'Be a Changemaker' theme of Fall Orientation Week

Several thousand Class of 2018 students will begin arriving on campus next week, and once again the University of Calgary is planning a comprehensive fall orientation program to ease their transition.

Fall Orientation Week is a high-spirited opportunity for new students to connect with others and successfully launch their university experience. This year’s fall orientation theme, Be a Changemaker, is about students creating positive change in their campus community and in their field of study.

“Fall orientation offers an excellent opportunity for students to become engaged and involved during their time at the University of Calgary,” says Teri Cameron, co-ordinator, orientation and first-year experience. “Through the various activities and events available, students are able to start building connections with each other and with the university while easing their transition to university life in a fun and informative manner.”

Here are a few highlights of the jam-packed fall orientation schedule:

Tuesday, Sept. 2 
New Student Induction Ceremony, Common Reading Program and President’s Barbecue

Orientation week officially begins with the Induction Ceremony, which includes a full academic procession and welcoming remarks from President Elizabeth Cannon and members of the university’s senior administration. Induction will also feature a keynote address from this year’s Common Reading Program author, Andreas Souvaliotis.

Following the ceremony, students make their way to the President's Barbecue, where our Students’ Union, Graduate Students’ Association, and Alumni Association presidents will join President Cannon in serving lunch to our new students.  

The afternoon will be busy with over 80 Common Reading Program group discussions taking place across campus. These discussions are led by faculty, staff, and senior student facilitators and cover themes such as leadership, sustainability and global citizenship.

Wednesday, Sept. 3 
Faculty Orientations

Faculties provide new students with a customized experience including student’s first lecture from a nominated faculty member, and a campus tour including interesting facts, helpful tips and directions to important resources on campus.

Thursday, Sept. 4 
International Student Orientation and the Changemakers Collective

All new international undergraduate, graduate and exchange students are strongly encouraged to attend the International Student Orientation organized by International Student Services. Essential information is provided on a wide range of programs, services and topics designed to assist international students in making a smooth transition.

All students are invited to attend the Changemakers Collective, a social evening event to explore key themes found in the CRP selection Misfit: Changemaker with an Edge. The event will integrate inspiring speeches and musical performances followed by an Open Mic night to celebrate “changemakers” on campus.

Friday, Sept. 5 
ucalgarycares Day of Service

The Centre for Community-Engaged Learning offers new students a unique Day of Service that provides students the opportunity to spend the day connecting to their community, and engaging in service projects with non-profit and charitable organizations in Calgary. Nearly 300 students will support 21 agencies to make this year’s Day of Service the largest to-date.

Other fall orientation activities include:

• Aboriginal Student Orientation Sept. 2-4
• International Student Orientation Sept. 4 and Sept. 12
• Q Centre Open House on Sept. 4
• My First Six Weeks on Sept. 5
• Kickoff on Sept. 5