There are many traditional events that occur as a part of Orientation Week each year.  Below are the core, centrally coordinated events.  During the times of these events, no other Orientation activities are scheduled.

President's Welcome for Parents & Families

President Alastair Summerlee hosts a resource fair and brief welcome on move-in day each year.  This event is usually repeated twice during the day for early and later arrivals.

Mandatory Residence Meetings

Immediately following move-in the Residence Life Staff host small-community meetings to facilitate introductions and share key information about life in a residence hall.

Off Campus Kick-off

Similar to the residence meetings, new students living off campus have a chance to meet other students, are given information about Orientation Week and provided with information specific to their experience.  Mature and transfer students also participate but have their own break-out session part way through this event.

The Pep Rally & OV Boogie

This is a time honoured tradition at Guelph.  It is a large, high-energy event where each residence hall and OCUS perform a 'boogie' (coordinated dance) on the field.  The Orientation Volunteers also have their own, much celebrated boogie.  School spirit and cheering for each other is what this event is all about.

Rally for Change

A new University of Guelph tradition set just last year! Rally for Change is a chance for all new students to get out into the Guelph community and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.  Students are bussed to local businesses, parks, and public areas to cheer and collect bills and coins from whoever would like to donate!  In 2012 over $8000 was raised and we are hoping to beat that number with the incoming class of 2013!

The World Record Challenge

New Students at Guelph have set Guinness World Records on many occasions.  Sometimes we make it and sometimes we don't; some of our records still stand while others have since been broken.  Our success relies heavily on participation from many new students.  

College Lunches

The University's academic programs are divided into colleges and each has a student government who help to build community around academic fields of interest and advocate for student concerns.  Each college government hosts a lunch (commonly a barbecue) for their students.

Program Meetings

Program Counsellors host these meetings to introduce themselves and key information about academic policies and procedures.  Degree programs are things such as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Commerce, etc.

Campus Tours

The campus looks different once you are here and are about to start your classes.  These tours are commonly led by students for students.

President's Welcome Ceremony

This event looks and feels a lot like convocation, but is designed to formally induct the incoming class as students at the University of Guelph.  This event is complete with bagpipes, an academic procession, and an address by the President and by the Chancellor.  Alumni are always present at this event to welcome our new students.

The Resource Fair & President's Luncheon

Immediately following the Welcome Ceremony, the President of the University hosts a luncheon for new students and many of the campus services and local involvement opportunities are on hand to answer questions and talk about what they have to offer.

First Meetings for Majors

This is a chance to meet professors and other first year students in your major. These informal sessions are meant to provide you with a head start on learning about the unique opportunities that lie before you as an undergraduate student in your discipline (including things such as research opportunities, international exchanges and field trips).

First Classes

Of course, nothing can prepare you for what it's going to be like to sit in a class than actually going to class, meeting your instructors and receiving your course outline (describing readings, assignments, exams, textbooks, how to get assistance, etc.)  Classes start on the Thursday and Friday of Orientation Week.

OV Appreciation Night

It wouldn't be possible to run Orientation Week without the hundreds of volunteers that give generously of their time, energy and enthusiasm.  This event marks the official close of Orientation Week on Friday night.

There are many other traditional events that are coordinated throughout the week - concerts, barbecues, academic preparedness sessions, movies, discussion groups, drop-in sessions and much, much more.

When it's all over, Momentum takes you on the next leg of your journey with six weeks of programs and events that continue your orientation experience.