How Sheridan College Uses Goin’ to Support and Reassure International Students

Watch full video discussion with Jason Rolls from Sheridan here

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Creating Community Before Arrival

When Sheridan College set out to deepen its student support offering for international learners, the goal was clear: foster a sense of belonging before students ever set foot in Canada. For Jason Rolls, Associate Vice President for Global Engagement Sheridan, this wasn’t just about logistics, it was about connection.

“From day one, we really encourage our students to build their own community so they feel a part of what we're offering here at Sheridan,” Jason shared. “Both our great academic programs, but our amazing student life experience outside the classroom.”

That’s why Sheridan partnered with Goin’, a premium friendships and community solution that enables future classmates to meet, share, and prepare together before they arrive. For Jason, the decision clicked from his very first conversation.

“The premise of Goin’ really spoke to me. When I saw that its whole function was to build an online community before a student makes the journey to Canada, I knew it was a perfect fit.”

Goin’ is also part of Sheridan’s recruitment strategy. By fostering peer connection early, the college aims to increase the likelihood that offer-holders will choose to enroll.

“By talking to other potential students, others also considering Sheridan, it helps them find connection and say, ‘Yes, that’s the school for me.’”

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Why Pre-Arrival Community Matters

International students face a mountain of change. From leaving family and familiar surroundings to navigating visa processes, housing, and culture shock. Jason emphasized how much courage this takes.

“These students are so brave; leaving their communities, leaving their families, stepping out of their comfort zone. So we really want to be part of that with them, and create that experience together.”

Goin’ gives students the perfect opportunity to meet others with shared interests or backgrounds, reducing that sense of isolation. Jason described how students can connect around hobbies, programs, or country of origin:

“It makes the journey a little less intimidating.”

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Seamless Implementation, Immediate Impact

One of the most attractive features of Goin’ for Sheridan was how easy it was to implement.

“When you consider any software adoption, the first question is always, ‘How much work is this going to be for us to implement?’ With Goin’, it was so easy. The technical team did all the heavy lifting in the back end. We simply provided some basic information and the whole system was up and running in a matter of weeks.”

That ease of onboarding helped Sheridan embed Goin’ directly into its pre-departure orientation. Current students act as international ambassadors on the platform, answering questions and hosting sessions to prepare incoming students for everything from packing to airport arrival.

“We really see it becoming part of the whole student journey, right from the start.”

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Benefits for Staff and Strategy

Goin’ has also provided new insights that are helping Sheridan improve its services. Student ambassadors are able to “theme” questions that come up often, which helps the college refine its pre-departure materials.

“If four or five students are asking the same thing, it means we need to make our information clearer, maybe more up to date. It’s helping us strengthen our content so it's exactly what students are looking for.”

This not only reduces pressure on staff, but ensures students are better prepared when they arrive, lowering stress and improving early-stage integration.

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Creating a Culture of Peer Support

Some of Sheridan’s early adopters are already becoming future ambassadors. Jason sees this as one of Goin’s biggest long-term benefits:

“Maybe this time next year, they’re not exploring Goin’ as a student, they’re helping others make the decision to choose Sheridan. They’ve said yes, they’re on campus, and they’re supporting the next wave.”

Students are engaging, not just passively joining. Jason noted:

“That nervous energy of coming alone, not knowing anyone, it’s eased by being able to connect. Now they know two or three people from an online environment that they’ll meet on campus or even in the same residence. That makes a real difference.”

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Supporting Students in a Changing Policy Landscape

Amid evolving immigration policies in Canada, students are understandably anxious. Sheridan sees Goin’ as a platform where students can safely discuss concerns and receive up-to-date peer insight and staff support.

“It gives students a space to talk about their concerns around today’s immigration policies. And through our ambassadors, we can reassure them, Canada is still a great place to study, live, and grow.”

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Built-in Safety and Monitoring

Jason also emphasized the importance of a secure space:

“Safety is of critical importance to us. The fact that it’s an invite-only community was a big selling point. If a student is in Goin’, it means they’re an offer-holder, that creates a safe space.”

He also praised the platform’s built-in moderation:

“The AI tools in the background monitor conversations and alert us if anything seems off. We can quickly review and address it. Goin’ has really thought it through.”

Final Thoughts: A Platform Built for Today’s Students

“It’s a great online community that speaks to today’s learners. They’re online, they’re connected 24/7 and Goin’ meets them there.”

From answering questions to easing anxiety, building friendships to increasing conversion, Goin’ is helping Sheridan deliver on its promise to be a welcoming, community-driven institution.

“It checks a lot of boxes: it’s practical, informative, and it makes the big decision to study in another country just a little bit easier.”

If you’re looking for a scalable, student-led solution to improve engagement, reduce staff workload, and create a thriving community, Goin’ can help. Scheduling a meeting or if you want to see the solution in action, watch demo.