive and comfortable environment. I really hope I can help you in your journey here at SIAT, like someone did when I came to SIAT. I look forward to seeing you all. Welcome to SIAT community :)

Shin Thant Thant | 4th year SIAT student

Hi everyone! I am Shin. I transferred to SFU from FIC, so I have been part of the SFU community for about five years now. During that time, I've learned a lot about university life and many resources available at SFU. As an international student, I understand how challenging the first year can be, especially when it comes to homesickness, adjusting to a new environment, and finding your place on campus. Currently, I am focusing on UI/UX Design and Software Development. Outside of school, I enjoy photography, listening to music, hiking, and spending time with friends, especially at the beach during the summer. I am also interested in mechanical keyboards, although I haven't built my own custom keyboard yet :> I am a cat person and have a lovely cat named Chanel. I am really excited to meet all of you! I hope I can make your transition to university a little smoother.

TechTeams Fall 2026 Schedule 

  • When? Every Monday from 1:30 - 2:20 PM
  • Where? SRYC 3875 (Studio A)

Please refer to the table below for our tentative weekly session schedule.

*please note the order of these events is subject to change, please be on the lookout for announcements for any adjustments*

Date Time Topic        
Monday, September 14th 1:30-2:20pm

Welcome to TechTeams 2026!

Kick off the first TechTeams session of 2026 with us! Meet the team behind TechTeams, get an overview of the Fall schedule, and pick up some helpful tips for your first few weeks. We’ll also share advice for navigating your journey through SIAT. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow SIAT students and swap stories from your early weeks :D

       
Monday, September 21th 1:30-2:20pm

Extracurricular involvement in SIAT

Come for an opportunity to learn about various SFU clubs, and what clubs SIAT students typically involve themself with! We will invite representatives to speak on behalf of their clubs, and provide insight into how you can diversify your university experience. 

       
Monday, September 28th 1:30-2:20pm

Co-op Info Session

Come learn about SIAT's Co-operative Education program from a Co-op advisior! Additionally, we will bring a handful or senior students who've done co-op through SFU to speak on their experiences. This is a great opportunity for interested students to learn about the application process, what to expect in co-op, and receive pointers regarding their personal documents (resume & portfolio).

       
Monday, October 5th 1:30-2:20pm

Senior Project Showcase

Get a chance to see some phenomenal projects made by senior SIAT students! Presenters will stick around for an open Q&A session, and attendants are encouraged to speak to guests who's projects they find intruiging.

       
Monday, October 12th 1:30-2:20pm

Studying Abroad

Come learn about how you can study abroad through SFU! We will be inviting a faculty member to give a presentation about the process of applying for exchange, what to expect, and what important dates / details you need to know.

Additionally, you will have the unique opportunity to hear from students who have previously been on exchange! They will be sharing their stories and experiences.

       
Monday, October 19th 1:30-2:20pm

Project Feedback & Peer Review

Join us for a project critique session with your TechTeam leaders and peers!

Get helpful tips and tricks to strengthen your projects in a supportive, judgment-free space. This is a great opportunity to practice giving and receiving constructive feedback while learning how to grow your work.

Bring an open mind—we promise, we don’t bite! :D

       
Monday, October 26th 1:30-2:20pm

Course Planning 101

Come by to prepare for Spring Enrollment! Get to know SIAT's course map and concentrations, general information on SIAT courses, and attend a Q&A session with SIAT's own academic advisor. We encourage you to come get a second opinion on your tentative Spring course schedules.

       
Monday, November 2nd 1:30-2:20pm

IATSU x TechTeams social

Come join the SIAT student union (IATSU) for a collaborative day of fun activities! There will be food provided for the event. Details TBA

       
Monday, November 9th 1:30-2:20pm

Figma workshop 

Join us for a hands-on introduction to Figma, a powerful collaborative design tool used to create user interfaces, prototypes, and visual projects. In SIAT, Figma is used extensively, so getting comfortable with this essential program early on is a great way to get ahead.

       
Monday, November 16th 1:30-2:20pm

Study Session 

Enjoy a chill study session with your TechTeams leaders and peers! Snacks will be provided. Feel free to ask for help with anything :)

       
Monday, November 23rd 1:30-2:20pm

Flexible Block 

The content of this session will be determined by a poll from our attendants. We would love to hear what topics you guys are interested in so we can cater the session to your needs. Stay tuned for future announcements!

       
Monday, November 30th 1:30-2:20pm

First Year Project Showcase

Join us for the final TechTeams Session of the semester! Show off your projects, connect with peers, and get your questions answered before finals. We’ll have snacks, drinks, and some fun activities to help you unwind as we wrap up the semester together.