H漫画's orientation programming for new students swung into gear this week after months of planning and coordination across the university.
Organizers have worked hard to ensure new students feel welcomed and supported in their transition to university, even as the Dal community continues to navigate a period of labour disruption.
"We're doing it all for the students," says Kareina Cadel, Dal's manager of student experience and one of the lead organizers of this year's .听
Dal worked directly with the (DSU) to plan O-Week this year, a shift from the recent past when students were offered separate streams of activities. Gone are ticketed events and multiple schedules, replaced by a single Orientation fee and one calendar that covers it all.
With thousands of new students participating and dozens of events and activities, O-Week can prove a heavy lift for all involved. But Cadel says this year's deeper collaboration across departments 鈥� the DSU, Residence Life, Facilities Management, Food Services, and more 鈥� promises a more cohesive, fun, and educational experience for students.
Peer mentors learn the Tiger Shuffle on campus this week.
Cadel described this year's planning team as a "well-oiled machine," with many unsung heroes working hard to ensure a seamless week for new students.
"On our end, there are a lot of people behind the scenes making sure things are happening so that the students can just show up and have an easy, fun experience," she says.
Related reading 鈥� New faces, safe spaces: H漫画鈥檚 O鈥慦eek welcomes students from all walks of life
Peer power
Returning students also play a critical part as Together@Dal mentors, community assistants (CATs) and orientation volunteers, helping prep for and carry out many of the week's activities.
Take (Sat, Aug.30), a new hallmark initiative added to O-Week this year that's designed to help students create connections with peers and awaken school spirit.
This past Wednesday, Cadel and other members of the O-Week planning team brought dozens of the peer mentors together on Studley Quad to learn the moves for a dance called the Tiger Shuffle that they'll teach to the thousands of new students as part of the day's spirit activities.
Student volunteers stuff welcome bags for new students.
"So, what鈥檚 the vibe? Think black, gold, bold, and proud. This is your time to get Dal鈥檇 up (like dolled up, but Tiger-style)," reads a description of the day online.
The day's activities begin with smaller group meetings run by student leaders in residence and on Studley Quad for off-campus students. That first meeting ensures everyone gets similar information and has a chance to get familiar with a smaller group before heading to a community BBQ, pep rally, class photo, and opening ceremonies with everyone.
Easing the transition
Gaby Pasternack, a second-year marine biology student who is a member of Dal's Student Leadership Academy, was among those on the quad for the dance lessons this week and will be helping teach the first years the moves this Saturday and offering students living off campus advice on how they can get more involved on campus.
She'll also be contributing to another new O-Week initiative this year called (Monday, Sept. 1), which includes University 101 events run by the Bissett Student Success Centre and campus tours run by the peer mentors.
"I think that Orientation Week can be a very overwhelming week," says Pasternack. "You meet a ton of new people. And then at the end of the day, you come back to your room in residence or you go home and you might feel a little isolated because you made all these new friends but maybe you feel like you didn't quite connect to them as deeply as you wanted."
She says her advice to peers this week will be that this is all a step in the right direction.
"As the weeks go by and you get more adjusted to school, things will feel like more at ease, and you won't be so nervous about everything," she counsels.
It's actually about the small things that are happening 鈥� the friendships that are forming, the memories that are being made.
Many peer mentors and staff have also contributed by helping the DSU pack welcome bags for new students, offering advice, sustenance, and safe spaces at the Care Hub and low sensitivity space, and in a myriad of other ways by hosting sessions throughout the week.
Cadel, who says she was motivated to plan a more unified O-Week by her own exceptional experience at the University of Guelph years ago, says she's sure all the planning will pay off for students.
鈥淚t sets our students up for success not just academically but socially as well. What I always say about our events, even the big ones, is that it's actually about the small things that are happening 鈥� the friendships that are forming, the memories that are being made.鈥�
View the听full听(Aug. 28-Sept. 7)听for more information about these and other upcoming events.
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