September 7, 2015
9,000+ students join the Waterloo community
Fall Orientation is in full swing with activities for everyone from first-years to grad and transfer students
The 9,000+ students from across Canada and around the world joining the University of Waterloo as new students this September all have one thing in common: an invitation to attend Fall Orientation 2015.
That’s where the similarities end though, because Waterloo is welcoming a diverse group - everyone from first-year students and transfer students to graduate students. Waterloo’s Orientation programs have evolved to support this diverse student community.
“Starting studies at the University of Waterloo is an exciting time for all students, but we know it’s important that each group receives tailored programming that will support their success beyond their first week,” says Heather Westmorland, associate director, student transition and learning services in Waterloo’s Student Success Office. “We collaborate with the Faculties and a range of campus partners who play a key role in creating intentional programs that provide students with the tools and resources they’ll need.”
Orientation for international students
Orientation programming started on September 4 with a new three-day program for first-year undergraduate international students. Waterloo’s International Orientation program allows them to arrive early and settle into their accommodations before other programming begins. Orientation for all students runs between September 6 and 12. This year, each student can access their personal Orientation schedule in their student portal.
Orientation events include everything from conference-style sessions for graduate students to Faculty-specific programming for first-year undergraduate students. Some events are also open to the broader campus community. Black and Gold Day is an opportunity to show off Waterloo pride at a women’s rugby game, and Single and Sexy is a crowd-pleasing play that addresses situations that students face when they live on their own for the first time.
A special send-off for parents
Support also exists for the parents and family members of new students. Two events: Parent Orientation and Family Send-off provide an opportunity to celebrate a student’s arrival at Waterloo, while providing a gentle way to encourage families to say good-bye to their student and let them begin their new life at Waterloo.
Further information about each Orientation schedule can be found on the Orientation website:
